Ready to Make an Impact: Luke Westholder ’25

For management major Luke Westholder, Luther College has been a place of growth, resilience, and deep connection—shaped by the people who became both friends and mentors.

Luke Westholder ’25

His management major gave him a solid foundation in financial principles while also expanding his skills in marketing, economics, management, and data analysis. That versatility helped him prepare for the next step: launching a career in asset management, with job offers already on the table. Outside of the classroom, Luke earned American Rivers Conference men’s tennis MVP honors three times during his career.

Luke ended his senior year by studying for his SIE and Series 7 exams, working part-time as a lead pro for tennis and pickleball at Interlachen Country Club, and looking forward to helping clients make smart, data-driven decisions. Grad school may be down the line, but one thing’s certain: he’s ready to make an impact.

What is one experience or opportunity or person at Luther College that has impacted your personal or academic growth, and why?

One of the most influential aspects of my time at Luther has been the friendships I’ve formed. My friends here have truly become mentors to me. I’m extremely grateful for every opportunity, good or bad, because it brought me to the person I am today (super cliche, I know).

My biggest takeaway from Luther is learning to stay humble and not be surprised when you are faced with challenges, as they are opportunities to grow.

How have you found community and support at Luther, and how has that contributed to your college experience?

Luther’s community has been one of the most defining parts of my college experience. The support I’ve received from friends and professors has helped me grow both academically and personally. Luther challenged me, but it also gave me a tremendous amount of support. I would not have met the people in my life if I hadn’t taken a chance to reach out to them.

Remember to put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable, because the right people often show up when you least expect them.

How has your major at Luther prepared you for your next chapter, whether that’s a job, grad school, or something else entirely?

Majoring in business finance at Luther has made me more versatile. The program gave me a strong foundation in finance, but it also exposed me to other critical areas like marketing, economics, management, and data analysis. That flexibility has been key in helping me understand the broader landscape of business.

While my goal is to become a financial analyst, the well-rounded education I’ve received has prepared me for a variety of roles, including the asset management opportunities I’ve recently been offered. Luther gave me the flexibility of studying for my SIE and Series 7 license, and I feel confident this summer to pass those exams. Down the line, I might consider attending a target school for further studies to keep expanding my opportunities.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Right now, my focus is on completing my SIE and Series 7 exams and starting my career in asset management, where I’ve been fortunate to receive a few job offers. I’m also working part-time at Interlachen Country Club as a lead pro for tennis and pickleball.

I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned at Luther in a real-world setting, especially in helping clients make smart, data-driven financial decisions. I’m also keeping the door open to further education, possibly pursuing graduate studies at a target school. Luther has prepared me well, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and make an impact in the financial world.