Testimonials and Reviews

Read product and program testimonials from interns, alumni, customers, parents of interns, host families, and campus partners.

Jade B.

Intern

“The friends I made here offer more than a normal college friendship. Outside of SW, most friends are based on transaction or pleasure. For example, we probably won’t see each other again outside of college. However, within my first year here, I already knew I made lifelong friends. Southwestern provided me virtuous friendships. They keep me accountable to my goals, inspire to level up, and grow to be a better version of myself as well.”

Aisha G.

Intern

“I’ve learned a greater sense of self confidence, self-worth, what leadership is about, how to lead and operate with integrity, how to have confidence speaking in-front of a group of 500+ people, and having the courage to have hard conversations. I’ve learned self-discipline and how to do the right thing, not the easy thing. Really, it’s just given me a growth mindset – I know that anything is possible. I am always learning, growing, and impacting others.”

Simon D.

Intern

“I have grown exponentially in my communication skills, time management skills, listening skills, and above all my leadership skills. I think Southwestern does a great job in showing that before you can lead others you have to be able to lead yourself. Both the skills and character you learn during your time with Southwestern is something no other program in the world can teach college students, and I’m incredibly thankful for it.”

Gizelle H.

Intern

“I’ve learned to have extreme perseverance and endurance with this job and how to apply that to other areas of my life. I’ve learned how to be a great communicator, approach anybody, and just overall how to be a good person. This has taught me the skills and traits that will help me be a good friend, a future veterinarian, and a mother. “

James E.

Intern

“I’ve returned to the program, while in college, because I felt I had more to learn and because it was a great opportunity to pay for school. The friends I’ve made and skills I’ve learned along the way have kept me coming back year after year.”

Karinne H.

Intern

“This program has been great because it gives me a blueprint of my life at the end of every year and whether I like the results or not, it is brutally honest and gives me a life changing lesson each time around.”

Cody M.

Intern

“The best part about participating in this program is being surrounded by like-minded, goal setting, individuals that push me to be the best version of myself.”

Isabelle M

Intern

“Through Southwestern Advantage, I have made some of the best friends I have ever had and known in such a shorter time than others. I love them because they understand me and listen to whatever I have to say. And I know that these people are the hardest working and incredible people because they do this program. They mean the world to me and I can’t wait to have them at my wedding and all the important milestones in my life. “

Anna M.

Intern

“Through this internship, I have raised my standards in all areas of my life. I have learned how to rely on God and build genuine relationships. I have had the opportunity to gain more independence and prepare for my future family. I have been able to work on strengthening my integrity, taking control of my attitude, growing in consistency, nurturing my faith, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, and gaining a new perspective of gratitude in all aspects of my life.”

Thomas K.

Intern

“I did not know I could look “up” to people the same age as me so much. I am grateful to have learned from and witnessed so many great young leaders.”

Joshua I.

Intern

“I’ve learned so many things, such as how to sell and help people make decisions in a conferrable way, run a small business, manage time effectively, build a network and brand, handle rejection, improve and motivate others, have confidence in myself and abilities, work through adversity with a good attitude, problem solve, invest money, manage my emotions, and create a life vision. I used to have a really bad stutter and I learned good communication skills. Plus, it is incredible resume experience.”

Lain S.

Intern

“Southwestern Advantage taught me that self-confidence comes from not deeds alone, but immense belief paired with massive action. “

Carolina C.

Intern

“This program provides me with a 3 month system to push myself, overcome challenges, make money, and gain a network of like-minded individuals. I have yet to find another program that pushes me to grow and has the same positive culture as Southwestern Advantage. “

Alexander H.

Intern

“I have learned so much! I could go on and on. For example, I have learned that I am currently becoming the person I will someday be, how to create good habits, and how to control my emotions.”

Beau H.

Intern

“I love the travel and community Southwestern offers. I now have a network of great positive hardworking friends I’ve made nationwide.”

Sione T.

Intern

“I’ve developed great friendships and I know whether I’m in this program or not, these people will be a part of my life forever. I’ve learned a lot of skills, made enough money to pay off my school debt, and traveled around the U.S. and experienced a lot of things I didn’t think I would have, had I decided to just go back home to Alaska and work my same office job summer to summer.”

Roy C.

Intern

“I keep coming back because I haven’t found a program that allows you to gain the skills you can in Southwestern in the timespan that you can gain them.”

Jacob L.

