Paul Hayes is a rising senior set to graduate in May 2025 from Creighton University. He came to Lockton with a background in the insurance industry and spent the summer with the Lockton team in Omaha, Neb. Learn more about Paul and his summer internship experience in his own words.

What initially attracted you to the Lockton internship program?

I stumbled upon the industry last summer and wanted to continue my training with an extremely developed program. I concluded that Lockton was the best fit. I came to find that the Lockton brand/culture is unmatched. They were voted number one place to work in Omaha and I found that to be very appealing. My friends had worked here the summer before and had nothing but great things to say so I decided to check it out. The culture and positive feedback from everyone who has worked there was unmatched compared to competitors.

How did you hear about the program?

I heard about the program at a career fair. After hearing about this I asked my colleagues that had worked there the previous summer how it went. They both gave positive feedback to the point that I knew I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to check out Lockton.

Who was your mentor/team during the summer?

Jason Palmer was my mentor for the summer. My team was the Weinand/Weiler unit. They have been a crucial part in my success. Each member has sat down and created an informational PowerPoint/activity to help gain exposure to their day-to-day tasks withing their respective unit. They have invested a lot of time and resources to help me gain insight into Lockton as a whole. From team dinners, tailgates, and client meetings Lockton has been a wonderful showing of the team culture surrounding the workplace.

What were your expectations or hopes coming into the summer? What were you looking forward to learning?

Coming into the summer, I was hoping for a structured internship program that would provide comprehensive training and insights into the insurance industry. I looked forward to learning about day-to-day operations within a highly regarded company like Lockton, understanding client interactions, and gaining practical skills that would help my academic background.

Has the summer been what you envisioned?

Yes, the summer at Lockton has exceeded my expectations. The internship program has been incredibly well-structured, offering me opportunities to deep dive into various aspects of the business. From shadowing team members to participating in client meetings and engaging in meaningful projects, I've gained invaluable hands-on experience that has broadened my understanding of the industry.

What are some things that you learned this summer?

Throughout the summer, I've learned a multitude of skills and insights. Professionally, I've developed a better understanding of risk management strategies, client relationship management, and the insurance solutions tailored to different industries. I've also sharpened my communication skills through interactions with colleagues and clients, which has been instrumental in my growth as a young professional.

What was your favorite part of the summer?

One of the highlights of my summer at Lockton has been the opportunity to work closely with my unit. They have been incredibly supportive, taking the time to mentor me and providing valuable guidance through informational sessions and hands-on projects. Additionally, the inclusive and supportive team culture at Lockton has made every day enjoyable.

Favorite thing about Lockton?

My favorite aspect of Lockton is undoubtedly its exceptional workplace culture. From team dinners to engaging client meetings and even casual events like tailgates, Lockton fosters a strong sense of team work and collaboration among its employees. This supportive environment not only enhances productivity but also makes coming to work each day a pleasure.

What is one takeaway from your time at Lockton that you will carry with you back to school/as you start your professional career?

One key takeaway from my internship at Lockton is the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Witnessing firsthand how a supportive team environment can drive innovation and productivity has inspired me to prioritize building strong relationships and maintaining a collaborative mindset in both my academic pursuits and future professional endeavors. This experience has reinforced my belief that a thriving workplace culture is fundamental to achieving long-term success in any industry.