College Financial Representative Intern

Job Description

About Company

Northwestern Mutual is a Fortune 500 company (2023) with over 165 years of experience in helping clients achieve financial freedom through comprehensive and innovative financial planning. The company combines the expertise of its financial professionals with personalized digital experiences and industry-leading products to help clients successfully navigate their financial lives.

Their tailored approach includes multiple financial strategies such as insurance, investments, and annuities, which are designed to reinforce each other and keep clients on track to meet their goals. Northwestern Mutual prides itself on its unmatched financial strength (as rated by Moody’s, A.M. Best, Fitch, and S&P) and its access to a wide array of best products and services for clients.

Northwestern Mutual values an inclusive and belonging workplace, striving to create teams that reflect its customers and communities, and fostering an environment where all employees are welcomed, valued, and heard. The company has received numerous recognitions, including being listed among the Top 100 Internship Programs (Yello x WayUp, 2022), serving 5.0+ million clients, managing $257 billion in retail investment client assets, being recognized as Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity (2018-2021), and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (2015-2021).

It is important to note that Financial Representatives and College Financial Representatives at Northwestern Mutual are considered independent contractors for income tax purposes and “statutory employees” for Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax purposes. Their income is based on production.

Job Description

The College Financial Representative internship program at Northwestern Mutual, located at 1000 Continental Drive, offers college students a framework and support to build an integrated financial planning practice from the ground up. The program provides guidance, connection, and access to local and nationwide experts, exclusive financial products, and the support of a Fortune 500 company. It is designed to help interns build confidence, develop a professional network, and empower them to help people achieve financial freedom, emphasizing that hard work pays off.

Responsibilities
The internship program closely mimics the full-time Financial Representative career, providing hands-on experience in:
• Learning to prospect and network effectively to build a business and client base.
• Developing and executing a comprehensive business strategy.
• Initiating contact with potential clients and setting meetings to understand their financial goals.
• Preparing financial plans and offering useful recommendations.
• Gaining exposure to proprietary planning software platforms.
• Engaging in weekly coaching, training, and development meetings.
• Receiving Risk Product State Licensing for Life, Accident, and Health insurance.
• Building essential life skills that create future career opportunities.

Program Features & Benefits
The program offers a flexible schedule to accommodate academic and personal commitments, with the option to participate year-round. Interns can continue to grow their practice and receive support for additional registrations and certifications such as the Series 6 & 63 or CFP® (eligibility required). Participants are inspired at local and national recognition events, gain access to leadership programs, and collaborate with experts in the business. The program is committed to ensuring personal and professional growth through diverse resources. Eligible students have the opportunity to interview for a full-time Financial Representative or Advisor role upon graduation.

Qualifications
Northwestern Mutual seeks students who are a strong fit for this entrepreneurial internship. Ideal candidates possess:
• Full-time student status; juniors and seniors are preferred.
• Entrepreneurial ambitions and a curiosity for sales.
• High involvement on campus (e.g., leaders, athletes, members of campus organizations, student government).
• Excellent time-management skills.
• A strong interest in financial literacy and planning tools.
• Business savvy and a desire to increase critical thinking abilities.

Compensation & Benefits
The compensation structure is performance-based, with earnings and revenue tied to production. In addition to earned commissions, interns can receive:
• Learning and Development Incentives of up to $1000/month.
• Productivity Bonuses.
• Support for various insurance licensing (Life, Health, Disability Income, Long-Term Care).
• Support for SIE, Series 6, and Series 63 registrations (eligibility required).

Salary Range
USD $500.00 – USD $1,000.00 /Yr.