Nine weeks ago, we introduced The Plexus Groupe’s 2026 Summer Intern Starting Lineup. Today, we’re looking back on a season filled with new experiences, meaningful projects, and professional growth.
Throughout the summer, our interns stepped out of the classroom and up to the plate, contributing to client projects, attending presentations and meetings, collaborating with associates across the organization, and gaining firsthand experience in the insurance industry. Our Rotational Insurance Interns had the unique opportunity to rotate through multiple areas of our business, giving them a well-rounded understanding of the insurance industry and the many ways we support our clients. Alongside them, our Accounting and Brand & Marketing Interns became integral members of their teams, taking ownership of key initiatives and contributing valuable work throughout the summer.
Now it’s time to look back at each intern’s season and celebrate the accomplishments, experiences, and biggest lessons they’ll carry into the next chapter of their careers.
Layton Burkhardt
Position: Rotational Insurance Intern
Office Location: Dallas, TX
School: Oklahoma State University
Major: Marketing & Entrepreneurship
Season Highlights:
- Gained insight into how Plexus supports clients by sitting in on team and client meetings, seeing firsthand how collaboration, problem-solving, and strong relationships help guide client conversations and solutions.
- Built connections across Plexus and gained a better understanding of the type of workplace he hopes to find in his future career, seeing firsthand how a strong culture and supportive team can make an impact.
“I learned the importance of staying curious. In the insurance industry, there is always something new to learn, so coming in every day with an open mind and a willingness to grow makes a huge difference.”
Hannah Bush
Position: Rotational Insurance Intern
Office Location: Deer Park, IL
School: University of Kentucky
Major: Healthcare Administration
Minor: Communications
Season Highlights:
- Contributed to projects across multiple areas of the business, from creating open enrollment materials and navigating Epic to delivering a sales pitch, gaining experience with a wide range of tools and client solutions.
- Embraced opportunities beyond her day-to-day projects by volunteering with Clearbrook, participating in the Annual Bags Tournament, and helping produce a culture video.
“Everyone at Plexus was so welcoming throughout my internship, and those connections helped me better understand the insurance industry. I’ll carry those relationships with me as I continue my career and hope to stay connected with the people I’ve met here.”
Jonathan Hart
Position: Rotational Insurance Intern
Office Location: Dallas, TX
School: Capital University
Major: Finance
Minor: Accounting
Season Highlights:
- Explored multiple areas of the insurance industry through client meetings and shadowing opportunities, gaining a broader understanding of how Plexus helps clients navigate complex risks.
- Showcased life as a Plexus intern through the Intern Instagram Story Takeover and embraced opportunities to connect with associates through culture events like the Office Olympics.
“I’m leaving this internship with a much better understanding of the ins and outs of the insurance industry, and I’m grateful to Plexus for allowing me to learn, grow, and be part of such a welcoming team.”
Emma Holden
Position: Rotational Insurance Intern
Office Location: Dallas, TX
School: University of Arkansas
Major: Finance
Minors: Marketing and Business Analytics
Season Highlights:
- Strengthened her technical skills through an Excel-based project with Plexus Technology Services, analyzing data, solving complex problems, and gaining experience with tools that support business decision-making.
- Gave back to the community through a volunteer event with Feed My Starving Children while building connections with associates outside of the office.
“Coming into this internship, I knew very little about the insurance industry. This experience gave me a much greater appreciation for the attention to detail and problem-solving that goes into helping clients make important decisions. I’m leaving with a better understanding of the industry and the impact Plexus has on its clients.”
Tyler Holder
Position: Rotational Insurance Intern
Office Location: Deer Park, IL
School: University of Missouri
Major: Communications
Minors: Business and Accounting
Season Highlights:
- Expanded his understanding of Plexus by spending time in the Chicago office twice, collaborating with Employee Benefits team members, and gaining insight into what it’s like to work across different locations.
- Put his skills into practice through his Sales and Plexus Financial Services rotations, including developing and presenting a sales pitch while gaining a better understanding of the areas of the business that interested him most.
“I learned the importance of being yourself, staying confident, and asking questions. No one expects you to know everything, so being willing to learn and speak up can make a big difference.”
Bahaa Khan
Position: Accounting Data Intern
Office Location: Deer Park, IL
School: University of Illinois-Chicago
Major: Accounting
Minor: Finance
Season Highlights:
- Strengthened her accounting and analytical skills by creating financial reports, analyzing data through financial ratios and graphs, and updating budget templates to support departments across Plexus.
- Gained valuable perspective through Senior Leadership meetings, where she engaged with leaders across the organization and learned more about different career paths, leadership experiences, and what shapes professional success.
“Asking the right questions can make a big difference. By taking the time to understand expectations upfront, I’ve been able to approach assignments with more confidence and better prepare myself for future opportunities.”
Colin Troka
Position: Brand & Marketing Intern
Office Location: Deer Park, IL
School: University of Arizona
Major: Marketing
Season Highlights:
- Took ownership of key marketing initiatives, including contributing to a client education newsletter and designing a benefits guide that enables client teams to create customized resources for their clients.
- Expanded his digital marketing experience by helping enhance the Plexus YouTube channel and producing a Culture Video that showcases Plexus’ culture and associate experience.
“I’m eager to explore how audience engagement is driven in a professional setting and how it connects to performance results.”
As the 2026 Summer Internship season comes to a close, we’d like to thank our interns for the lasting impact on our team this summer. Through their hard work, fresh perspectives, and willingness to embrace every opportunity, they’ve built new skills, formed meaningful relationships, and made valuable contributions across the organization. We wish them continued success as they return to campus and look forward to seeing where their journeys take them next!
Interested in joining The Plexus Groupe? Keep an eye on our Careers Page for future internship opportunities or explore our current open positions to learn more about joining the team.
About The Plexus Groupe
The Plexus Groupe, a Top 100 independent insurance advisory firm, is supported by insurance professionals with deep industry experience, innovative resources, and an extensive international network. We offer defined practice specialties in Business Insurance, Employee Benefits, Private Client, Retirement Services, and Technology Services.
As a proud partner of Assurex Global – the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers – our risk management professionals provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients worldwide.
Headquartered in Deer Park, III., with additional offices across the U.S., The Plexus Groupe is committed to delivering personalized service, innovative solutions, and strategic insights that empower clients to thrive in today’s complex environment. Visit www.plexusgroupe.com to learn more.
