Here at Northwestern Mutual, everything we do centers around people. Whether it’s through mentorship programs or coffee meetups, we’re invested in taking the time to foster genuine connections with the people that surround us.  

Northwestern Mutual is committed to investing in our communities and supporting transformational and sustainable strategies that help improve the places where we live and work – including our hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

Caring for your loved ones who have physical or mental needs can be incredibly difficult. And balancing caregiving responsibilities with a career, personal life, and self-care can be a lot. That’s why, as part of our benefits package, we provide our employees with caregiving time off, time for employees to find a little breathing room and be more fully present at work and home.    

Between work deadlines and personal responsibilities, finding enough hours in the day can be a challenge, which is why we partner with our concierge service team, to make our employees’ lives easier. 

Handling a wide variety of tasks — like errand-running, managing tickets and reservations, researching products and services, and much more — our concierge team is ready to help all employees at no cost.  

There’s no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than beginning a new career you’ll be thankful for.  

We want all our employees to enjoy a lifetime of careers here, with the flexibility to start in one area of the company and move to a different team, role, or function. 

But we also know that planning your next career move can be difficult; some may not even know where to start! That's why we have the Career Center—an interactive space on our Milwaukee campus designed to help employees build and activate their career plans. 

As someone who has spent his career helping others prepare for the unexpected, Kyle never imagined he would face it himself.  

What does it mean to be a leader? Here at Northwestern Mutual, being a leader can mean many things, including supporting professional growth and championing the career journeys of those around you.  

Milwaukee is one of the best cities to be in if you’re a recent college graduate and Northwestern Mutual is the one of the best places to begin your career.  

Don’t believe us? We were recently named one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” by Forbes magazine, while Milwaukee was named one of the best cities in the U.S. for job-hunting college graduates by The Wall Street Journal.  

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.   

The journey towards becoming a parent is different for everyone.  

For some, this journey can be complicated, as experienced by two Northwestern Mutual employees. Luckily, through NM’s fertility benefits, they were able to find hope.  

 

Confronting cancer and fertility unknowns with courage: Ava’s story

For Ava, IT Risk Metrics II, a surprising cancer diagnosis transformed the idea of preserving her fertility from a distant thought into an immediate priority.  

Ava was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump during a routine self-check. Her doctor immediately recommended consulting with a fertility clinic. At just 25 years old, it was a heavy decision that she thought she had years to consider—but one Ava now had to make quickly. 

“Freezing your eggs is common for young cancer patients because chemotherapy can damage them,” Ava said. “It seemed like a daunting process, but I didn’t want to regret not doing it.” 

By using Kindbody, a fertility benefit offered to NM employees, Ava was able to use their services and consult with a dedicated care navigation team.  

"Fortunately, it only took a phone call to activate my benefit. I feel lucky to work at NM and have access to amazing benefits that have truly made a difference in my life," Ava said.  

Conceiving the daughter of her dreams: Abby’s story 

For Abby, IVF was the only path to conceiving a child with her husband. Before joining NM, she considered IVF, but the high cost meant facing hefty loans just for a chance to have a child. 

By utilizing Kindbody, Abby was able to take advantage of the flexible fertility benefits, which includes fertility treatment services such as IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI), egg/embryo/sperm freezing, male fertility services, donor services and fertility medications through KindbodyRX.  

“With other programs there can be hidden fees or certain exclusions, but our benefits make it really easy,” Abby said. 

The result? Abby and Ken are preparing to welcome a baby girl in August. 

From baby steps to a brighter path forward 

Despite their individual obstacles, both women have used NM’s fertility and family planning benefits to build their ideal futures.  

Interested in working here? Learn more about the benefits offered to NM employees and be sure to check out our open roles.  

At Northwestern Mutual, we understand that life doesn't pause when you step into the office. Our flexible culture enables our employees who are parents to balance their professional and personal lives, so they can thrive both at work and at home.  

At Northwestern Mutual, we understand the value that technology brings to our business by allowing us to build creative solutions for our clients. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for ambitious, innovative talent that helps us stay ahead. 

But for those who are interested in advancing their tech careers, it may be surprising to hear that some of the top skills our recruiters are searching for aren’t necessarily tech related.  

We are a people-first organization. Our employees have helped to shape our incredible culture. That’s why we’re taking the time to shine a spotlight on our employees, what their role is, and what they love about working at NM.  

And at Northwestern Mutual, we care about our people. Which is why we continue to show our appreciation towards our hard-working employees by providing resources and amenities that allow them to bring their best selves to work every day.  

We Love Being Healthy  

• By offering onsite fitness centers in Milwaukee and Franklin, we are creating an environment that helps our employees support their health and wellness goals. Not only are these centers accessible 24/7, but they are also equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and offer a variety of group exercise classes.    
• We also know people get sick or injured or just need a convenient primary care doctor. That’s why we've made it easy to access healthcare professionals with our Mutual Health Centers in Milwaukee, Franklin, and New York. Offering preventative care and chronic condition management, our providers and staff provide an integrated approach to support our employees’ overall well-being.   

We Love Being Mentally Healthy 

• Mental health directly impacts our overall health, which is why we provide accessible mental and behavioral health services at our Mutual Health Center in Milwaukee or Franklin. We also offer Lyra Health, a leading provider of emotional and behavioral health support, which offers eight free in-person therapy sessions, virtual coaching, and a vast library of self-care resources.  

We Love Our Campus Perks   

• Throughout the workday we provide support to our people by offering a healthy lunch at our Milwaukee and Franklin locations. 
• And because everyone is busy, we offer free concierge service for all employees that can be used to run errands, buy tickets, make reservations and complete any task you need. 
• Our Mutual Market on our Milwaukee campus is designed as a go-to shop for fresh, convenient, and local items and allows employees to buy a few groceries, pick up already made meals, or grab a cafe drink to get through the day.  

We Love Our Workspace   

• When our people step onto campus, we want them to be in an open and warm space that makes them feel calm and peaceful. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering ample natural light, outdoor green spaces to enjoy in the spring and summer, and original artwork displayed throughout our buildings, we create a tranquil environment that allows our employees to get their best work done.    

Interested in loving NM too? Check out our open roles and learn more about the benefits we offer by visiting our Culture page. 

Hear from one of our own, as Clarissa, VP Chief of Staff to our Chairman, President and CEO, Tim Gerend, discusses her experience with finding a work/life balance at Northwestern Mutual.

What Clarissa Has Learned About Work/Life Balance 

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned about work/life balance is that it’s highly personal—it’s on each of us to define and communicate our needs to those around us.  

Being transparent over the years about both my personal and professional needs has enabled me to advance in my career at Northwestern Mutual, while also being the kind of mother and spouse I want and need to be at home.  

Lessons Learned to Help Her Find Balance 

Early in my career, I didn’t think twice about staying late at the office because I had fewer personal demands. With the arrival of my first child, my priorities shifted. This change came with a surprising level of emotional and physical exhaustion which most parents can relate to, especially that first time around. I struggled to define exactly what I needed, which meant it was also difficult to communicate those needs to others.  

By the time my second son arrived, I was far more confident in what to expect and what mattered to me. Rather than over-rely on managers, my company or others to set boundaries, I found that proactively communicating what I wanted for personal and professional harmony was far more effective and less stressful.  

Now, with my boys ages seven and five, our household is a whirlwind of activities. As Chief of Staff to Northwestern Mutual’s Chairman, President and CEO, Tim Gerend, I also have a very demanding leadership role. To create the balance I need, I am first and foremost open with those around me about all aspects of my schedule, needs and obligations. I am grateful to be part of an organization that encourages open communication and transparency. 

Seeking Help & Focusing on Her Priorities  

In addition, I ask others for help, outsource tasks that I can, and try to focus on what matters most, both in the office and at home. I strive to ensure that I have the time and space I need to perform at my best, while still being focused and present at home. The result is that my leaders and colleagues know they can always count on me to deliver, which also creates a level of mutual trust and respect that I continuously earn. 

Having the agency to balance work and life is special. It’s something I will never take for granted – and will always be part of the value proposition at Northwestern Mutual. My advice for others is not to wait for someone else to empower you. First define what will enable you to do your best work and then articulate it. Making this ask could make the difference in your career. 

We asked our recruiters how applicants like you can stand out by when applying for jobs here at NM. Here are some of their best tips.  

1. Apply to Jobs That Are Relevant to Your Experience: Before you apply, review the job description again to ensure your resume aligns with the role's requirements. It's important to ensure your skills and experience meet the job criteria. For example, when you are listing your skills within your resume, try to tailor them to what is described within the job description. This will make it crystal clear to the recruiter that you are qualified for this position.  
2. Maximize Your Resume’s Potential: Speaking of resumes, it’s important to keep your resume simple, and to organize your achievements and experience concisely. Unless you’re at an executive level, that typically means keeping your resume to one page. This makes it easier for recruiters to determine whether you are a good fit for a job opening. Check out a past blog to learn more about enhancing your resume.  
3. Showcase Your Impact: This is your chance to tell us why you would be the right person for this role. Whether through your resume or in an interview, make sure to highlight all of your achievements to demonstrate the positive impact you have had on previous organizations. A great way to do this is by utilizing the power of numbers to provide concrete evidence of your value and impact. For example, if a project you owned led to a 20% increase in ROI, you should include that specific stat to demonstrate your contribution. 
4. Do Your Research: We are so much more than a financial services company – and the best candidates know that. This is your chance to learn more about what we do and impress us with your knowledge throughout the interview process. While doing your research, explore our employee stories and social channels to figure out if our unique culture is a good fit for you.  
5. Be Your Authentic Self: This is your chance to show us who you are as a person. We can see your technical skills and experience from your resume, but during interviews we want to see your personality and how you would fit into the culture. If you’re interested in learning more tips, take a look at a recent blog post.

Interested in applying? Learn more about our hiring process and take a look at our open positions.  

We know how giving and generous our people are, and we wanted to take the time to highlight programs and initiatives that some of our employees and departments have participated in throughout the year.   