Intern

“The friends I have made in Southwestern Advantage are not only the best part of the program, but they are just great examples of the kind of person I want to be.”

Anthony F.

Intern

“Through Southwestern Advantage, I have learned how to lead myself and other students, how to be a man of my word, how to overcome fears. The best parts of the program are the relationships I’ve built and my personal growth.”

Christian M.

Intern

“My favorite part about being a Student Leader and Intern with Southwestern Advantage is that I get to not only grow myself but now I have the opportunity to help other young adults grow personally and professionally. I have never met a better group of people to have in my life than the people I have met through Southwestern Advantage.”

Anna K.

Intern

“I’ve participated in the program for 3 summers, so far, because it is the most efficient, effective, and fun way for me to get closer to achieving my entrepreneurial goals “

Taylor B.

Intern

“Joining this program is the best decision I’ve made in my life and will be participating again this upcoming summer.”

Tyree K.

Intern

“…to those who have not participated in the program, take risks because being vulnerable and choosing to take that leap could change your life.”

Jeni S.

Intern

“The most rewarding part of the program is the feeling of accomplishment when you finish your first summer and then building a team of friends and mentoring them through the program as well.”

Jacob M.

Intern

“I’m building a business through Southwestern Advantage because I’ve only got one life, so I might as well fight to become the best version of myself through continuous challenge and education.”

Alex R.

Intern

“My first summer was about proving I could conquer the toughest college program and building my resume. I am so thankful for the 150+ year old system that gave me the support and accountability I needed to become successful. I ended up not just confident in myself but having stretched my mental fortitude, discipline, servant leadership and lots of character traits that would have taken me years to develop in a normal work environment.”

Noah S.

Intern

“I decided to do this to gain confidence and become the future husband and father I want to be. I’ve learned how to overcome adversity, see every situation in a positive light and learn how to stay calm, cool and collected in leadership roles.”

Mitchel M.

Intern

“Having a job where I can actively practice patience, persistence, problem-solving, having a good attitude, and treating people well consistently regardless of the circumstances or how people treat me has already proven incredibly fruitful in my day-to-day life and relationships. I don’t know what this opportunity will lead to, but I know it will be a cut above the rest because that’s what Southwestern Advantage shapes you to be.”

Jacob F.

Intern

“The age span of 18-24 is a crucial time where people learn about themselves and the world. I am a leader with Southwestern Advantage because it gives me the opportunity to help people gain critical skills at a crucial time in their lives. I still run my business because it forces me to be the best version of myself while impacting others at the same time!”

Austin M.

Alumni

“In my time with Southwestern, I’ve learned to take ownership of my life! There is no shortcut to success and everything you want in life is on the other side of your fears and hardwork.”

Walton S.

Alumni

“I have participated in the Southwestern Advantage sales and leadership program for multiple years because I am developing the skills I will use every day in work and life. “

Krystal K.

Alumni

“My summers spent working with Southwestern Advantage were challenging, no doubt. But I grew in and strengthened many areas that have helped me succeed today: working independently, being solution-oriented, motivating myself, strong self-discipline. “

Julie G.

Alumni

“People will truly amaze you in this internship. My first summer was truly life-changing in the sense that I learned more about myself and dealing with other people than in my four year degree studying Psychology. I learned that emotions are only as deep and honest as you let them be, people want to yearn and interact with positive, enthusiastic people, and last but most importantly, your summer and your life can be bad-ass if you want it to be!”

Jaak R.

Alumni

“I am so thankful for Southwestern that they decided to expand out of the States and allow students from Europe to go through the program to experience the challenges and rewards that come from it. Little did I realize as a freshman in college I would find my wife, have a family and now run a business through Southwestern Advantage. Dreams do come true – if you put forth the effort to see them to reality.”

Matt A.

Alumni

“Selling with Southwestern Advantage is not easy, and it’s not for everyone. But there is a reason it has been around for over 150 years (think about that for a minute). There is a population of young people that have a desire to see what they are made of and step outside the box. I looked at it like this… was there any job experience in Nebraska that I could learn or earn as much as I could over a 12 week summer? Not that I knew of.”

Jim P.

Alumni

“Some of the most valuable things I learned while with Southwestern were how to overcome adversity in life, how to develop a habit of doing those things required for success that most people don’t do, the effectiveness in valuing others, how to lead and how to help other find purpose in life.”

Deb M.

