Year in and year out, St. Norbert College students prove to be some of the most sought after applicants in the local job market. One student in particular is rising to the top of employers’ interests after being named the #1 overall intern draft pick at the 2025 Internship Draft Day held at Lambeau Field earlier this month.

After nearly three hours of networking and interviews, St. Norbert College student Truman Lokken ‘27 earned the highest score among students from all participating institutions and received a $2,500 scholarship for his efforts from the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA) and the NEW Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA).

Internship Draft Day, now in its 11th year, provides a unique way for hundreds of college students throughout Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to showcase talent, curiosity, hustle and career interest with over 50 employers. Students have the opportunity to earn scholarships, paid internships and create meaningful networking connections.

“The accounting program has allowed me to connect with individuals who have worked in upper level management positions and allowed me to ask them questions to help me one day reach those high management roles,” Lokken said.

Students spend weeks preparing for draft day - meeting with career counselors and running through mock interviews. Ahead of the big event, participants schedule 15-minute interviews with the companies of their choice, so there is no waiting in line.

“Researching the company you want to be employed at is one of the most important things I will take away,” Lokken said. “Knowing the company's values can help formulate questions to understand the company better.”

Thanks to the work of St. Norbert College career counselor, Kristen Schiedermayer, SNC had its largest showing at the event to date. Schiedermayer played a crucial role in ensuring students were prepared and she was there to support students on draft day.

“I was so proud to see SNC students' enthusiasm, confidence and professionalism while practicing their interview skills, connecting with employers and expanding their professional network,” recalled Schiedermayer. “I'm excited that this experience increased their confidence for future interviews and networking. It was great to see SNC represented so strongly!"

Lokken’s achievement at the 2025 Internship Draft Day is a perfect example of how St. Norbert College prepares students to excel in a competitive job market. Through personalized career coaching, hands-on experiences and strong faculty mentorship, SNC students are not only securing internships but also translating them into meaningful post-graduate success. With the majority of recent graduates employed or pursuing further study, Lokken’s story reflects a larger trend: SNC students are equipped with the skills, confidence and connections that employers are actively seeking, making them standout candidates in today’s workforce.