Dana, VP Field Sales Enablement Engineering 

“When I started my journey in technology, there were only a few options available to get experience and exposure. Given the role technology plays in our daily lives and how our future is dependent on it, I believe it is critical to expose as many people to technology as possible in hopes of them finding their passion and applying it to our future. Hosting a mentorship program for students at Reagan High School has created a safe space for them to explore technology and hear from professionals in the field to understand what a potential career in technology could look like for them. I also believe that if you see someone you relate to in a role, that role becomes that much more achievable because you know someone else climbed that same mountain and found success.”

Judy, Sr Program Manager Philanthropy  

“In 2022, I began organizing team volunteerism events for our onsite employees here at NM. Our employees wholeheartedly embraced the idea of coming together to help our community, and it was a great opportunity for all of us to get to know each other better. Since then, we have made more than 2,000 Beads of Courage crane strands, 500 no-sew tie blankets and more than 5,000 hygiene, school, and cold weather kits. All these items benefit our neighbors from across the country, whether it be here in Milwaukee or a child facing cancer in Texas. The care and compassion of our employees is remarkable, and I feel honored to be a part of it.” 

Trish, Assistant General Counsel & Assistant Secretary  

“The need for free legal services in Wisconsin is high, with pro bono organizations only able to serve about half of those in need. The legal professionals in the law department here at NM are uniquely positioned to use their expertise to provide legal services to those who otherwise cannot afford any representation. Our lawyers and legal professionals, in connection with local community organizations, provide free legal services, such as helping individuals defend against unlawful evictions, preparing estate planning documents for veterans, assisting families with guardianship petitions, and representing victims of domestic abuse.  Our pro bono efforts are driven by a profound belief that by donating our legal skills and time, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”  

At Northwestern Mutual, employees use their 16 hours of Volunteer Time Off for a variety of community-based initiatives, from chaperoning student field trips to working the polls on Election Day. It’s one of the many ways we support our people in making a positive difference. Learn more about NM employee benefits by visiting our career site. 

Heeding the call to better health: Rosalina’s story

Rosalina worked exclusively from home when she started as a treasury operations analyst in January 2022. She was the unhealthiest she’d ever been, petrified of how colleagues would perceive her when she eventually returned to the office and battling seasonal depression.

“The final straw was when I tried to put my shoes on to go to the office. I couldn’t bend down to tie them. I didn’t want to be this limited at 29 years old,” Rosalina said.

Preparing to return to the office, Rosalina’s colleague took her on a tour of the downtown Milwaukee campus. Rosalina was floored to discover the free 24/7 fitness center for employees with a variety of state-of-the-art equipment. Despite her excitement, she wasn’t yet ready for the gym environment. So, she started her fitness journey by increasing her activity level in simple ways like walking more and taking the stairs. She also adjusted her eating habits, finding the salads at the company’s restaurant an easy way to add healthy foods to her daily diet.

Following these habits for about a year, Rosalina lost 50 pounds and gained the confidence to try the fitness center. She began exercising two to three times a week, and the physical and mental benefits continued to increase.

Rosalina continues to use the fitness center, often taking advantage of the 24/7 schedule to work out after hours or on weekends. Through Foodsmart, a program available to our employees to help them make healthy food choices, she has also been able to receive support from nutritionists to ensure a balanced diet.

New year, new resolve: Derreck’s fitness journey

Derreck, assistant director of distribution performance, decided to make big life changes when he was on a family vacation in Florida last January. As a father of two young children, he struggled to keep up with his family. Derreck didn’t feel strong mentally or physically.

He found a solution in the company’s free group fitness classes – using offerings like cycling, bootcamps and HIIT to make fitness social and enjoyable. He complements his group fitness classes with one-on-one sessions with an exercise specialist for additional support and guidance.

Combining his regular fitness routine with the healthy offerings at the NM cafes, Derreck has lost more than 40 pounds. He feels more confident and energetic, enabling him to be a better father, husband and employee.

Rosalina and Derreck are proof that better habits like prioritizing healthier eating and physical activity can do wonders for your physical, emotional and mental well-being. At Northwestern Mutual, we make it easier than ever for our employees to set and achieve their personal goals through our lifestyle benefits.

Learn more about the benefits we offer by visiting our Culture page.

This October, we are celebrating Disability Awareness month with our disABILITY Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG) to honor the incredible contributions of individuals with disabilities in our workplace. Hear from three employees as they discuss how this ERG has positively impacted the culture and community here at NM.  

What does being a member of the disABILITY Alliance ERG mean to you?  

“Being a member of the Disability Alliance ERG has been pivotal in my growth here at Northwestern Mutual. It has allowed me to become more involved in the enterprise, meet people in other areas of the business that I would have otherwise never met, and it has also allowed me to pursue my passion of giving back to others and volunteering in the community.” --Katherine   

“I've been a member and board member of the Disability Alliance ERG for close to six years. Being an active member has really helped deepen my understanding of the challenges and unique strengths brought by those with visible and non-visible disabilities, as well as understanding different ways that we can reduce the stigma around talking about mental health. As an ally, I've really gained a deeper appreciation for the perspectives of those around me and how that's changed me as a person and as a leader here at NM.” --Chris 
 

How has the DA-ERG impacted the culture and community of Northwestern Mutual? 

“As with any ERG, the impact that we get to make is endless. We get to see people with all abilities come together in events and meetings, share who they are authentically, and become allies and work together to find ways to make NM an inclusive environment for all abilities. It's an evolution that encourages the NM community to never settle and always strive for more.” --Katherine   

“This ERG has helped make NM a more inclusive place for people of all abilities. Not only has the ERG advocated for improvements to our physical workplace environment to make it more accessible, but they have also created safe spaces for people to discuss difficult topics with others who are going through similar situations. Whether you have a disability yourself, are a caregiver for someone with disabilities, or a strong ally, this ERG provides a supportive community for all.”  --Caitlin 

How does NM allow you to show up as your authentic self?  

“For the last 33 years, I have lived with type 1 diabetes and I've always been an advocate for those with disabilities. Thanks to the Disability Alliance ERG and NM’s culture, I get to fully show up as Kathy, project manager, marketing professional, ally, advocate, and somebody who happens to live with a disability. I get to bring my unique perspective and skills to a job that allows me to contribute to meaningful work. I feel very lucky that I don't have to leave any part of myself at the door. --Katherine 

“I absolutely love that I can come to work every day and feel like I don't have to be a different person and that “home me” and “work me” can coexist. People here genuinely care about each other as humans, and I've made some of my best friends for life here. I feel like I can be open and vulnerable, and that's not something you find at every company.” --Caitlin  

Can you share a memorable experience/success story that you have with the DA-ERG? 

“I was volunteering at a DA-ERG event, and I met an individual who was legally blind. We were discussing with the audience their perceptions of what a blind person could achieve. During the event, this individual shared pictures of incredibly detailed Lego cities they had built—just by feeling the bumps on the Legos. Their work was amazing and left the audience in awe. I'll never forget how taken aback everyone was; I truly believe perspectives were changed that day.” --Chris  

Here at Northwestern Mutual, we are committed to creating a culture that allows every employee to bring their unique perspective to work every day. We are proud of all the work our eight award winning ERGs do to create this community of inclusion and belonging.  

When the time came for him and his husband to start their family, the couple knew they had options. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, they came to the decision that surrogacy would be the best path for them. 

However, they quickly realized how challenging this pathway would be. 

Financial Support for Growing His Family 

After doing their own research about the high costs involved with surrogacy, Ryan knew that he and his husband wouldn’t be able to do this on their own. Luckily, the chance to receive financial assistance came in 2021, after NM announced that surrogacy benefits would be available to employees.  

By covering 90% of the egg donor cost and providing financial support with legal fees, their dream of becoming a family was starting to look more real. Through an egg donor bank and after finding a wonderful surrogate, Ryan and his husband were one step closer to bringing their new child into the world.  

Using Northwestern Mutual’s Benefits to Enjoy Fatherhood  

On February 5, 2023, their daughter Sage was finally born, and Ryan’s dream of having a family of his own had been fulfilled.  

Eager to spend time with his daughter and ease into the journey of fatherhood, Ryan became deeply grateful for the additional benefits that were provided even after Sage was born. At NM, we provide eligible employees with 12 consecutive weeks of 100% paid parental leave to ensure that parents have the time to put the care and well-being of their family first.  

“It doesn't just stop at the surrogacy, it was the flexibility, the paternity leave that was so amazing.” says Ryan.  "I can't thank NM enough for giving us this gift. I feel incredibly supported and grateful to be part of a company that values family and inclusivity.”  

Providing surrogacy benefits is just one of the many ways that Northwestern Mutual supports employees as their families continue to grow and prosper. For more information on our benefits, visit our culture page.   

There are two award-winning internship programs at Northwestern Mutual: the corporate summer internship and the college financial representative internship. Both are incredible opportunities for students looking to develop their careers and join our community.

Let’s set the record straight on what these two internships offer.

The Corporate Summer Internship Program

Taking place in our beautiful home office in the city of Milwaukee and our New York office, the corporate internship is a traditional program, providing students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with talented mentors and collaborate on real projects that impact the business.

This program is designed so that each intern collaborates with a team that aligns to their studies and career goals, while also ensuring that each intern feels like they are making a real impact with the work they are doing. The best part?  Whether you’re interested in tech, marketing, law, finance, or another subject, there’s an internship to match any passion you might have.  

Starting with two full days of orientation and team building, interns are introduced to their teams to begin their 10 weeks of project work, professional development, networking, and mentoring. At the end of the summer, interns present their work at an Intern Showcase Event and have an opportunity to be honored at an End of Summer Celebration.

The College Financial Representative Internship Program  

Hosted across 77 local Northwestern Mutual firms across the country, this is an incredible opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about what it takes to become a financial advisor to people within their local community.

During this internship, students are introduced to a modern, flexible curriculum that teaches foundational knowledge of building and serving a client base, with the opportunity to skill-build, practice, and apply what they have learned. This isn't a traditional internship program—it's a chance to gain real-world experience by building your own financial representative business from the ground up.  Interns benefit from an outstanding development opportunity with award-winning training, mentorship from seasoned advisors, and continuous support from leadership.

This program is designed as a learning experience for interns, providing a glimpse into the life of a full-time financial representative , with high performing interns being offered a full-time position. 