Alumni

“Deb M. – “…Most med school hopefuls do pretty much the same thing during their summer breaks…Every resume looks the same. My resume looked vastly different from other applicants. I now run the most profitable walk-in clinic in Vanderbilt’s array of health services. My six summers with Southwestern was a great way to prepare for a medical career.””

Emily W.

Alumni

“This intense “non-engineering” experience made me such an intriguing graduate that I never applied for a single job but was approached and offered numerous engineering management jobs.”

Pete B.

Alumni

“A summer selling books gives a young person enormous ammunition in any job interview. But far more importantly than that, my first summer knocking on doors gave me a deep-rooted self confidence in my own ability to work hard and succeed in any situation. You can’t buy that self-assurance. It has to be earned and proven. “

Dr. Tracey J.

Alumni

“Selling for two summers taught me leadership principles and life lessons that I carried into the military, corporate America, defense contracting, and small business… The tenacity, courage, customer interaction skills, and transformational power of books this door-to-door selling experience imprinted on me were foundational in building my confidence and success as a leader. After all, if you can sell books, you can do anything!”

Tabby W.

Customer

“Sooo awesome! She was kind and flexible. My schedule is atrocious and she worked with me to find a time to meet my family. She even got my husband on board and he is a hard one. She did amazing!”

Elizabeth H.

Customer

“We love Southwestern Advantage’s education systems. We have purchased several throughout the years and have loved each of them. They even found us all the way out in Alaska! Our rep Hain was lovely! He is very friendly and knowledgeable and he truly listened to what I was saying which is absolutely fabulous. 10/10 highly recommend. Thank you.”

Mariana F

Customer

“Raquel is very professional and caring. She went into detail on all the book options I could have for my 2-year-old, while at the same time being conscious of my budget. I didn’t feel pushed to purchase, something that is very refreshing now a days. Southwestern Advantage is blessed to have a team member like Raquel!”

Tullina D.

Customer

“Linda was wonderful! She was kind, knowledgeable and straight forward with her purpose and goal. She was great with my toddler. She did a great job of presenting the product and helping to choose the best option for my child! She was great!”

Julie B.

Customer

“We met Tobechi (aka: KJ) yesterday and to simply say that it was a pleasant experience would be the understatement of the year! He was extremely knowledgeable about the products he was offering and genuinely seemed excited for my 14-year-old stepson and the fact that he’ll be receiving the AP Advantage Program at the end of summer. They talked for quite some time and my stepson can’t wait to get started with the program when school starts. I’m more excited to receive the LEAD Program and book in a couple of weeks, so I can work with my almost 17-year-old daughter who is on the autistic spectrum. I think the accountability course will help both her and my 17-year-old stepdaughter a TON, and I’m stoked to watch them both progress through the course once we receive it. KJ was the friendliest solicitor that I’ve ever met, and as I told him, *I* am in sales at my job, and *he* could definitely teach me a thing or two about how to sell! He’s a natural and is sure to be extremely successful in life. Meeting him was a wonderful experience, and my whole family is thrilled that he knocked on our door yesterday!”

Melissa G.

Customer

“Erik was fantastic! He’s so knowledgeable, light hearted and kind. No pressure whatsoever to purchase, just the facts of what the books include. Also asked my kiddo questions and showed him the math books and what they can do. We are excited to use them!”

Amelia D.

Customer

“I have purchased from Southwestern Advantage multiple times. The Adventure Library books were used all the time, they loved the posters! In high school, my daughter used the Advantage books as references often! Southwestern not only supplies families, all over the country, with educational materials but is teaching college students life skills in the field at the same time; what an incredible company! “

Kayla A.

Customer

“My kids and I love these books! We are so happy when the rep Vivian came to our home and we got to order the last set we didn’t have yet!”

Kara B.

Customer

“Margaret was extremely knowledgeable about what all Southwestern Advantage had to offer. Margaret was also very polite, friendly and helpful in answering all of my questions. She truly was a pleasure to work with!”

Beverly H.

Customer

“I’ve participated in the program for 3 summers, so far, because it is the most efficient, effective, and fun way for me to get closer to achieving my entrepreneurial goals “

Diane S.

Customer

“The kids came out of their shells to interact with the rep. She had them very interested and they didn’t want her to go. They miss her already.”

Cayla A.

Customer

“Elias was awesome. He was very kind and informative. Can’t wait to see him again when he delivers our books at the end of summer!”

