From Classroom to Career: The NextGen Interns of Walser

We like to think of internships as more than just coffee runs and copy machines. Our NextGen Internship Program is built to launch careers, spark big ideas, and maybe even surprise a few interns (and us) along the way.

This summer, our interns didn’t just test the waters in the real world. They cannonballed right in. Across every department, they rolled up their sleeves, tackled real projects, and left their mark. Through our Voice of the Intern series, we’ve been sharing their stories, their wins, and even their “did I really just do that?!” moments. Here are some highlights.

HR With Heart | Meet Amelia Chelgren

Business Analytics major Amelia Chelgren (University of Minnesota–Duluth) stepped into HR ready to put her data-driven brain to work. From projects that mattered to mentorship that pushed her forward, Amelia showed us that HR isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, growth, and shaping the future of work.

A Full-Circle Moment | Tori’s Story

Nine years ago, Tori was “just an intern.” Today? She’s Director of HR. Talk about a glow-up. Her journey proves that the NextGen Program isn’t just a summer gig, it can be the launchpad for a whole career. Tori’s advice? The challenges you face now might just become the fuel for your future.

Hear from Tori

Answering the Call | BDC Intern Crew

Phones ringing, customers calling, energy buzzing, welcome to Walser’s Business Development Center. This summer, four interns Dominic Ruchie, Savan Sant, Shamso Abdullahi, and Armonn Burns jumped into one of Walser’s fastest-moving departments. From managing real customer conversations to keeping their cool under pressure, they learned quickly that every call counts, and they nailed it.

Future of Tech | IT Interns

Forget the stereotype of IT interns “just fixing the Wi-Fi.” This crew: Luke Walser, Farhan Mohamud, and Simon Theisen tackled everything from laptop refreshes to documentation builds. Sure, they kept our tech running, but what really stood out was their passion for helping people. Turns out, in IT, empathy is just as important as troubleshooting.

Creative Spark | Marketing Interns

Marketing interns Makiah Carlisle and Ava Wild didn’t just shadow the team, they jumped right into creating campaigns, building social content, and bringing a fresh eye to the table. Their secret weapon? Perspective. They reminded us that sometimes the best way to connect with an audience is to see things in a brand-new way.

More Than Numbers | Accounting Interns

For Drew Johnston and Carson Dederichs, accounting turned out to be a lot more than spreadsheets and calculators. They dove into dealership operations, corporate finance, and even culture-building. Along the way, they saw how finance isn’t just about crunching numbers, it’s about fueling growth and building trust.

Sales in Action | Sales Academy Interns

The Sales Academy was no simulation. Interns Afton Kirby and Evan Ledoux started with 3.5 weeks of full-on training and then hit the sales floor running. By the end of the summer, Afton had closed a Toyota Land Cruiser deal (with a couple who hadn’t even planned on buying!) and Evan celebrated his very first sale. Lesson learned? Sales takes resilience, confidence, and just the right amount of persistence.

Leaders in the Making

Whether they were answering customer calls, coding solutions, creating content, or closing deals, Walser’s NextGen interns showed us what the future of leadership looks like. Sharp, curious, creative, and ready to take on the world.

One thing’s clear: these interns didn’t just spend a summer at Walser. They left with skills, stories, and relationships that will stick with them long after the internship ends.

And honestly? So did we.

Interested in joining the NextGen class of 2026? Recruiting details drop soon. Keep an eye out on WalserCareers.com for the dets!