With 35% of NM’s leaders being former interns, both of our internship programs have proven to be a true talent pipeline. We can't wait to see how many more leaders will emerge from it.

Interested in applying? Learn more about our Corporate Internship and our College Financial Representative Internship Program.

How has your involvement in the Hispanic ERG (H-ERG) impacted your personal and professional growth? 

“Being a member of the H-ERG has really helped me in my own professional journey. When I started at NM, I was very early on in my professional career and I was new to doing things like public speaking, leading meetings, leading projects, a lot of things. And so joining the board of the H-ERG gave me an avenue to work on those things and execute them and bring them back to my own team. So it's been a major part of my own professional journey and I'm so grateful to have been on the board of the H-ERG for the last four years… my leadership has just been incredibly supportive of everything I'm involved with in the Hispanic ERG, and that's a great feeling.” --Breanna  

“Being a member of the Hispanic ERG means the absolute world to me. I get to work with great folks who not only advocate for themselves, they advocate for others in the community. I get to be in a location with other members who come from similar backgrounds, similar culture, similar tradition, that helps me battle the stigma of imposter syndrome. It breaks down the feelings of isolation. 

“Networking and meeting various people on various levels, hearing different career paths and journeys, helps me to mold my own. I also have had a connection with these fine folks on a personal level where it makes things more exciting to come into work.” --Marco 
 

How has NM supported you in expressing your cultural identity? 

“I've been able to express my identity at Northwestern Mutual by being able to dress for my day Everybody knows about dress for your day. So I'm out here wearing my guayaberas. I'm out here wearing my Chivas jersey I'm doing what I love to.” --Cristofer 

“I've never felt my time here that I've had to hide my identity or not bring my authentic self. Not only through the support for the ERGs that NM provides, but the work culture here has been embedded into the environment. It makes me feel comfortable not having to have to hide myself or water down my identity. I feel like I can express myself and be my authentic self, thanks to not only the resources and the space, but the encouragement to do so.” --Marco  

Are there Hispanic ERG activities that have been particularly meaningful to you?  

“We collaboratively worked with the African-American ERG and PRIDE ERG and focused on how we can work together on our utilization of AI's functionality, how you can use it to wordsmith your professional goals and development, and we had the outlook from HR folks going over some do's and don'ts and how to utilize that, what to look for, how to be careful when using the AI. I love it because of the collaborative efforts.” --Marco 

“An effort that I've really enjoyed has been the spotlight on Hispanic talent in our H-ERG Slack channel. We get to see all those great accomplishments when people get promoted and have personal accomplishments or reach milestones on projects. So it's really cool that we all get to celebrate that together and get to see what people at all different levels of the company are doing.” --Breanna 

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe that when employees are able to bring their authentic selves to work every day, we build a more creative, engaging and collaborative culture. Learn more about our culture of belonging.  

This type of cultural transformation could not happen without employees like Ruth.     

“I’m so proud of this company for remaining true to its values for more than 160 years,” says Ruth. “While our core values haven’t changed, how we express those values and bring them to life does change and transform, which is how it should be.” 

As an art and workspace consultant, Ruth manages NM’s art collection and art program and focuses on workspace change management. She works on both sides of the workspace equation: She creates a vibrant, inspirational work environment through different art pieces, while also finding ways in which our employees can be successful through their workspace.   

Through this role, Ruth has managed to find different ways of expressing NM’s culture and values through art experiences and the environment on our campuses.  

Building community and culture  

Ruth’s career journey at NM has allowed her to take part in many memorable projects that have had a significant impact on our campus experience.  

From welcoming people back to campus after the pandemic and to showcasing artwork from local and national fine artists, she has had the unique opportunity of working with teams across our organization to incorporate NM’s culture and values into every project she touches.  

By being able to blend her passion for the art world with her communication skills and business acumen, Ruth has been able to help build a community here at NM, while also helping to transform our company in ways that support our goals and values.  

Follow the vision, not the path  

When she took over the art program, Ruth knew that to be successful in this role she would need to challenge the status quo. As she looked for inspiration, Ruth focused on a key Northwestern Mutual value: Go above and beyond what has been done before.  

With that in mind, Ruth started to develop art programs and lead tours of our Milwaukee and New York campuses that enable our employees to learn more about the stories and inspiration behind the artwork.  

These programs and tours have not only educated us about NM’s culture but also helped us gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work for a company that prioritizes its employees and the physical space in which they work.   

“We want people to feel reflected in the environment and to use the art that surrounds us to build meaningful connections. The artwork compliments the design of our space and sends signals about the care and the thought that we put into every inch of our campuses,” says Ruth. “And because artwork is very personal, it prompts people to connect to each other and Northwestern Mutual in ways that are authentic and meaningful to them on their own terms.”  

Ruth’s dedication has helped create spaces that not only inspire creativity and collaboration but also foster a deep sense of community and belonging. Her journey at NM is a great example of how our employees are essential in transforming our culture and expressing our values.  

Four 2024 interns reflect on their corporate internship 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 valuable  

“As an intern, it's nice to get this kind of corporate experience because I've never really had any job experience at this level. At NM specifically, at least in the Milwaukee office, I’ve found that the culture is almost like a community . And I know every company says that, but it really rings true here, especially with all of the opportunities you have to meet and bond with other people.”  

Katie, Marketing Intern  

“This internship gives you really good experience in a lot of different ways. On my team, management wants to hear my input because they want to hear a different perspective, and that's a very valuable experience because there's 25-year industry professionals asking me questions and giving me feedback, which I've never gotten before.” 

Dawson, Public Investments - Credit Investment Intern 

On skills needed to achieve success  

“I think teamwork and communication skills are really important. Within my own work, I am doing some independent tasks, but I am also collaborating with my coworkers. I have learned that have a good team dynamic. Leaving a positive impression as an intern involves not only having strong professional skills but also being able to communicate and collaborate effectively with your team.”  

Madison, Software Engineer Intern  

On lessons learned 

“One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is really understanding what you want to achieve, and for me that's understanding what's necessary to be successful. I’ve learned that it depends on two things: how committed you are, and what you take away from completing tasks. Being committed, means that you’re willing to go above and beyond every day, which is part of the culture NM has created. But beyond that, this internship has taught me to critically think about the next steps after completing work. I like to ask myself how this task/project is positively contributing to my team and what I can do to accelerate that process. It’s more than finishing tasks, it’s the constant learning that happens as you work through projects and challenges.” 

Danny, Investment Strategy Intern  

On a current project that is preparing you for future career 

“My first week, I wasn't expecting to do a lot. But my manager gave me a task that she was going to do herself, but she was like, "Why don't I let you take this on so that you can get that experience?" Essentially the project required me to build a landing page within the CMS for NM.com. At first, I was like, "What is that? I don't know how to do that. I've never done that before." But my manager was nice, and she helped me through that process and gave me that creative freedom to develop the page how I saw fit and how I thought the user would like to see it. Seeing how the whole process works was super interesting, and it taught me to have patience. The results of your work might not be seen right away, but that's all part of the process, and this lesson is something that I know will apply to any job that I have in the future.”  

Katie, Marketing Intern 

Interested in learning more? 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.   

“I got out of the car at the hospital and was crying out loud in the worst pain,” Matt said. 

The hospital staff wheeled Matt to a room where they gave him pain medication and performed a scan. The results revealed a gallstone that needed to be surgically removed immediately. 

“During surgery they discovered my gallbladder developed gangrene and it was attacking me from the inside. If I had waited any longer, it would have killed me.” 

The surgery was successful. Matt stayed in the hospital for a couple of days before he was discharged to recover at home. 

A supportive team puts your mind at ease 

Others in Matt’s position may be plagued with questions about how they’d afford their hospital bills or if they’d continue to receive an income while recovering from surgery. With his supportive NM team and the company’s health insurance and disability benefits, Matt’s mind was at ease. 

The night before surgery, when the pain began, Matt messaged his manager to tell her he wasn’t doing well and to check in on him in the morning – which she did. 

“I explained to her I needed surgery, and that I didn’t know when I’d be back. She wrote back to say, ‘take care of yourself, I’ll take care of work’ – which took a huge weight off my shoulders.” 

Paycheck protection for health emergencies 

NM provides disability benefits at no cost to eligible employees who cannot work for an extended period due to a disability. Because of this, Matt didn’t worry about work or money while he recovered. 

“For her to say, ‘I’ve got this, don't worry about it,’ that's all you want to hear. It was the biggest deal to me.” 

Matt is also thankful to have NM health insurance to cover much of the cost of his hospital bills. 

“Having insurance is such a huge deal. Without it, I could have lost my house.” 

Now healed from his surgery and feeling better than ever, Matt wishes he could tell his past self one thing. “Don’t wait to seek care. As Northwestern Mutual employees, we have insurance and it’s there for a reason. Your health is more important than anything else.” 

Health emergencies happen. NM’s short-term disability insurance, which is offered free for all full- and part-time employees, ensures that when they do, you have one less thing to worry about. For more information on our benefits, visit our Culture page. 

“This was something I was already interested in and have seen influencers do to help with recovery. I wasn’t sure it was for someone like me, but figured it couldn’t hurt to try,” Lauren said. 

Expert support for an active pregnancy 

Lauren booked an appointment with Sara and was surprised at what she learned. 

“I thought everything we’d be doing would be preparing for postpartum. It was interesting to learn all the things you can do now to prevent some of pregnancy’s aches and pains.” 

Sara gave Lauren a comprehensive pregnancy workout plan, which changes for each month of pregnancy. The guide offers two workouts each week and suggests doing a moderate-intensity workout for a third day. It includes common exercises like squats, deadlifts and chest presses, while focusing on important attributes like core stability and balance. 

Lauren continued to see Sara until her due date and plans to resume her sessions postpartum to help restore her pelvic floor. 

Using Northwestern Mutual’s benefits to prepare for parenthood 

Lauren also used Northwestern Mutual benefits in other ways to prepare her body and mind for parenthood. She found a pregnancy coach who called her to check in on several items like her overall preparedness for birth and postpartum, and her mental health. 

“I think people forget about some of the mental components of pregnancy. It was helpful to have that second check.” 

She also used a health app to monitor her baby's weekly development and gain insights into the milestones and changes expected during each stage of pregnancy. 