Nicole B.

Customer

“Kenet was very friendly and knowledgeable. Spoke to me and my son directly. My son is autistic and doesn’t usually speak to people, but he spoke to Kenet. He explained all the books and apps very well.”

Ashley B.

Customer

“Trace was great with my son and very knowledgeable about his products and answered questions I had. He was very friendly and easy to talk to. My overall experience was delightful.”

Rashad F.

Customer

“I had a very pleasant experience with Adriana, she was truly very informative and it was great to see her passion for children. Thank you sincerely for coming and I look forward to learning and teaching with my daughter.”

Sarah P.

Customer

“I really enjoyed Sadie’s visit. She clearly believes in the product and knew the answer to every question I asked. She cares about quality education for my daughter”

Kayla M.

Customer

“Myrna was very kind, and extremely pleasant. Her knowledge of the products was extensive and we enjoyed her short visit”

Brenda M.

Customer

“So much great information! Sergio was awesome! Thank you so much Sergio! You were amazing explaining and talking to my children”

Angelika M.

Customer

“Beau was very friendly and seemed extremely knowledgeable about the products. He answered questions and presented everything seamlessly”

Rocky & Sheila A.

Customer

“Dina was very professional and knowledgable. She presented the products very well. She was such a pleasure to meet with”

Deb P.

Customer

“Vlada was absolutely amazing. She was very nice and answered all my questions. She was very up beat, happy and full of energy. 100% happy with her and her attitude about the product!”

Chip & Amber L.

Customer

“Janis was fantastic. Our family schedule is chaos. He went above and beyond to ensure we could meet with him, and he was amazing with our young children when they sat in on our visit. He had answers for all of our questions about the books and apps. He made us laugh.”

Kari B.

Parent of Intern

“My initial concern about the program, was that my child was going to do something that I knew would have its challenges and I wouldn’t be there, but that is part of good parenting. Let them experience difficult and challenging things without your safety net right below them. They will grow SO much! “

Douglas D.

Parent of Intern

“I have seen my daughter gain a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to set goals and achieve them. I am most proud of her personal and professional growth as a person.”

Shannel S.

Parent of Intern

“I am confident in the Southwestern Advantage Program because I have seen my daughter grow so much in becoming the person that is required to meet challenges and separate herself from the emotional discouragement that they bring, and persevere through them. Through the internship she has pushed herself hard and experienced the success that comes from overcoming some of the hard things in life. SWA has given her a structure to push herself farther than she would naturally push herself. “

Richard & Teresa

Parent of Intern

“When our son said he wanted to do sales, I was concerned about the inventory and payment process. A recruiter, from Southwestern Advantage, met with my wife and I. He answered all of our questions and helped us understand the program. The experience was tremendous for our son – there was team building, great training, and leadership. Our son worked his tail off that summer. While he made good money, he gained much more from the experience…”

Ron W.

Parent of Intern

“Southwestern Advantage… I had never heard the name until my son decided to go off for a summer. Now I mention it to every college age student I meet. I honestly can’t think of a better way for students to take control of their future. I’m of the opinion the personal growth and skills a student develops with Southwestern Advantage would take 20 years for them to develop on their own in today’s workplace.”

Fabian & Candice C.

Parent of Intern

“After Carolina’s first summer, she showed many signs of growth, independence, resiliency, patience, and a high level of emotional intelligence. These leadership attributes continue to improve every summer and are not commonly taught in school. This summer program is not about ‘IQ,’ but ‘I will.’””

Greg & Lisa J.

Parent of Intern

“…Our son’s growth and maturation over the first summer and each summer thereafter has been phenomenal. The catalyst for that change is credited to the Southwestern Advantage organization and mentoring program – which has helped him reach his full potential. It has molded him into the responsible, confident young man that he is now…it has been a very positive, life-changing decision.”

Steve & Jayne B.

Parent of Intern

“The impact of Southwestern on me, and the memories for our family, are beyond any quantification or measuring. We have seven children and six have sold books… The benefit for my family from selling (multiple summers) is the development of their character, doing what needed to be done whether they happened to feel like it or not, working the plan, persevering, keeping purpose, not quitting.”

Theresa G.

Parent of Intern

“Each summer, I could see my boy growing, changing, and maturing into a strong man; there is nothing now that he cannot do! I have a new…appreciation of what it takes to complete this internship…the company is top-notch! I am excited every summer to see the ups and downs, the challenges and relationships that are cultivated…I trust Southwestern Advantage with my son.”

