Financial Planning Internship Program
The Northwestern Mutual College Financial Planning internship offers hands-on experience in building a financial planning practice with the support of a Fortune 500 company. Interns gain guidance, connections, and tools to develop their skills while engaging with experts and learning how financial strategies and solutions are introduced to clients. Key benefits include:
- Flexible schedules to balance with classes.
- Real-world experience in prospecting, networking, and business strategy.
- Training in proprietary planning software and licensing (Life, Accident, Health insurance).
- Opportunities for certifications (Series 6 & 63, CFP®).
- Weekly coaching and professional development.
- Access to leadership programs and recognition events.
This program prepares interns for future opportunities, including a full-time Financial Representative or Advisor role upon graduation, while fostering personal and professional growth.
Follow this link to learn more about our internship: https://youtu.be/zYwzixA9SdM
At Northwestern Mutual – Central Illinois, we are guided by the core values of Courage, Passion, and Growth. These principles shape everything we do, from how we support our clients to how we build our team. Our culture strikes the balance between professionalism and approachability, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where new Financial Representatives are set up to succeed.
Our commitment to impact extends beyond financial services. We take pride in giving back to our community through support of local organizations such as HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Contact Ministries, the James Project, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. If you're looking for a career where you can make a difference, both in your clients’ lives and in your community, while building a business with unlimited potential, we’d love to talk with you.
Meet Our Intern Alumni:
Eli Cook:
- Current role and time with NM: Growth & Development Director & Financial Advisor; 12 years
- University attended: University of Illinois Springfield
- Graduation year: December 2017
- Brief description of their college experience: Eli began his Northwestern Mutual journey as a college freshman, gaining hands-on experience, earning his securities licenses, and building a client base before graduating from UIS. Now a successful full-time advisor and Growth & Development Director, he leads the internship program and is passionate about helping students turn the internship into a long-term career.
Hunter Newbold:
- Current role and time with NM: College Unit Director & Financial Advisor; 2.5 years
- University attended: Illinois College
- Graduation year: December 2024
- Brief description of their college experience: Hunter studied Finance and Economics at Illinois College and held multiple leadership roles in the Investment Club before being recruited into the Northwestern Mutual internship. After earning his securities licenses and gaining experience while still in school, he transitioned into a full-time advisor role and now serves as College Unit Director, helping lead and support the internship program.
Gabby Njapa:
- Current role and time with NM: Internship Coordinator; 2.5 years
- University attended: Illinois State University
- Graduation year: December 2023
- Brief description of their college experience: Gabby began her Northwestern Mutual internship in the summer of 2023 and continued through her final semester, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. While she ultimately chose a different career path than advising, she loved her experience and now serves as Internship Coordinator, working alongside Eli and Hunter to support and run the internship program.
Are you a fit for this internship?
- Full-time students (juniors and seniors preferred)
- Ambitious, with a curiosity for business development
- Highly involved on campus (leader, athlete, campus orgs, student government, etc.)
- Excellent time-management skills
- Business savvy and desire to increase critical thinking abilities
- Professional: Coachable, responds well to accountability, strong communication skills, articulate
- Financial service interest: Financially motivated, capacity for hard work, interest in making an impact with others
- Key characteristics: Motivated, competitive, willingness to overcome obstacles/deal with adversity
Compensation & Benefits
- Strong Earnings Potential
- Learning and Development Financial Incentives
- Productivity Bonuses
- Exposure to the financial services industry, including optional licensing education for students who qualify and are interested. Licensing is not required to begin the internship.
Launch your internship with hands-on experience, impactful training, and the opportunity to build a foundation for your future in business!
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Patrick Scheina is a General Agent of NM and not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.