Overall, Lauren was thankful for to have comprehensive benefits through her pregnancy. 

“There’s so much information out there about pregnancy, birth and parenthood, whether it’s good or bad. I’m thankful to have had medical professionals to consult with at work and feel much more prepared than my friends who don’t have access to these resources. 

Prenatal and postpartum benefits are just one of the many ways Northwestern Mutual helps employees take care of their health and families. For more information on our benefits, visit our Culture page. 

We chatted with three former CSRs who provided insight into how their experience opened doors to other roles within the business and how the skills they learned set them up for success.  

Why was starting as a client service representative a good stepping stone for your long-term career path at NM? 

Marisa, Client Care Coach Spec 

I started as a CSR in January 2022 and I am currently a client care coach specialist, working in the underwriting contact center on the learning and development team. I am responsible for training and coaching new hires and other experienced CSRs. In my experience, starting as a CSR has proved to be a great pathway to other positions at NM. Every day you talk to a variety of different departments, which helps  you form connections, understand the variety of roles, and see the opportunity for personal and professional growth . The managers really try to set you up for success. If there's a department you'd like to learn about, then they'll set up a job shadow or a meet and greet so you can learn more. It's a unique opportunity that gives you plenty of future options. 

How do you believe your experience as a client service representative prepared you for the challenges you face in your current role?   

Patrick, Field Share Services Wealth Ops Sr. Specialist  

You can solve simple and abstract problems, but you also learn that you don't have to know everything. I’ve learned how to ask for help and lean on others who may know more than me. You also get to learn from  our financial representatives,, not only getting a glimpse into their role in the business, but also  building trust in every interaction. Also, you learn how to collaborate as a team. Being in the office, I learned so much from everyone around me and listening to other people take phone calls and learning from their experience and mistakes.  

What was the biggest learning/key take away you gained while working as a CSR? 

Marlon, Case Management Sr Spec 

Empathy opens the door. Showing empathy is showing our financial representatives that you are actively listening to their concerns. And you’re not only addressing the solution, but you’re also addressing how they may feel about their relationship with NM. And a lot of times on challenging calls, a simple apology on behalf of NM, I apologize for this experience, may really help you establish key relationships for the long haul. I’ve learned that it’s my job to make it right and to get their ship on the right track.  

Can you name a specific instance in your current role in which you had to lean on the skills you learned at your previous role as a CSR? 

Marisa, Client Care Coach Spec 

I learned a lot of skills as a CSR, but the most important lesson that I still use to this day would be communicating and learning when and how to flex my communication style. At first, when I was on the phones, I approached it by thinking about how I would want to be helped if the roles were reversed, but I learned that this doesn’t apply to everyone since people are very unique and different. So, you must change your communication style to help different people on calls. Now I apply this to my own role by having to flex when I'm training people and coaching them. Since everybody likes to be coached differently and everybody learns information differently, I really had to learn who that individual is so I can help them become better at their position. 

Interested in becoming a client services representative and beginning your career path at NM? Check out our open positions and apply today.  

As a workplace that encourages people to bring their whole selves into work, we know what it means to empower our employees. We believe the best way for us to support our employees is by prioritizing every aspect of their health.  

But how do we provide this support? By providing the best resources for our people to address their physical, mental, and emotional needs and contribute to their overall well-being.  

How We Help You Maintain Your Physical Health  

Moving your body throughout the day doesn’t need to be complicated.  

On-Site Fitness Centers: By offering an onsite fitness center in Milwaukee and Franklin, we bring fitness to the workspace with services designed to help you support your health and wellness goals. Not only are these centers accessible 24/7, but they are also equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and offer a variety of group exercise classes.  

Mutual Health Centers: We know that sickness and injuries are all too common. That is why we have made it easy to access healthcare professionals with our Mutual Health Centers in Milwaukee, Franklin, and New York. Offering preventative care and chronic condition management, our providers and staff provide an integrated approach to support our employees’ overall well-being.   

How We Help You Maintain Your Mental Health  

Most people think that mental health only needs to be addressed when we are going through a crisis. But we know that’s not true. We understand that mental health directly impacts our overall health and needs to be treated with the same importance of any physical injury.  

Lyra Health: A leading provider of emotional and behavioral health support, Lyra is designed to help employees and their families manage their mental well-being in a way that’s tailored to their specific needs. By designing personalized programs, Lyra is reaching people in the times, places, and ways that feel right for them and their schedules. Not to mention Lyra offers eight free in-person therapy sessions, virtual coaching, and a vast library of self-care resources.  

On-Site Mental Health Professionals: We understand the importance of offering mental health support for our employees and their families at a location that is local and familiar to them. This is why we offer accessible mental and behavioral health services on our onsite Mutual Health Center in Milwaukee or Franklin.  

Support With Everyday Tasks: To support our people with the stressors of daily tasks, we also offer free lunch at our Milwaukee and Franklin locations, along with a free concierge service that offers to run errands, buy tickets, make reservations and complete any task you need so you can spend your free time doing more of things you love.  

How We Help You Maintain Your Emotional Health  

Your surroundings and the relationships you cultivate can significantly impact your emotional well-being at work. This is why we have taken certain measures to ensure that our people have every opportunity to establish friendships, while also enjoying our workspaces. 

Employee Resource Groups: Our eight award-winning Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play an important role in fostering a culture of belonging by building community and supporting career growth through networking, professional development and community service initiatives. Beyond these contributions, ERGs add tremendous value to our company by driving innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and improving business outcomes. Their efforts help us attract and retain top talent, create a more inclusive workplace, and ultimately contribute to our overall success. 

Almost half of NM employees are involved in at least one ERG, underscoring the significant role these groups play in strengthening a supportive and inclusive environment. Across the enterprise, there are eight employee groups: African American, Asian, disABILITY Alliance, Generations, Hispanic, PRIDE, Military Veterans, and Women’s ERGs. Employees can join an ERG even if they don’t identify as a member of a particular group – everyone is welcome and everyone can benefit.  

Inspiring Spaces: When people come to work, we want them to step into an open and warm space that makes them feel happy and at peace. With floor to ceiling windows offering ample natural light, outdoor green spaces to enjoy in the spring and summer, and original artwork displayed throughout our buildings, we create a tranquil environment that our employees value for their emotional well-being.  

We understand the twists and turns that life can bring, and we know that this can make it difficult for you to focus on yourself. At Northwestern Mutual, we are committed to providing our people with the best resources and care they need to bring their best selves to work.  

We recently heard from several employees at our internal WISE Women’s Summit – attended by over 2,400 employees live and virtually -- on how to stay true to yourself, how to take advantage of the people around you who are willing to invest in you, and how to use the resources in front of you to build your career over time. All to ensure you are seen, valued, and heard.  

On building relationships  

Sheila, Lead Product Manager 

It's so important to make your presence known. When you’re at the table, ask questions, have conversations with people outside of meetings, set up coffees, let people around you know what your interests are and what your aspirations are. That’s how you build those relationships that are critical to helping you in your career.  

On advocating for yourself and creating an environment you can thrive in 

Kindle, Assistant Director Systems Engineering 

This was a very hard lesson for me to learn, and I’m still working on it, but you are responsible for actively participating in creating the environment that you need to succeed. You have to be authentic in order to do that. What I mean by that, is when you’re in a meeting and someone talks over you, or someone makes you feel like an “other,” you have to speak up. It’s your responsibility to advocate for yourself and to have those hard conversations. And slowly but surely it becomes a little bit easier, it’s not as uncomfortable, and you’ll have the environment you need to succeed because the stuff that makes you pause, the stuff that makes you feel bad, isn’t going to be there as much anymore. 

On overcoming the fear of being different 

Monali, Assistant Director Software Engineering 

I was born and brought up in India. And when I was a 7th grader, I encountered computers for the first time. I was so fascinated by them, that then and there I decided I wanted a career in computers. But when I was starting out I was the only girl. Then later, after moving to London and then United States after that, I still remained different. I was from India, I was a different color, a different ethnicity, a woman. And coming to work was frightening for me. But I had a leader who recognized I wasn’t being myself, that I was afraid, and he told me “you’re doing well, you can’t doubt yourself.” And having that mentor gave me the courage to keep going and overcome that fear. I knew I was there for a reason and the relationships I built around me at work helped me find courage.  

On finding unexpected allies and mentors 

Jessica, Standards & Governance Senior Specialist 

In my first “real job” I often found myself in spaces where people didn’t think I had a lot of credibility. I felt like my coworkers were wondering what could I bring to the table, and what could I do for them that they didn’t already know how to do. So I took advantage of mentorship opportunities. I was paired with the longest-serving research analyst at the organization. He was brilliant, he knew everything about everything, and he knew that he had indispensable skills. What he taught me was the importance of having a skill that nobody can take from you and nobody can replicate. You can find allies in unexpected places. Take as much as you can in those moments until you’re the expert. I no longer feel like an “other,” I feel like I have something unique to bring.  

On asking for help and advocating for yourself  

Margaret, Senior Director Investment Operations 

I was working in Investment Operations when my young son was in daycare, and it was really difficult for me. Kids get sick, kids need you, and I couldn’t be available for him and for my job 8 hours out of the day. I spoke to my boss – you have to have a good relationship with your leader – and I said “why can’t you give me the option to work from home?” This was before Covid, so obviously he said no to that. But then I suggested taking a computer home for short stints while I was picking up my son, or when he was sick. And because I could demonstrate that my quality of work wasn’t suffering, this option worked out for everybody. You have to be bold, step up and ask for help.  

Be Intentional in Creating Relationships  

Pasqualina M. – Treasury Risk Investment Ops Analytics & Data Intern 

Meeting people is a huge part of working here at Northwestern Mutual. Take time to form relationships with coworkers, especially with those in the same department. Also connecting with other interns going through a corporate internship gives you a network of people at the same career stage as you.  

It’s Okay to Make Mistakes 

James D. – Tech + Strategic Information Intern 

You’re not going to get everything right the first time. There will be many times when you will have to learn the hard way. Stay humble, remain confident and use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Try Something New 

Nathan P. – Campus Experiences & Events Intern 

Be open-minded to trying different projects and roles. Before coming here, I had a really straightforward mindset of my career after college. But after meeting people and learning about their career journeys, I’ve realized career paths are meant to be diverse and that's how you build your experiences and business acumen.  

