Fox Cities News

Graduating senior Will Kleiber from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has been recognized among the Top 100 Interns nationwide, an honor awarded by Northwestern Mutual. Kleiber, who worked as a College Financial Representative, received this accolade for his exceptional performance, which stood out among 3,000 interns. His recognition is based on his contributions and achievements in client growth, insurance production, investment credentials, and other metrics.

Kleiber, a first-generation college student from Waupaca, chose UW-Oshkosh for its reputable business program and proximity to his hometown. While discussing his journey, Kleiber acknowledged that career fairs played a pivotal role in obtaining internships, which ultimately helped carve his path toward financial advising. He noted that these fairs facilitated connections, leading to significant opportunities at places like Miller Electric and Northwestern Mutual.

In his words, "The career fairs at UWO have played a huge role in my journey... A lot of students get their internships and later, full-time offers, because of those events."

Kleiber's interest in finance began at a young age. Initially fascinated by money, his passion transitioned to financial advising because it offered him an avenue to make a tangible difference in individuals' and families' financial journeys. Reflecting on his internship with Northwestern Mutual, Kleiber shared insights into the program, detailing the licensing and client interaction that defined his experience. Under the mentorship of Kyle Boucher, a fellow UW-Oshkosh graduate, he developed skills that positioned him as a top performer.

He said, "What really drew me to financial advising was that I wanted to help people... I wanted to have more impact in the community and in individual lives."

The UW-Oshkosh business program, Kleiber emphasized, was instrumental in preparing him for success. The curriculum and experiential learning components, including his participation in the Student-Managed Endowment Fund led by Dr. William Morrison, provided him with practical skills pivotal for the financial sector. Highlighting the support from his professors, Kleiber credited both Dr. Robert Kunkel and Dr. Morrison for significantly influencing his academic and professional development.

As he prepares to graduate, Kleiber has secured a full-time position with Northwestern Mutual, removing "college" from his title to become a financial advisor. His story underscores the potential pathways offered by opportunities and support systems in higher education.

"Once I graduate and officially earn my degree, I’ll drop the 'college' from my title and become a financial advisor," Kleiber stated, underscoring his readiness to embark on his career.