Financial Planning Internship Program

Benefits:

• Retirement
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

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.

• 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.

At Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, we are driven by a mission to impact lives and build secure futures. Guided by our core values of Abundance, Integrity, Growth, Loyalty, and Culture, we attract, launch, and support people in financial services who share our commitment to making a difference. Recognized as one of the Top Places to Work in Chicago since 2017, our firm continues to grow toward an ambitious ten‑year vision, expanding to eight offices, developing 200 advisors, and impacting 200,000 lives.

As part of a company set to pay a record‑breaking $9.2 billion in dividends in 2026, our advisors thrive within a culture built on purpose, excellence, and community.

Beyond the business, we proudly give back through organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Feed My Starving Children, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Bear Necessities.

Kevin Pabst is a former Michigan State University hockey player and Economics graduate who interned from 2011 to 2013. After transitioning directly into a full‑time role, he quickly rose to become a Top 10 College Unit Director in the country, ultimately opening his own office as a Managing Director in 2024.

Ryan Kramer
, a Marketing graduate from Illinois State University, began his career as an intern with Northwestern Mutual in 1997 and transitioned into a full‑time Financial Representative after graduation. He went on to become a Top 10 College Unit Director, was promoted to Assistant Regional Director at the Milwaukee Home Office in 2012, earned recognition as an Ingram’s 40 Under 40 recipient, and was named Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland in 2015.

Mike Lankford
, a Bachelor of Arts graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University, began his career as an intern with Northwestern Mutual in 2007. He was recognized as a Top 10 Financial Advisor in his agency for eight consecutive years and achieved the #1 Advisor ranking multiple times. Mike also earned membership in the company’s elite Forum Group—representing the top 5% of advisors nationwide—and was recognized as a Top 5 Advisor in the Central Region.

• Full‑time student (juniors, seniors, or final year of a Master’s program preferred)
• Current full‑time student status required (no sponsorship provided)
• Ambitious, with a curiosity for business development
• Highly involved on campus (leader, athlete, campus organizations, student government, etc.)
• Excellent time‑management skills
• Business savvy with a desire to strengthen critical thinking abilities
• Professional: coachable, responds well to accountability, strong communication skills, and articulate
• Interest in financial…