Embrace Opportunities for Improvement 

Johanna M.B. – Human Resources Intern 

Know your weaknesses and not just your strengths. As interns, that's important because if you’re only aware of your skills, you’ll fail to improve on your weaknesses, which can be great areas of opportunities.  

Create Work Life Balance 

Kyra S. – Talent Brand Intern 

Have open conversations with your manager about workload; if too much or too little or just enough – it’s important to have those conversations. Having that open relationship helps them understand where you’re at and maintain a healthy balance. No one expects you to work beyond a 40-hour work week and, in fact, you’re encouraged not to.  

The Value of a Northwestern Mutual Internship 

Our interns gain meaningful experience working on real projects, learning from smart and passionate people. With so many opportunities to learn, grow and stay, Northwestern Mutual is a great jump start for your career. 

We offer paid internship opportunities across a variety of career interests, including tech, marketing, finance, underwriting and more. For more information, check out our NM Internships | Northwestern Mutual Careers page.   

Dress to Impress  

When you look good, you feel good. For a virtual interview, dress just as you would if you were interviewing onsite. Studies show that dressing for an interview can raise our confidence in the interview itself. When picking out your attire, don’t be afraid to pick out an item that will uplift your mood and choose a color that will energize you. 

Don’t just think about your attire but the space around you too. If possible, try to make sure the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter. On your desk space itself, we recommend keeping your resume, a notepad and a pen or pencil on hand.  

Practice Makes Perfect  

In the days leading up to the interview, look up common interview questions that align with the type of role that you're targeting, and practice your answers. Run through your answers a few times until they start to feel natural. Take time to practice with trusted colleagues or friends outside of work. Ask them to give you candid feedback about your appearance and eye contact.  

Testing 1, 2, 3 

Let’s face it, virtual interviews can come with a lot of technological variables. Take time beforehand to ensure your internet connection is stable and that your computer’s audio and webcam are working. We use Zoom for most of our interviews, so you’ll want to ensure whatever device you’re using is compatible and downloaded to your computer. 

Just as you would show up 10 minutes early to an onsite interview, plan to join the virtual interview a few minutes before the scheduled time. Doing so will give you a second to breathe and get into a positive mindset before the interview starts.  

Think About Body Language  

While eye contact is important, it comes across differently when communicating through computers. Position the camera so that you’re looking up slightly and centered at the screen. Avoid looking directly at your interviewer on the screen while answering a question. Instead, when you speak, direct your gaze at the webcam to align with the interviewer’s eyes. When listening, you can look back at the screen. Don’t be shy about using hand and face gestures to show you are engaged.  

Throughout the interview, convey optimism with your body language. Ensure good posture by sitting in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Feet can be planted on the floor and arms can rest in your lap or on the desk.  

You have passions and career ambitions. That’s why we want you to feel supported throughout your interview – and hiring journey – with Northwestern Mutual. Looking to learn more about what sets our company apart? Check out our Culture page.   

A working mother, Sarah, HR operations senior representative, was busy thinking of what she’d do when the kids were sleeping — she’d sneak downstairs, wash dishes and pack school lunches. She never made it to the kitchen that night. River unexpectedly started convulsing, eventually becoming unresponsive. 

“River’s eyes were open, but he wasn't looking at me. His left arm was convulsing — just tightening over and over.” 

What followed was a harrowing 911 call, an ambulance ride to the emergency room and a prescription for seizure rescue medication. But Sarah was disappointed that no testing was done that night. She was plagued with questions about River’s condition. Does he have epilepsy? What part of his brain is impacted? What treatments might be effective? Sarah set out to find answers and get River on a path to better health and stability. 

Searching for—and finding—answers with NM benefits 

Sarah already had a better than average understanding of epilepsy, as her brother Michael was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child. Following his emergency room visit, Sarah finally saw the results from River’s first diagnostic test were available in his online medical records. She was again disappointed with the lack of interaction from his care team. 

“I saw the results, but I didn't understand what any of it meant. It was like a foreign language. I expected that his neurologist would call me to discuss the results. But the call never came.” 

Meanwhile, River’s seizures continued. Fearful for her son’s life and searching for a medical team that took his epilepsy seriously, Sarah found information on Teladoc Medical Experts benefit available through her NM benefits package. Despite her skepticism about whether it would be worth it, Sarah initiated a case for River. 

Shortly after, Sarah was connected with Drs. Long and Hartman. The two physicians worked diligently to gather River’s complete medical history. They asked Sarah several questions previous providers never asked, including details about her pregnancy and delivery. 

Ultimately their analysis improved Sarah’s understanding of her son’s condition and led to new treatment options for River. 

Feeling grateful and hopeful for the future 

Knowing her family’s journey with epilepsy isn’t complete, Sarah’s grateful to work for a company that offers several life-changing benefits. 

"I feel really proud to be part of a company that's focused on providing options for our employees' diverse healthcare needs. I've never been employed by a company that has offered so many healthcare options." 

No matter what the future holds, Sarah is breathing more easier knowing supportive healthcare providers exist and she’s not alone in her journey to achieve a seizure-free life for her son. 

What initially sparked your interest in a trade career at Northwestern Mutual?  

I’ve always liked fixing things and working with my hands, doing things like hooking up security cameras or working with HVAC. But I also like working with computers too. I have a degree in computer and electronic engineering. As a Building Automation Systems apprentice, I’m able to have the best of both worlds. 

Joining Northwestern Mutual was a familiar choice. My dad was an engineer. He worked here for over 30 years. Everyone who I work with here knows my dad, so when I started it was like I was one of the crew already. They would tell me stories about my dad or show me pictures from when he was younger. And I’m like, "He still has the same mustache." 

You mentioned you’re an apprentice. Can you tell us more about what that means? 

Northwestern Mutual created its own apprentice program for those interested in becoming journeypersons. The way it works is that you go to school part-time, and then work at NM. So, if for that semester you’re in school eight hours a week, then you have to work 32 hours. Northwestern Mutual partners with a local school and they pay for the classes that I take through the program.  

The classes give you a basic understanding of what could arise, like the power is off on the other side of the building, so the HVAC doesn't work. With the learning material, you get a background of what you should do to fix it or how to troubleshoot. So, when you come into work the next day and something goes wrong, you're like “Oh, I just had that in class. I can go check these three things.” The apprenticeship usually lasts around four years. Once I finish my training hours and pass the necessary classes then I’ll be a Building Automation Systems technician. 

What are the key job responsibilities and duties of someone working in this space? 

We support a few areas, including the security cameras around campus, employee badge functionality, HVAC, fire systems and more. When I come into work, my first step is usually to check that all the systems are online. I make sure there are no major alarms going off or any urgent needs. Then I look to see if there are any work orders and complete those. From there, I’m on-call for any requests that come in real time. No two days look the same, which is exciting. There’s always something new to learn.  

What has it been like to work at Northwestern Mutual? 

This industry, as a whole, is very male dominated. People don't really think about who is running the building behind the scenes, and ensuring lights, power, and everything else involved is operating properly. So, when I answer calls or go to my classes, I’m often met with surprise that I'm a woman. 

And coming here, I knew from my dad what the culture would be like, but as one of the only women working in the trades, I still felt a little hesitant of what my work experience would be like. Since joining, I’ve felt recognized not just as a woman but as a trades professional who knows her stuff. 

In my classes there's only one other woman. She just started taking classes. Instantly, I thought how great it was to see another woman. When I connected with her, I even said “Just stick with it. It might seem hard at first, but you can get through it.” 

What makes you want to continue your career at Northwestern Mutual? 

I think the people. And the idea that you can move around in the company. I hear a lot of people moving around and creating their own career path. If I don't want to stay in this exact role for the rest of my career, I know that I can go elsewhere within the company because there are so many different functions and areas for opportunity. 

How did you decide to pursue a career in underwriting at Northwestern Mutual? 

In 2011, I had finished my undergrad, but like many new grads, I didn't know what I wanted to do. At the time, my dad recommended looking at Fortune 100 companies, including Northwestern Mutual. I applied and was hired in the call center. 

I took that entry-level job not knowing where it would go, not even really knowing what life insurance was, but I knew this was a big, well-known company and it would be a great place to start my career. Eventually, as my knowledge and skillset grew, I applied for and was hired as an underwriter. I’ve been able to find my niche in underwriting and am so grateful that I changed careers – and that Northwestern Mutual supported me along the way.

What’s it like to be an underwriter at Northwestern Mutual? 

It's a lot of fun! There is so much to learn and know. When making assessments, we look at a person’s medical history and financial assets and then use that to gauge insurability. It’s a balance of getting the most coverage at the lowest cost for our prospective client, but also making the right choice for our underwriting standards and quality to protect the company and current clients. 

What do you personally like about underwriting? 

This job doesn’t just keep me busy, it’s also engaging. I could do this for another 10 years and still feel challenged. As an underwriter, you're always learning something new. You’ll feel like you've seen it all and then you get this never-seen-before medical history that comes up, or they start using new drugs to treat conditions in new ways. You're always piecing together different puzzle pieces to get an overall picture.  

Did you come into the role with medical and financial knowledge or were you trained? 

Most people come into underwriting with varying backgrounds and different levels of financial, tax and medical knowledge. But Northwestern Mutual has it’s own 12-month, comprehensive training model to prepare all underwriters. The learning process is very gradual and my training team was great, so I felt prepared when it was time for me to start underwriting my own cases.  

How does Northwestern Mutual prioritize underwriting? 

Northwestern Mutual began as a life insurance company. We’ve since evolved into other business areas, but underwriting has always been at the heart of everything we do. In my role as an underwriter, I make sure that we're protecting the company's mortality on the premium so we can give dividends back to the policy holders. I know the work is needed and the company does a good job of letting us know that our work is valued, that we are valued.  

How does Northwestern Mutual support your career? Are there opportunities for advancement or professional development? 

This career vertical is expansive, which means there are a lot of possibilities to grow and evolve your role. For those passionate about underwriting, you can continue taking on more and more complex cases. There are also opportunities to step out of the day-to-day underwriting role by assisting underwriters in a different capacity. Whether that be consulting on cases where you have special subject matter expertise, or joining our learning and development team where you can train new underwriters, there are many paths you can take. 

