Changing Culture - Anonymous employee Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

3.0
16 Apr 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This review is about working at the home office in Milwaukee. * Mutual company - allows a focus on longer-term goals and objectives without having to always look over your shoulder about the next quarterly earnings report. * In the past, has been a great place to move from department to department to gain a broad perspective on our business. * The company has realized that "what got us here won't get us there" and so we are actively working to update how we work, what we focus on to bring the highest value to our policy owners and clients.

Cons

* As mentioned, the company is in the midst of a transformation. In my not-so-humble opinion, this has also meant that in many areas, we've lost track of what our core values are. There are still people who are focused on doing the right thing above all else. And there are others who are acting out of fear, or focused on the almighty dollar (to the exclusion of other balancing considerations). There is siloed decision making that has led to letting go people who are outstanding contributors while keeping others who are, well, not. * I don't think the company has figured out yet what our core values going forward *really* are. There are lots of examples of decisions or situations where the rhetoric and the action don't align, which I see as part of the process of reconciling noble intentions with on-the-ground business realities. * It is both an exciting and confusing time to work in the home office. If you are considering joining the company, I would caution you to consider how comfortable you are with working through a ton of ambiguity and cognitive dissonance.

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5.0
22 Jun 2026
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Pros

Great team and community with opportunities to grow.

Cons

Work schedule can be tight calendar management is important.

5.0
17 Jun 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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