Choosing the right internship can shape the direction of your career. For Workplace Solutions Operations interns Kennedy Brezenski, a student at the University of Alabama, and Lily Guinan, a student at the University of Kansas, Mutual of Omaha offered more than a typical internship. It provided meaningful work, a supportive culture and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.
We recently sat down with Kennedy and Guinan to learn more about their internship experience and why they chose Mutual of Omaha.
Q. What made you decide to intern at Mutual of Omaha?
Brezenski: Growing up in Omaha, I'd always known about Mutual of Omaha and its strong reputation in the community and across the country. The company culture really stood out to me during my internship search, and I wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience from an industry leader.
Guinan: I had a similar experience. Growing up in Omaha, Mutual of Omaha was always part of the community. When I started applying for internships, I knew Mutual was a company I wanted to consider. During my interview, I immediately noticed how comfortable and genuine the conversation felt. It was different from my other interviews, and I could easily picture myself working with the team.
Q. What kinds of projects are you working on this summer?
Brezenski: My main project has been supporting new group enrollments. I've had the opportunity to shadow team members and learn how we help new employer groups enroll in benefits by working behind the scenes with several internal systems. I've also been able to job shadow across different areas of the team, which has helped me better understand how everything works together.
Guinan: Along with new group enrollments, we're also working on a final internship project focused on artificial intelligence. We're identifying opportunities where AI could help improve efficiency for the Flex Staffing team and other operations teams. As we've shadowed different roles, we've been asking ourselves, "Is there a better or faster way to do this?"
Q. What's been the best part of your internship?
Brezenski: Without a doubt, the people and the culture. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one. Whether they're on my team or another team, people genuinely want to help you learn and grow professionally. It's been rewarding to experience firsthand why Mutual of Omaha has such a strong reputation.
Guinan: I agree with Kennedy. The people have made the biggest difference. During Workplace Solutions Week, many of our teammates who work remotely came to Omaha, and it gave us the chance to meet everyone in person. They’d always encouraged us to ask questions, but after meeting them face-to-face, I realized they truly meant it. Now, whenever I need help, someone is always willing to jump on a call or walk me through something. They've also told us how well we fit in with the team and that's been really rewarding to hear.
Q. What advice would you give students considering an internship with Mutual of Omaha?
Brezenski: Pay close attention to the people and the company culture. You want to intern at a company where the people genuinely enjoy coming to work and where they're invested in helping you succeed. That's what stood out to me about Mutual of Omaha. Everyone is welcoming, eager to teach and eager to help interns succeed. The hands-on experience is incredible, and many interns have opportunities to continue their careers here after graduation.
Guinan: I'd also encourage students to remember that interviews work both ways. You're interviewing the company just as much as they're interviewing you. Pay attention to how each interview feels because those differences matter. My interview with Mutual of Omaha felt genuine and welcoming, and that made a lasting impression. Looking back, it was one of the biggest reasons I knew Mutual was the right fit for me.
Interested in launching your career at Mutual of Omaha?
Visit our Careers site for current internship and early career opportunities.
You can also join our talent community for updates on the latest openings, career tips and what it’s like to work at Mutual of Omaha.