Kimberly Sue H.

Host Parent

“Being a host family was a great experience, and I just loved the young men that stayed the summer with me. It was such a pleasure to have them around and watching them flourish in their jobs was a delight. We keep in touch via phone, email, facetime and postcards. We are family and I had the pleasure of talking with some of their family whom I hold dear to my heart.”

Kami D.

Host Parent

“We were so blessed this summer to have 3 awesome Bookmen living with us while they sold educational books door to door with Southwestern. As many of you know, I did this job while I was in college and I gained SO much from the experience. So many people poured into me back in the day, and I was thrilled to be able to pay it forward to these 3 amazing, hard-working Bookmen. We all miss you, David, Jacob, and Josh!”

Keith and Kelly P.

Host Parent

“We hosted [4] “bookgirls”… I have never seen a group of young people so committed and excited about the mission laid out before them – get educational books into the hands of as many children as possible. It was quite inspirational to me, to see their dedication, the way they pushed through the struggles, and the joy they experienced when they had success.”

James W.

Host Parent

“This was my first year hosting and what an awesome experience…. Because of these two young men, I plan on being a host next year. Their respect for my home was paramount. They cleaned up after themselves, kept a tight schedule, worked together, communicated well, and was most respectful and considerate. I hope the best for my new friends and look forward to opening my home again.”

Stefanie and Joe W.

Host Parent

“We were sad to see these ladies go this morning, but we were so blessed to host them for part of the summer. They epitomize hard work and perseverance through hot days, rain storms, and eve 4 days of no power at our house without one word of complaint. We are praying for their last 3 weeks selling books and their return home to Latvia. We are so grateful to have met you both and hope to meet again one day!”

Bryan H.

Host Parent

“It’s hard to express the love you have for people you let live with you for a summer. These #bookgirls works so hard, putting in long days and weeks. They are building the type of character that will last a lifetime. I’m so proud of what they have accomplished, but more so proud of who they are becoming! We love hosting #bookkids! Thanks @southwesternadvantage”

Tim L.

Campus Partner

“I believe that the multitude of students who are successful at selling Southwestern Advantage products each year also succeed in their career endeavors throughout life. The discipline they gain, the work ethic they practice and attitude they maintain takes them far…I also believe strongly that students…have had a significant learning and life enrichment experience.”

Corey G.

Campus Partner

“I am very confident that Southwestern is an effective employment and internship option for the right students seeking summer employment because of my exposure to Southwestern Sales School and through discussions with students who have both succeeded and failed to meet their goals during the internship experience. Even in failure, there were amazing skills and stories that were brought back with these students.”

Anda P.

Campus Partner

“Southwestern Advantage teaches students not only such valuable skills like leadership, communications skills, planning and work ethic, but also values that are fundamental for every successful person and lead to a better, fulfilled life.”

Donna C.

Campus Partner

“The students I met and spoke with one-on-one, who had at least one summer sales opportunity under their belts, could not say enough about the quality of the experience and the personal growth they experienced as a result. As a career counselor, this is what working and learning is all about!”

Bill W.

Campus Partner

“As a higher education professional for 20+ years…the types of opportunities Southwestern offers can be a strong fit for a portion of our student body. I appreciate the ways in which the Southwestern team seeks to find students who are a good fit for their program and then provides intentional structures which support the students’ success.”

Dr. Jay K.

Campus Partner

“This is not an opportunity that will appeal to every student nor can every student succeed selling educational systems in an area far from home, but for the students each summer who are recruited, trained and who stick it out, the results have been very positive, both in terms of financial reward and personal growth. We believe that the company’s recruiters provide full disclosure and education as part of their recruiting process.”

Jeremy F.

Campus Partner

“Southwestern Advantage prepares young college students for success in a number of career fields, but most importantly, it develops their work ethic, motivation levels, and professionalism in any field they choose.”

Dr. Rob L.

Campus Partner

“Gaining experience is a key determinant to future success in any competitive field, developing confidence that you can overcome obstacles and build the discipline necessary to adapt to changing situations is imperative to professional and personal success. Southwestern Advantage offers those types of experiences.”

Myrna H.

Campus Partner

“Students are told honestly about the challenges facing them, are provided with effective sales strategies, have practice sessions with feedback, and develop supportive relationships with their peers and leaders.”