The company is also very invested in professional development. Northwestern Mutual supports you in getting your licensing, such LOMAs or ALUs. They even encourage educational opportunities to gain additional knowledge and get accreditations as well. 

Why is Northwestern Mutual the place you want to keep growing your career? 

I like Northwestern Mutual as a company, and they've been good to me. I also believe they have a good product. When comparing our product offerings to other insurance companies, we’ve always had the best. We're a team collectively working together to provide life-changing coverage for real people.  

For more information on underwriting career opportunities, visit our underwriting page.   

For Wisconsin-based employees, Northwestern Mutual’s onsite restaurant offers free lunch to employees or “customers” every day. But, in 2020 as the pandemic spread, the majority of employees shifted to working from home. According to Reuters, during the pandemic, restaurant workers accounted for more than a quarter of the 22 million layoffs. Yet, at NM we wanted to defy this statistic by using our restaurant space and retaining our people safely. 

While employees have largely returned to campus and our onsite restaurant operations have resumed, the resiliency of our restaurant teams during that time left a lasting impression. Learn how we created new opportunities for our restaurant employees during the pandemic. 

From Serving Employees to Serving the Community 

In the early days of the pandemic, our restaurant had a unique opportunity to give back and support our local Milwaukee community by providing meals to those in need. We provided more than 6,500 meals between October 2020 and July 2021 to the COA Goldin Center in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. Not only did this initiative help those in need, but it also allowed us to keep our people working and kitchen running. 

A Chance for Recipe Creativity 

With restrictions in place and employees still working from home, our talented chefs didn't stop chef-ing. Instead, those not needed in the restaurant onsite saw an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen – at home. They spent their time experimenting with new recipes, exploring different cuisines, and perfecting dishes that would be incorporated into Northwestern Mutual’s menu once employees safely returned to campus.  

Normally, in non-pandemic times, Northwestern Mutual chefs are so busy ensuring smooth service that crafting new recipes can, quite literally, fall on the back burner. But in this case, our chefs were able to take a less than ideal situation and create positive and delicious outcomes.  

Testing Out New Roles in New Departments 

Knowing keeping our restaurant team was a priority, we had to think outside the box. Northwestern Mutual identified departments where there was a surge in demand and offered restaurant employees the opportunity to transfer their skills into a new role, client services, records management, paint shop, and more. By embracing this flexibility, we empowered our employees with new skills and experiences. The idea even proved to be a source of internal mobility with some employees electing to stay in their new roles rather than return to the restaurant once employees returned to campus. 

Getting Social Media Savvy Through Cooking Tutorials 

As our people began working from home, employees suddenly found themselves cooking more. Understanding this trend, our chefs decided to share their expertise and passion for food by filming cooking tutorials. Our talented chefs took to Slack channels and shared step-by-step guides on how to recreate a few of our signature dishes at home. This not only kept our restaurant experience in the minds of our people, but also allowed our chefs to stay connected with the customers who they were used to seeing every day.  

Every day, our restaurant looks to provide an exceptional dining experience. While the pandemic shifted our perception of what an exceptional dining experience can look like, we’re proud of our team's willingness to adapt to make a meaningful difference for our business and our community.  

Interested in a restaurant career at Northwestern Mutual? Check out our open positions or join our Talent Community. Search “restaurant” as an area of interest to find a role that matches your career aspirations.  

Between the applications, interviews and thank you notes – finding a new job can feel like a full-time job. But there are strategies and best practices that can make the job search work for you. Hear what five of our recruiters recommend candidates do to stand out in 2024: 

Network with Intention  

David, Sr Recruiting Specialist 

Know your objective going into the new year – whether that’s a new role or skill – and identify individuals who can help you.  If a common connection exists, ask someone in your network for an introduction.  Once connected, be authentic and genuine in your conversation. Continue to stay connected beyond your first interaction with those who align with your intentions. 

Remember, networking is a two-way street! Once the connection is established, offer help and value where you can.  

Tailor the Resume to the Role You’re Seeking  

Marriah, University Relations Recruiter 

Build your resume purposefully. This applies to all candidates, but especially those seeking internships. While it’s likely you have a lot of great, professional experience, try to include information related to the career you’re pursuing. And if you don’t have much relevant professional experience, add classes and school experience instead. If you have skills and software that match the needs of the role, put those at the top so it’s one of the first things a recruiter sees when reviewing. A resume that is clearly aligned to the internship and/or role, is a strong resume for a recruiter to review.  

Know Your Elevator Pitch 

Janae, Lead Technical Recruiter 

Take time to think about your elevator pitch, a 30-second pitch that answers the standard "tell me about yourself" question. Look up common interview questions that align with the type of role that you're targeting, and then practice your answers. Try writing them out and practicing with someone so that it becomes comfortable, and it just rolls off the tongue. Preparation builds confidence. And confidence is one of the main keys to interviewing. 

Let Your Personality Show 

Racheal, Senior Technical Recruiter

Don’t be afraid to bring your personality to the interview. Having authentic enthusiasm and passion behind your expertise can make a world of difference. An easy way to channel this is to use personal stories and examples to illustrate your points. It helps interviewers visualize the work you are doing and how you bring value to the business needs, and it lets them better understand what makes you, you.   

Don’t Forget the Thank You Note 

Ryan, Talent Acquisition Consultant 

It might seem old school, but it works. Crafting an email thanking your interviewer for their time is a great next step that separates you from other candidates. Use this note to drive home your interest in the role, emphasize how your skills can add value to the team, and address any topics you may not have had time for during your interview. Research shows only about 25% of interviewees send Thank You notes, and many hiring managers factor them in to their hiring decision.  

Bonus tip: Don’t have the interviewer’s email address? Send your note to the position’s Recruiter and they’ll get it into their inbox for you. 

Does your New Year’s Resolution include a new job? We’re adding new roles every day. Check out our open positions to find an opportunity that fits your interests. 

So, what was the key contributor to his steady rise? 

"The successes I've had at NM are because of the people," he said. "Culture and people are just as important as the technology. Every time I got an offer to move roles, I would think: Is this an opportunity where I get to enjoy working with people I like?" 

Rounding Out His Business Acumen 

Early on in his career, Ahmed had the opportunity to do a business rotation. Armed with a financial background, he spent time in NM’s business area of Managed Investments, which was eye-opening. 

"I was able to understand how our people viewed our technological systems. Like when things aren't working, it really impacts them," he said. "I built a lot of understanding and empathy for how connected technology can be to a positive employee experience.” 

"I started troubleshooting. Any minor enhancements that were needed, I did. Then I moved on to more complex problems." 

Leaning into his Trusted Circle 

Though he was being trained for a leadership position in Managed Investments, he decided to step out of his comfort zone and take a position delivering large corporate projects. 

"I thought it was time to start something new," Ahmed explained. "Not only was the job different and interesting, but there was also a good leader. That was the first time I leaned on my mentors and asked their advice." 

His corporate experience paired with technological expertise led to a job opportunity in NM’s Infrastructure function. 

"The theme that carries on in all of my work is starting at the operational level," he noted. "You learn a lot about what happens day-to-day. You understand the pain points. The philosophy I maintain is being very close to the work." 

Tech Has a Seat at the Table 

Ahmed is amazed at the technological changes he's seen at NM since the early 2000s. 

"The company had been somewhat of a laggard in their adoption of technology when I first started," he recalled. "There was process for the sake of process and resistance to change.” 

"Now I would put our tech on par with anybody. We went from a cost center to a place where technology is an equal, valued partner." 

A few years back, Ahmed ran into someone who had left Northwestern Mutual. The individual said he wouldn't come back because of the inferior technology at the company. 

Ahmed said everything had changed. There was more automation; Northwestern Mutual adopted the latest and greatest in languages. 

"When he interviewed with Northwestern Mutual, he could hardly believe it was the same company," Ahmed said. With little surprise, the employee came back. 

Looking ahead, Ahmed sees a bright future for technology at Northwestern Mutual. 

"At my level, when we have conversations about where we're investing, a lot will be in technology, whether it's our Client Experiences, Field Experiences, underwriting systems, investment systems or elsewhere," he said. "You want to drive deeper relationships with our clients. None of those priorities can be met without technology at the table." 

“They were looking for a woodworker to make some toys. Someone knew I had just gotten into woodworking and asked me to help,” Karen said. “The biggest thing for me was to give kids in need the opportunity to have something new.” 

Finding time to make a difference 

Fairly new to woodworking, Karen was tasked with handcrafting 250 toy cars, trucks, and helicopters. She knew the project would be rewarding, but it was far from easy. Cutting 1,000 wheels for the toy vehicles was the most time-consuming part. Karen was already balancing her full-time job and her role as a mom to two children, ages six and eight. Knowing that Northwestern Mutual provides 16 hours of Volunteer Time Off each year, Karen asked her leader if this project would qualify. 

“My manager easily approved my request,” Karen said. “This project probably took much more than 16 hours but having the ability to use Volunteer Time Off definitely helped me finish.” 

With the extra time off and the help of her husband and kids, Karen finished sanding and painting the vehicles in time to pack and ship them to children in Malawi, Africa. 

Carving a family tradition 

Karen's family enjoyed the experience so much that they agreed to participate again. Karen is thankful to have Volunteer Time Off to complete it. 

At Northwestern Mutual, employees use Volunteer Time Off for a variety of community-based initiatives: from chaperoning student field trips to working the polls on Election Day. Every year, full-time employees receive 16 hours of paid time to volunteer and give back to the community in addition to their current paid time off. It’s one of the many ways we support our people in making a positive difference.  

Concierge Service

We could all use an extra set of hands from time-to-time, especially during the holiday season. Our in-house concierge service does just that. NM’s concierge service helps employees with a variety of holiday preparation needs, including researching the perfect presents, shipping holiday cards to loved ones, and of course,  wrapping presents. For employees who travel during the holidays, our concierge can even research flight deals and shop for items on employees’ packing lists.

Holiday Lunch

For Wisconsin-based employees, Northwestern Mutual has offered free lunch every day for nearly 100 years. During the holidays, our chefs prepare special meals in November and December filled with seasonal favorites, such as braised short ribs, stuffing and carrot souffles.   

