Alice Oropeza is a rising senior set to graduate in May 2025 from the University of Missouri - Kansas City with a bachelors in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She came to Lockton at the recommendation of a peer and spent the summer with the P&C practice in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more about Alice and her summer internship experience in her own words. --- In my junior year, I was in a headspace that I think many people in their early 20s are in – not knowing what they want to do after their impending graduation date. I had a list of about 20 internship opportunities pulled up on my laptop before class one day, weighing the pros and cons of each, when a friend and peer pointed at the ‘Lockton’ line. All she had to say was, “You should work there.” I did some reading on Lockton’s website and LinkedIn and applied that night. Initially, I had no idea what to expect, no expectations to set – but even if I had set any, Lockton would have blown those expectations out of the water. After a surprisingly fun interview process, I was offered an internship position and joined the summer of ’24 intern class. I joined my unit under the Construction and Design vertical almost immediately. Everyone I worked with was welcoming and willing to help, answer questions, or chat. My mentor, Alison Moriarty, was an amazing teacher. She took time out of her schedule to meet with me regularly, guide me through unknown corporate territory, and introduce me to Associates whom I may not have met otherwise. Without her knowledge and guidance, I don’t think I would have had the same experience I did. Alison set me up for success in the best ways, and I am truly grateful for the time I spent with her at Lockton. In previous jobs and internships, I have never been given as many opportunities or as challenged as I was at Lockton. In my short eight weeks, I have met with clients, presented to my peers and Lockton executives, submitted case study reports, and participated in learning development courses. In addition, I also participated in a group project. For this project, a team of four other interns and myself created and presented to Lockton Associates. We were also asked to present directly to the client this project would impact. It is truly awe-inducing how much opportunity I have been given here. Lockton is truly a company that promotes curiosity and provides an amazing and inclusive culture. The culture at Lockton would have to be what surprised me the most about this internship. Everyone I encountered, from Associates who have been within the industry for upwards of 30 years to Associates who have started their roles within the year, everyone has been so kind and willing to take time out of their days to teach me something, answer my questions, and tell me about their journey to and through Lockton. What I enjoyed the most about Lockton is the opportunity to give back to the community. In July, my unit volunteered at Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. I learned that several Associates visit schools to read to kids on their lunch breaks and Lockton even offers paid volunteer days a year. We also volunteered at KC Pet Project as an intern group. My Kansas City community has always been important to me, and seeing my employer feel the same way was so fulfilling.  As a lifelong learner, I am so thankful for the learning opportunities and curious culture Lockton produces. I am grateful to have met so many amazing people who have only pushed me to be the best version of myself. On my first day, someone left a note on my desk that said, “Learn something new today.” This note has stayed with me throughout my internship journey. While I don’t know who left me this note, it has served as a reminder that while I had already earned a spot in the internship class, it was in my hands to push myself to try new things and learn as much as I could.