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An Inside Look at Northwestern Mutual’s Corporate Summer Internship

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Why do we love summer? It’s not just the warm weather, it’s the time to meet our new class of corporate interns, students from all over the country who are just beginning their professional careers.  

Throughout their time here, these interns get to learn new skills and work side-by-side with talented mentors, while gaining valuable work experience that will shape their future careers.   

Five 2025 interns sat down with us to reflect on their experience and the lessons and skills they have learned that will allow them to grow in their chosen fields.  

On what makes a corporate internship at NM unique   

“NM doesn’t just give interns busy work—they give you a front-row seat to the real deal. Whether you’re client-facing or behind the scenes, you’re actively helping people build their financial futures. The support and mentorship I’ve received has been unmatched.” 

Gabrielle, Tech Intern  

“NM doesn’t view interns as temporary; we are treated like true members of the team. It may sound intimidating at first, but I’ve come to greatly appreciate the value and responsibility that an opportunity like this provides. Being able to trust in the leaders of your team, and for them to trust in you in return, makes the work all the more important and engaging. It’s certainly a challenge, but it’s one I was excited for the chance to rise to.” 

Joey, Data Analytics Intern  

On skills needed to achieve success  

“Being curious is a necessity to succeed at this internship. You are taught what you need to know for the summer, but if you want to know how to navigate on your own, you must ask questions. By being curious, you are positively contributing to your own growth, while also increasing your overall professional knowledge.” 

Aarini, Tech Intern 

“I think the most important skill for an intern is being confident in your abilities, both in and out of your work area. Everyone here has earned the right to be where they are and being sure of your skillset, while also being aware and open to the many things you can learn from is crucial. The more you’re sure about yourself, the more you’re able to speak for yourself, which becomes so important in making true and genuine connections.” 

Joey, Data Analytics Intern  

On what was surprising 

What surprised me the most about interning at NM is the culture. The corporate internship program itself is carefully curated to maximize an intern’s experience. Everyone is willing and able to help – you just have to ask. The work you are doing is important and valuable, and NM recognizes that.” 

Abigail, Investment Client Services Intern 

“I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility of senior leadership at NM, as it provided regular opportunities to learn from executives and experienced professionals, significantly broadening my industry understanding.” 

Sajede , Investment Risk Management Intern  

On being prepared for a future career  

“The ability to work on a variety of different tasks and gain access to invaluable resources will really benefit my future career. Not only do interns get the opportunity to network with NM leaders, but we are also able to study for and gain sponsorship for FINRA Series Exams, and work in a corporate environment, which will be similar to where we will work in for our future careers.”  

Abigail, Investment Client Services Intern 

“To succeed at an NM corporate internship, you must be ready to rise to the challenge and step outside of your comfort zone. This program provides constant opportunities for personal and professional growth, and if you can quiet your nerves about taking them on, you’ll see some incredible results. This internship gives you the chance to take your success into your own hands and do the thing that scares you, and I think understanding that aspect will set anyone up well for achieving any future career opportunities.”  

Joey, Data Analytics Intern 

On lessons learned 

NM has taught me that finance is more than numbers—it's about people. It's about trust, clarity, and helping others make confident choices. Being on both the client side and now the operations side has shown me just how many moving parts go into each plan. Every step, every form, every conversation matters.” 

Gabrielle, Tech Intern 

“An important lesson I have learned throughout my time interning at NM has been to always ask questions. It is so important to ask questions to gain a better understanding of not only the work you are doing, but also to clarify anything you might be wondering, and to anticipate situations that may arise throughout your internship.” 

Abigail, Investment Client Services Intern  

“Step out of your comfort zone. That can mean networking with new people, or it can mean saying yes to a presentation you didn’t think you could do. There are so many opportunities at NM and not all of them will be at your desk, so you need to step out of your comfort zone.”  

Aarini, Tech Intern 

Interested in becoming an intern? We offer paid corporate internship opportunities across a variety of career interests, including real estate, marketing, finance, investments, and more. For more information, check out our NM Internships | Northwestern Mutual Careers page. 

 

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