What’s even better? Our restaurant shares recipes, so employees can take meal ideas directly from our chefs and recreate them for their own family gatherings. 

Floating Holidays

We know that not all employees celebrate the same holidays. We also understand that some dates, such as a birthday or anniversary, may hold special significance for an employee. That’s why all NM employees receive two floating holidays to celebrate the occasions and events that are most important to them.

Mental Wellness
The extra demands during this time of year can create stressors that put our emotional wellness to the test. To keep the winter blues at bay, we offer several mental and emotional health programs for our people, including partnerships with Talkspace and Life Matters. Hear directly from one of our advisory services consultants,   to learn more about how these services create a meaningful difference for our people.

At Northwestern Mutual, we strive to give our employees the tools and resources needed so they can live full and balanced lives during the holidays, and beyond. For more information on our employee perks, check out our Culture page.

Based on age and other factors, Marisa also knew conceiving a child would be a challenge for her. Anxiety at the thought of paying for in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, weighed heavily on the couple. Marisa recalls a feeling of relief when she discovered that Progyny, a fertility and family building program, was included in Northwestern Mutual’s (NM) benefits.

“I was flipping through the benefits package. I saw fertility benefits and just started crying.”

With the help of NM’s unique and personal benefits package, Marisa and Chris used Progyny’s fertility benefits to pursue their dream of conceiving a child.

Making the most of their opportunity

Taking around five injections a day, the process that preceded her embryo transfer taxed Marisa physically and emotionally. At the end of the process, she and her husband were told they had one chance – only one embryo was viable.

“Whenever we would get down or frustrated, we would repeat our mantra of ‘all we need is one,’” Marisa said.

The doctor appointments, stress and tears were worth it when baby Julian was born on February 13, 2021.

“He keeps us rolling all day. We’re so happy to have him in our life. He is the light of our lives,” Marisa said.

Comprehensive support for parents

NM’s benefits package creates a network of support, ensuring employees and their families are taken care of now and in the future.

Marisa admits feeling “tremendously lucky” to work for a company that offers families financial assistance for IVF. She’s also thankful for NM’s ​​parental leave policy, which provides new parents up to ​12 weeks of paid time off ​to bond with their child(ren).

“I have several friends who have gone through some form of fertility treatment. None of them have employers that offer fertility assistance.”

Given that nearly 10% of people of reproductive age in the U.S. experience fertility problems, Marisa hopes sharing her story helps make the topic of infertility less taboo.

“It’s important to know what your resources are. Take the path that feels right to you and don’t feel ashamed about it.”

Fertility benefits are just one of the many ways Northwestern Mutual helps employees take care of their health and families. For more information on our benefits, visit our Culture page.

Her past screens were normal but this one revealed something concerning — dense breast tissue. 

“Sometimes people get those results, and they mean nothing. But mine meant something.” 

Tammy was diagnosed with stage one invasive lobular carcinoma, cancer of her left breast. Unlike most breast cancers that manifest in lumps, invasive lobular carcinoma never creates a lump. Without regular screening, Tammy wouldn’t have detected it on her own.  

An aggressive approach to defeat cancer 

Reviewing her treatment options, Tammy opted to undergo a double mastectomy and radiation in hopes of completely eradicating the cancer and reducing the chance the cancer would return. 

Following surgery, Tammy spent a difficult eight weeks recovering. Her husband, Bill and their two daughters helped Tammy with everything from washing her hair to helping her get up in the morning until she was able to do those things herself once again. 

Now Tammy is cancer-free, feeling better than ever and checking in with her oncologist every six months. Her journey is one marked by an unbreakable will, unwavering support from her family, and gratitude for Northwestern Mutual’s unique and personal benefits that supported her fight for her life. 

A network of Northwestern Mutual benefits  

While preventative healthcare appointments are important, they can be challenging to fit into busy schedules. That’s why we offer an onsite mammogram bus for employees, spouses and Northwestern Mutual retirees four times throughout the year.  

For Tammy, not only is she thankful for the convenient mobile mammogram bus, but also for the company’s comprehensive benefits, including top-notch care from doctors available at our “Mutual Health Center”, an onsite healthcare facility available to employees and their families. 

Today, Tammy’s mission is to encourage colleagues to prioritize preventative care and raise awareness of Northwestern Mutual’s expansive health and benefits offerings. 

“Since my diagnosis, I advocate to everyone I know to get their mammogram and for my friends at Northwestern Mutual to use the on-site mobile mammogram bus. If I hadn’t used it, my life would be very different today.” 

On-site mobile mammograms are one of the many ways Northwestern Mutual offers employees to take care of routine health care while at work. For more information on our benefits, visit our Culture page.  

1. PAID, MEANINGFUL WORK

First, you won’t find yourself running for coffee. In fact, we take care of the coffee and have lunch on-site at our Milwaukee campus (sorry New York – you’ve got other perks). Our tech interns are competitively paid and we provide student housing for those who are relocating for the summer. 

Plus, you aren’t just getting paid to build your resume. You’re developing skills while exploring your interests. Tech interns work alongside seasoned employees on rigorous, high-priority projects that directly improve our employee and client experiences. This way, you can explore the tech skills and careers you're passionate about while also making a difference. No matter which tech team you intern with, you'll get exposure to innovative tech that helps people with one of the most stressful things in their lives: their finances. 

“It is a program that challenges you to spend the entire summer learning, and they want you to actually have a final project that is used in the organization.” – Cassidy T. 

2. PERSONALIZED CAREER GUIDANCE

Our internships provide students with a direct manager, an assigned mentor and programming from the University Relations team. Many interns also take full advantage of the vast network of professionals at Northwestern Mutual by connecting with people across our tech teams and other departments to explore interests and learn as much as they can.  

A key aspect of the Northwestern Mutual is how willing people are to help. We are a team of forever students and teachers – always learning and investing in others. This means our support won’t end when your internship does; we have an unparalleled culture of always bettering ourselves and others. 

“My manager, my team members and other employees have always been available to answer any questions and willing to support me during my internship.” – Clare C. 

3. COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE OF BELONGING

Our long-term success depends on a vibrant and inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity and support to thrive. We’re committed to fostering a workplace where every person can contribute ideas, embrace challenges, grow their leadership skills, and feel like they belong. This empowers our people to reach their full potential.  

"The environment makes working here unique and a good experience. The company is not focused solely on numbers." – Jonathan R. 

4. NETWORKING & EVENTS

We ensure our interns have a community of support at Northwestern Mutual. We want you to not only consider a job here, but also visualize yourself in Milwaukee or New York. To achieve that, we craft experiences to provide tech interns with various opportunities to network with each other and see a wide variety of options for their tech futures. 

Though the events may vary each year, the experiences we offer ground our program. You can expect to connect with other interns via networking, Slack, coffee chats and more. You can also expect opportunities to engage with our tech leaders – everything from tech talks to one-on-one discussions. 

Aside from networking, we sprinkle in innovation challenges to create time-based competitions that showcase interns’ abilities to collaborate in smaller teams, code, pitch to judges and help solve important social issues in the tech industry.  

On top of all of this, we hold fun, off-campus events including happy hours, baseball outings, volunteer opportunities, city scavenger hunts, and more. These events are just a fraction of how our tech internship program intentionally sparks connection and creativity.  

“It's a very supportive environment and definitely a beginner-friendly internship, too. There are a lot of learning and professional networking opportunities!” – Ivy C. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

We prepare our interns for their tech futures and connect them to mentors, friends and our communities. And our alumni thrive, building on the talent, confidence and networks gained throughout the summer. 

If you're not just looking for a job, but for a community that will continuously spark learning and joy for you with an opportunity to make an impact on day one, explore our internship offerings. 

Normally a well-adjusted, social guy, Chris found pandemic-induced isolation was wearing on him. Eventually his anxiety peaked, causing debilitating panic attacks.

“I got to the point where I didn’t recognize myself anymore,” Chris said. “I became a person I wasn't, and it just kept getting worse.”

Pushing past stigma to find relief

Chris downloaded the Talkspace app and completed the input questionnaire. From there, he was paired with a Talkspace therapist with a background and experience that seemed like the right fit. Their virtual sessions felt surprisingly comfortable, and Chris was relieved to have someone to talk to about his challenges.

Open communication deepens connection

Chris now feels more comfortable being open and honest — both in his personal life and at work. His friends have noticed these positive changes, and Chris has too.

“I’m much more confident. I'm more of an advocate and trust more than I used to. If I ever feel a moment of panic, fear or anxiety, I can better stop, assess and cope,” Chris said.

Seeing the difference Talkspace is making in his life, Chris has persuaded others to seek therapy. He hopes others find the comfort and confidence he found through therapy.

Supporting the mental health of our people – virtually and onsite

With Talkspace, Northwestern Mutual employees are matched with a dedicated, licensed therapist. In addition to a monthly 30-minute video session, employees are also able to send unlimited texts, video and audio messages to their therapist.

In addition to Talkspace, Northwestern Mutual’s campuses include Mutual Health Centers where on-site counselors are available for employees, retirees and dependents covered on a Northwestern Mutual medical plan.

We want to help our people be at their best at work and at home. That’s why we provide well-being programs to fit a wide variety of needs and situations to make sure our people feel taken care of and supported. Our programs can with many aspects of well-being — emotional, mental, and physical. For more information, check out our Flexibility & Balance page.

This Hispanic Heritage Month we’re celebrating all things community. Hear how four employees find community – or familia – at Northwestern Mutual. 

Xochitl, Assistant Director of Change Management 

For me, having a group of people who look like me, who understand me, who know the journey of being a woman of color in a large organization is so important. When I found myself searching internally for an opportunity that aligned to my career goals, I leaned into my comadres circle, my network of Latines at Northwestern Mutual.    

Having a network that really understands holistically who you are as a person and what you bring to the table makes a world of difference when it comes to your career. There are more people who look like us and share our identity than I think most people realize. Northwestern Mutual recognizes that and fosters a positive and inclusive environment for Latine talent to thrive in. 

