Financial Representative Intern / College Financial Representative

Job Description

About the Company

Northwestern Mutual is a Fortune 500 company with a rich history spanning over 160 years, dedicated to helping clients achieve financial security and peace of mind through comprehensive and innovative financial planning. They combine the expertise of their financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to assist clients in navigating their financial lives successfully. Their tailored approach integrates multiple financial strategies, including insurance, investments, and annuities, designed to be mutually reinforcing and keep clients on track towards their financial goals.

The company prides itself on its unmatched financial strength, boasting total company assets of $366 billion and serving 5.1 million clients and growing. Northwestern Mutual is recognized as the largest provider of individual life insurance in the U.S. and is ranked as a Top 5 U.S. Independent Broker-Dealer based on 2023 revenue, managing $309 billion in wealth management retail investment client assets. The company has consistently received high ratings from leading financial rating agencies (Moody’s, A.M. Best, Fitch, S&P Global Ratings).

Northwestern Mutual values its Financial Representatives as valued partners and proud business owners. The company fosters an inclusive and belonging environment where diverse viewpoints lead to new successes. They are nationally recognized for Social Responsibility, Quality of Management, Financial Soundness, and Quality of Products and Services, and were listed among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. The internship program itself was ranked as a Top 5 Internship for Financial Services by Vault Guide to Top Internships in 2020. It’s important to note that Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives are Independent Contractors whose income is based solely on production.

Job Description: Financial Representative Intern / College Financial Representative

This role, located within Northwestern Mutual’s Oregon & SW Washington offices, is designed for ambitious students seeking to gain hands-on experience in financial planning. As a Financial Representative Intern, you will learn to help clients achieve financial freedom by assisting them in living more and worrying less through Northwestern Mutual’s unique approach to financial planning. The internship program closely mimics the full-time Financial Representative role, offering a robust learning and development experience.

Key Responsibilities and Activities:
• Practice Building: You will begin building your own book of business (client base) through active prospecting and networking activities.
• Client Engagement: This includes calling on potential clients, setting meetings, and conducting in-depth discussions to understand their financial goals and needs.
• Financial Planning: You will learn to prepare financial plans and offer useful, tailored recommendations to clients based on their specific circumstances.
• Technology Exposure: Gain experience with cutting-edge planning software platforms used in the financial industry.
• Licensing: Obtain your Life, Accident, and Health insurance license, with company support.
• Professional Development: Participate in weekly coaching, training, and development meetings designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Skill Building: Develop valuable life skills that will create future career opportunities, regardless of your ultimate career path.

Program Structure and Support:
The internship offers a flexible schedule to accommodate your academic commitments. There is an option for a year-round program, allowing continuous growth of your practice. Northwestern Mutual provides comprehensive support for various registrations and certifications, including the SIE, Series 6, Series 63, and potentially the CFP® (eligibility required). Interns gain access to local and national recognition events, leadership programs, and opportunities to collaborate with experts across the business. The company culture is rich with diverse resources to ensure personal and professional growth throughout the program. Eligible interns will also have an exclusive opportunity to interview and fast-track their career into a full-time Financial Representative role upon graduation.

Compensation & Benefits:
Interns receive a weekly stipend of up to $250. The role also offers uncapped commissions and productivity bonuses, providing direct rewards for your efforts. The company supports interns financially and administratively in obtaining necessary licenses, including Life & Health, Disability Income (DI), and Long Term Care (LTC) insurance, as well as the SIE, Series 6, and Series 63 registrations (eligibility required).

Ideal Candidate Profile:
Northwestern Mutual seeks candidates who are:
• Full-time students, with a preference for juniors and seniors.
• Possess an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Demonstrate a curiosity for sales.
• Highly involved on campus (e.g., leaders in campus organizations, student government).
• Exhibit excellent time-management skills.
• Have an interest in financial literacy and planning tools.
• Are business savvy.
• Hold legal authorization to work in the US without sponsorship.