Cruising Through Growth: Reflections on My NextGen Internship

By Kyizom Paldy, 2025 NextGen Intern

The summer is winding down, and with it comes the bittersweet end of my internship at Walser. The past few weeks have been full of growth and excitement, so let me fill you in.

One of the highlights of my summer and admittedly one of the most nerve-wracking experiences was presenting in front of senior management during our “Project Showcase.” This included CEO Andrew Walser, along with other senior leaders in the room. Naturally, I was terrified. I ran through my portion of the presentation so many times I could have done it in my sleep. But the moment we stepped into the room, their warm and encouraging demeanor immediately put us at ease.

I presented alongside my group members, Makiah Carlisle and Ava Wild, representing interns on Walser’s marketing team. Together, we shared our projects and highlighted how our work had made a real impact on Walser. Standing there, speaking confidently about something we’d built from the ground up, was a proud moment for me. I could feel my public speaking skills grow with each slide, each explanation, and each question answered.

And then, to celebrate the near-end of the internship, Walser hosted a NextGen cruise. Yes, a cruise! Seeing everyone who is a part of NextGen together in such a beautiful setting was a perfect way to reflect, laugh, and simply enjoy each other’s company. We chatted, shared stories from the summer, and indulged in some good food. There’s something special about celebrating hard work with the people who lived it alongside you. And let’s be honest, how many internships wrap up with a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka?

With less than a week left, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on this experience. I didn’t expect to come out of the summer transformed, but I can confidently say that I’ve grown. I’ve pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, taken on responsibilities that challenged me, and developed skills I’ll carry forward into school and future work. Most importantly, I’ve built confidence in my ability to contribute, collaborate, and make an impact.

Looking back, I’m grateful to Walser for providing such a meaningful, supportive environment, and I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me for years to come. This summer reminded me that growth doesn’t happen overnight-it happens in moments, challenges, and celebrations.

Want to hear more from our interns?

Check out more stories and behind-the-scenes moments on Walser’s YouTube Channel.

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