Northwestern Mutual Reviews

Pros

If you are entering the job market straight out of college probably one of the better companies to work for. Very good mentoring / training program...if you can last the commission lifestyle, best done when single and few commitments.

Cons

If you are already a financial service professional...maybe not the best fit. Way to much micro-management unless you need that type of motivation.

Advice to Senior Management

Get from behind your desk and lead from the front ... most talk the talk but few lead by example. Most are viewed as just on board for the gravy train.

Pros

Great people.
Need based planning approach.

Cons

Commission based and difficult to establish client base when starting out.

Pros

Northwestern Mutual provided some of the best sales training but if you do not know or cannot sit down infront of people to use the training it is useless.

Cons

The expectations of new representatives is a little out of reach. Should make clear that if you do not have a target market when applying for the position then don't even bother.

Advice to Senior Management

I would advise the management to share more experiences on how to get started and more how-to success stories to new reps.

Pros

There is potential to make a good living, but it is wvery difficult to get started in the insurance game. It is primarily selling life and health insurance

Cons

It is soley based on commision with no salary. The advancement opportunities are not that great as well, very difficult

Pros

Northwestern Mutual offers one of the best insurance products to its clients. Executive level managers are some of the best in the business.

Cons

Financial Representatives are 100% commission from the start. Company focuses on insurance products far more than its investment advisory business.

Advice to Senior Management

Create an Associate program similar to competitors that provides complete training and financial support. Develop both your insurance and investment management businesses.

Pros

If your looking for an opportunity of a lifetime, you should try to join northwestern mutual. Even though this industry may be brutal at times, everyone in the office supported each other 100%. The products they offer customers have life changing effects. This is not your ordinary 9-5. If your not outgoing, confident, driven to succeed, and honest, you will not succeed in this company. If you work hard every day and push yourself, you will be successful personally, professionally, and financially.

Cons

-Hard to get started
-Some days may be longer than others.
-Commission based

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure the recruits know what they are getting themselves into before they sign up.

Pros

Everyone is very friendly and encouraging. Being a financial rep allowed me to learn the art of selling and really helped me grow as a person.

Cons

Very hard to contact friends and family about insurance needs. The reps can sometimes be pushy and overly focused on commissions.

Advice to Senior Management

Great leadership. Senior management really helped mentor me and made me feel very important. NML has great people. No real complaints.

Pros

It can be a very rewarding career if you are good at sales and don't mind starting your business with friends and family.

Cons

You must be able to pick up the phone and ask people for their business every day. Starting out, this will be your friends and family.

Pros

Senior management is very knowledgable and willing to help you understand the business. Lots of opportunity for growth and compensation.

Cons

There are very long hours starting out and there is delayed gratification in regards to getting compensated.

Pros

If you (or your parents) have a strong professional network in the area you wish to work, this is a great job to get some sales experience and make some money.

Cons

If you wish to intern in a area that you have limitied professional contacts (say less than 50) this internship can get very difficult and very frusting. In addition to being an expense and a wasted line on a resume.