Raul, Assistant Director of Tech Service Center 

Through the Hispanic ERG, I joined Conexiones, which consists of small cohorts of three to five people. For six months, we meet monthly on conversation topics related to professional development, such as leadership, difficult conversations, mentorship, etc.  

In my second round of the program, I took on the role of facilitator. It was nice to lead conversations with those in our cohort. I consider myself an introvert, and this has been a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone within a safe space. And I love the conversations because they inspire me while also inspiring others at the same time. It helps me to bring my authentic self and try to not be so reserved. I’ve signed up for my third round now.  

Rene, Field Talent Growth & Development Consultant 

I'm biracial. My mom is from Venezuela and growing up my first language was Spanish. When I started here, I met a team member and we did the whole Hispanic like, "Where are you from? Are you Colombian? Venezuelan?" And then boom, we started speaking Spanish. This was my second day here. Immediately, I'm like, "Oh, this is great."  

From there, she introduced me to her friends with similar roots. Now I’ve found this whole South America Caribbean group and for the most part we speak Spanish with one another. I've been in places where sometimes speaking Spanish can be off-putting for people and I've never once had to think about it here. I get to be myself. I love meeting new people and I’ve been able to do that and, where possible, make sure my Spanish doesn't get rusty.  

Sandi, Assistant Director of Software Engineering 

I feel like Northwestern Mutual, and the values that the company stands for, align similarly to a lot of the values held by Latine people. My son has even joined the company. He's seen the value in coworkers who feel like family, and the connections and network that I've built here. I think the sense of community and support that exists here feels familiar to those of us who grew up in Hispanic families. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by following @NM_Careers on Instagram. We’ll be highlighting stories from members of our Hispanic ERG as they share how their involvement in the ERG has shaped their experience at Northwestern Mutual.  

To learn more about how we cultivate an inclusive culture for our people, visit our culture page. 

On feeling valued as an intern and a professional 

D’Angalo J. – Field Experience Intern  

Northwestern Mutual does an excellent job of onboarding and instilling the value of the company by articulating, “this is what we do, this is what we want to be known for, and that employees are an important component to achieving that vision.” In my experience, that can be rare to find. I don’t feel like a number. I feel like a human here. 

On career growth 

Anna Z. – Real Estate Intern 

Everyone is welcoming on my team and includes me in meetings that help expand my personal brand. To broaden my company understanding, my mentor even lets me Zoom in on calls that she regularly participates in. My mentor has given me the chance to meet other people in my department as well as learn more about my team. Not only do I get to learn from these opportunities, but my team also gives me the flexibility to do whatever I feel is necessary for my future career growth and success. 

On working on real projects 

Gabe W. – Actuarial Intern  

I feel like the work I do here is valuable. It’s not like how intern job responsibilities are typically talked about like getting coffee or sorting files. While I’m doing “intern work,” it’s real, meaningful work. 

On networking 

Tommy D. – Strategic Communications Intern 

Northwestern Mutual is not what I thought corporate life was going to be. Networking is a big part of the culture here and that’s reinforced by offering places on campus to connect, such as free lunches or Starbucks at the Milwaukee campus for coffee meetups. That is my favorite thing about Northwestern Mutual. Every person who I’ve met has been approachable, open and willing to help. 

On the importance of a manager – intern relationship 

Johanna M.B. – Human Resources Intern 

I think the trust you build with your managers is important. It shows that they trust you for you and your growth. It means a lot to as an intern here to feel trusted to make my own decisions, branch out on my own while knowing there are people supporting me. 

My managers remind me that we all are people, while we may make mistakes, we can always learn from them and become stronger employees. They care about the work I do, and they also care about me and who I am. 
 

We’re a people-first culture at Northwestern Mutual and that includes supporting our interns and their career growth. Northwestern Mutual’s paid internship program is designed to identify high-caliber emerging talent and offer them opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen field.  

We offer internship opportunities across a variety of career interests, including tech, business, underwriting and more. For more information, check out our NM Internships | Northwestern Mutual Careers page.  

How? Our veteran recruiters broke down six of their best tips for bringing your authentic self to every interview.

1. Share Your Personality. Let the interviewer in on who you are as a person. They already know your technical skills and experience from your resume, so this is the time to show your personality. When you relax and share your presence in a way that’s confident, yet humble, you connect and engage with your interview team. Just remember to remain professional.
2. Share Your Knowledge. The fact that you were invited to interview shows you have the skills for the role. But this is your chance to acknowledge and showcase how those skills will help you to not just perform the job duties listed in the job description, but to elevate the entire team and the work. Highlighting how your experience adds value can set you apart from other candidates.
   
   
3. Share Your Questions. It’s totally normal to really want the job. But too often candidates focus only on getting the job instead of thoroughly understanding the role and how they would fit into the organization. Asking thoughtful questions, like “what do you like about the culture here?” or “how does the company support my professional growth?” can help you evaluate if you align with the role and the organization as a whole.
   
   
4. Share Your Values. No, we’re not talking about your morals, religious or ethical beliefs. Instead this is a time to share the values that differentiate you in the workplace. Things like honesty, creativity, keeping commitments, or fairness. Explaining how these types of values can create results in the workplace not only showcases your human side, but how you fit in with a broader work culture.
   
   
5. Share Your Goals. Highlighting how you’re thinking in short- and long-term goals can demonstrate to the interview team your commitment to the role. Think about sharing personal goals, like what you hope to get out of the role or what you hope to get out of your career, as well as those goals that help the business, like what gains you hope to make and what positive changes you hope to make.
   
   
6. Share Your Stories. Lastly, don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. This is your opportunity to share the things about you that make you right for the role. Be open and honest, making sure you go light on missteps, failures, or doubts, and your authenticity will shine through. And remember to be proud of your story. Because if you don’t believe in it, if you aren’t proud of it, it’s hard to convince someone else that you’re the right person for the role.

Most importantly, just be you. Make eye contact, stay engaged, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and the company. Recruiters and hiring managers know you have the skills, and during the interview they are genuinely excited to get to know you better as a person. And candidates who are authentic, personable, and relaxed come across in a positive light. So, take a deep breath, you’ve got this.

“I wasn’t socializing, I wasn’t being active, and I wasn’t getting outside. I knew I needed to do something to get me out of my funk, and volunteering kept popping into my head as something that could help.” 

Lucy searched online for local volunteer opportunities within the Milwaukee community and came across an urban farm that provides fresh produce to a local food pantry. She spent that summer outside gardening, making friends, and supporting a cause she was truly passionate about.  

Northwestern Mutual recognizes the benefits volunteering has on both employees and the community, which is why we provide up to 16 hours of volunteering time off – two fully paid workdays – so that employees can give back to their community.   

“We are the rare company where employees can pursue their passion for volunteering while getting paid,” Lucy said. “Volunteering at the farm has been one of the best choices I’ve made in my life and last year, I was able to spend two days helping to grow organic produce to feed others instead of writing code.” 

In addition to gardening using her Volunteer Time Off, Lucy realized she could amplify her impact by recruiting the help of Northwestern Mutual employees through NM Neighbors, an internal platform for employees to create or find volunteer opportunities.  Through this, she was able to engage 100 volunteers within Northwestern Mutual – 50 to help on the farm and another 50 to support a Hack for Good event, resulting in 865 total service hours for the community. 

“I am incredibly grateful to work at a company that shares my outlook on volunteering and that has invested in my wellbeing as well as the betterment of the community,” Lucy said. “Having the opportunity to incorporate my passions outside of work into my day job has been one of the many highlights of working at Northwestern Mutual.”  

For more information, visit our Flexibility & Balance page.  

We connected with Maddie T. (she/her), senior data analyst and member of the PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG), who shared the variety of ways she is making Northwestern Mutual a more inclusive place for all employees.

How do you support LGBTQ+ pride and awareness at Northwestern Mutual?

I always try to come in with an open heart and mind. From my experience, engaging in vulnerable conversations is one of the hardest steps in building allyship. As a member of the trans community, I like being someone who people can go to with their difficult questions. Through my role on the ERG Governance Board, I strive to bring critical conversations to people outside of the community. For example, we’ve had sessions talking about identity and found family and what that means to different members of the LGBTQ+ community. This has allowed people outside of the community, including myself, to better understand themselves and their peers.

Why is it important to you to initiate change?

People don’t know what they don’t know. When it comes to hiring and working with transgender employees, people aren’t always aware of the barriers we may face. My goal is to remove those barriers, so others won’t have to encounter them. This can mean connecting with HR and ensuring our voice and feedback is heard about healthcare and benefit offerings or working with tech to ensure we are advocating for tools that are not deadnaming transgender employees.

As someone who works in the tech space, it’s easier for me to understand the different components and factors.  I can then bring that knowledge and use it to generate improvements and make things better for everyone. Lessening barriers for transgender employees improves overall employee morale and that improves Northwestern Mutual’s culture as an inclusive employer – everyone wins.

How has participating in the PRIDE ERG positively contributed to your career fulfillment at Northwestern Mutual? 

At Northwestern Mutual I feel like my voice is heard, and as someone who is part of a marginalized community, that makes me feel connected to the culture. Being part of the PRIDE ERG has linked me with other members of the LGBTQ+ community and business leaders. This has helped me in building professional and personal relationships.

Has it been valuable for you to find people with whom you share similar experiences? 

Yeah, absolutely. We have cultivated a supportive community of transgender people and parents of transgender children where we can talk about topics that impact our community, such as ‘hey, I had this healthcare situation, and I went to this person’ or ‘here's the experience I had changing my name. Do you need help with that X, Y or Z?’

It’s important because the best people to understand the challenges of a community are the people in the community. But really in any community, having more people talk about their experience is a good thing.

In what ways do you think Northwestern Mutual creates a culture of belonging?

Everybody is just so welcoming. Our culture is unique in that you can connect with anyone and everyone throughout the organization. You can even have a conversation with someone at the C-suite level if you need to. For example, I was able to sit down with one of our senior executives and learn how the business makes decisions. If I want to network with someone or seek their expertise, I feel empowered to do that. I appreciate the supportive and friendly culture that you find here.

Northwestern Mutual is building a culture that encourages LGBTQ+ allies and questioning employees to take pride in who they are and the work they do. And we act on our promises by offering inclusive healthcare options that consider the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.