Northwestern Mutual Intern Interview

Interview Details – I was put in touch with NWM via a campus recruiter that showed up to a business department function. Initial contact was easy -- they gave me lots of information and set up an interview promptly. I went in for three different rounds of interviews covering different subjects. The first was behavioral/informational, where I learned about the company and they learned about me. Very generic. The second round required me to give a 5-min presentation/powerpoint on company history and what differentiated the company, in addition to my general "impressions." Again, not difficult. The third round was a review of work that I was tasked with. I had to interview 10 different people, 4+ of which were previously unknown/contacted through referrals. I had to sit down interview-style with these people and survey their impressions on the financial planning/insurance industry. I was also told that I would be able to honestly tell people that I wouldn't attempt to contact them or sell them something. After I returned for my round three interview and was offered the position, they had me go right back to my 10-person list and attempt to sell. I didn't take the position, but it was certainly a relatively painless process to get a "top 10" internship.

Reason for Declining – Despite the training/benefits, I didn't enjoy the prospect of a relationship-sales type position.