Difficult Place to Work!! - Financial Representative Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

1.0
Jun 8, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Northwestern has a good industry wide reputation and a great internship program for college students.

Cons

Each regional office is a franchise so as an employee you are at the mercy of your managing director. Unfortunately I got a bad one who was extremely negative and had fun putting down employees instead of building up their confidence. As a statutory employee they say you are running your own business. This is not the case after training you must check in for the first 6 months everyday and have to go to numerous meetings all over the state and country. They even expect you to pay for your own way and hotel to the national meeting in Milwaukee. So basically you are treated like an employee without the tax or financial benefits since you are taxed as self-employed at a much higher rate. Also if you quit or are fired in the first four years your commissions are taken away because you are not vested. They try and force you to do joint work by not giving you adequate training so senior reps can steal your contacts and split your comission.

Explore other reviews about Northwestern Mutual

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company has an immense amount of resources to help employees be successful. They also invest so much into the professional development of their employees.

Cons

It's not an easy role to be in. You have to take personal risk and step out of your comfort zone. There's a lot of ups and downs in the role

5.0
Jun 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This internship has allowed me to get real world experience from the very beginning. I've learned how to use LinkedIn Recruiter, make scheduling and screening phone calls, and gotten to shadow the Director of Recruitment during interviews. Compared to other internships that I applied for, Northwestern Mutual has allowed me to have far more exposure to what a real career in recruiting could look like. The office has a great energy and culture, and I am able to participate in fun team events, like going to the Cardinals baseball game. As for career growth, I really admire the emphasis that Northwestern Mutual places on growth and development. Through my time spent around this company, I've been personally and professionally challenged to grow. I've been given books to read, attended leadership meetings, and been given the opportunity to dive deep into my strengths. The management here has encouraged me to explore and shadow different roles to help me make an informed decision about what kind of careers I want to pursue after graduation. Overall, I can't recommend this company enough! They are truly focused on serving their clients well, and developing employees to reach their full potential.

Cons

None, I've had a great experience! This is an environment of growth, so it can require moments of being challenged and stretched to do things outside your comfort zone. I could see some people being uncomfortable with growth, so it's not the environment for everyone! But if you are willing to lean in, it will make such an impact on your life.

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