The Opportunity
As a College Financial Representative in the EAP, you will build a financial planning practice from the ground up. This program is designed to fast-track graduating seniors into full-time production, eliminating the typical ramp-up period that most new financial representatives experience. You’ll gain real-world client experience, develop professional skills, and position yourself for a seamless transition into a full-time Financial Representative role.
What You’ll Do
• Prospect, network, and build a client base through authentic relationship development and community engagement
• Conduct factfinding interviews to understand clients’ financial goals and create personalized financial plans
• Present tailored recommendations across insurance, investments, and annuities using Northwestern Mutual’s exclusive product suite
• Study for and obtain your Life, Accident, and Health insurance license, along with SIE, Series 6 or 7, and Series 63 registrations
• Participate in weekly coaching, mentoring, and professional development sessions with experienced leaders
• Gain hands-on experience with proprietary planning software, including our industry-leading Planning Experience (PX) platform
• Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy and business plan that becomes the foundation of your career
What You’ll Gain
• Nationally Ranked Training: Access one of the best training programs in the country, combining product education, financial planning fundamentals, and sales skill development
• Professional Licensing: Full support for your Life, Accident & Health license, SIE, Series 6 or 7, and Series 63—credentials that launch your career and stay with you
• Weekly Stipend + Uncapped Commission: Earn learning and development incentives up to $1,000/month while also earning performance-based commissions with no ceiling
• Mentorship from Day One: Work alongside experienced Financial Representatives and leadership who coach you through joint work, client meetings, and business strategy
• A Clear Path Forward: Upon successful completion of the 3-month EAP, transition into a full-time Financial Representative contract with an established book of business you built yourself
• Fortune 500 Backing: Build your entrepreneurial career with the resources, reputation, and $366 billion in assets of Northwestern Mutual behind you
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking driven, graduating seniors (May or August 2026) who are ready to bet on themselves. You don’t need a finance degree—we’ve built successful advisors from every academic background. What matters is your mindset.
• Graduating senior (May or August 2026) from any major
• Entrepreneurial mindset with curiosity for sales and business ownership
• Highly involved on campus: leadership roles, athletics, student organizations, student government
• Strong communication skills and a natural ability to build relationships
• Self-motivated, coachable, and growth-oriented
• Resilient—comfortable with challenge and motivated by results
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
Compensation & Benefits
• Weekly stipend plus uncapped performance-based commissions
• Learning and development incentives (up to $1,000/month)
• Productivity bonuses tied to verified client activity
• Sponsored licensing: Life, Accident & Health, SIE, Series 6, Series 63, Series 7
• Access to CFP® certification pathway
• Full-time contract upon program completion includes retirement package, pension plan, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability income insurance
Your Timeline
• Pre-Program: Complete fingerprinting, pass your Life, Accident & Health exam, complete study courses, and build your initial Market Opportunity Plan
• EAP (3 Months): Attend comprehensive training, conduct daily outreach (40 dials/day), hold 15+ meetings per week, average 3 qualified selling opportunities, and build your book of business through joint work with mentors
• Contract Transition: Meet milestones (25 meetings scheduled, 3 new clients, 25 joint work case opens) and transition into your full-time Financial Representative contract
About Northwestern Mutual – West Michigan
For over 165 years, Northwestern Mutual has helped clients achieve financial security through comprehensive, innovative planning. Our West Michigan offices—spanning Grand Rapids, Portage, East Lansing, and Grand Haven—operate with a culture rooted in love, passion, positivity, and purpose. We celebrate diversity, believe we are better together, and are people on a mission to deliver financial independence and peace of mind with humility and ferocious resolve.
• Fortune 500® Company
• Top 100 Internship Programs – Yello x WayUp
• 5.1+ million clients and growing
• $366 billion in total company assets
• Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity
• Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality – Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
