DES MOINES, IOWA – March 19, 2025– Northwestern Mutual has announced its goal to recruit over 5,000 financial advisors, representatives, and interns in 2025, aiming to alleviate financial anxiety and promote financial security for Americans. As part of this nationwide initiative, the Central Iowa Northwestern Mutual office is committed to expanding its team in Des Moines by adding 24 new financial professionals. This recruitment drive underscores Northwestern Mutual’s dedication to growth and client service.

In Des Moines, the office is committed to ensuring that 50% of its new hires come from diverse backgrounds, aligning with its dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace. 

“As we set our recruiting goals for the Des Moines area, we are committed to expanding our team with 24 new financial advisors,” said Kara Christensen, chief recruiting officer. “The job market in Des Moines is vibrant and competitive, offering a rich pool of talent. Our objective is to ensure that 50% of these new hires are from diverse backgrounds, aligning with our dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace. This strategy underscores our belief in the power of varied perspectives to drive innovation and success.” 

A Path to Financial Security for All

Northwestern Mutual’s mission is to guide more Americans toward financial security by building comprehensive plans that integrate both risk management and wealth management. The company serves over five million clients, a record number, and is expected to award its policyowners a company-record $8.2 billion in insurance dividends this year¹. This industry-leading sum is nearly triple that of its nearest competitor. For the 34th consecutive year, Northwestern Mutual has earned the highest-available financial strength ratings from all four major agencies²: Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s), S&P Global Ratings (S&P), and AM Best Company (AM Best).

Meeting the Growing Need for Financial Advisors

The demand for financial advice is increasing, especially as many current advisors near retirement. According to a 2023 Insurance Barometer Study by LIMRA, over 100 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and the gap between retirement goals and actual savings is widening. On average, Americans believe they need to save $1.46 million to retire comfortably but have saved only a fraction of that amount. Research also reveals that 33% of Americans feel financially insecure, while , 64% of Americans working with an advisor report feeling financially secure, compared to just 29% without an advisor.

Despite the rise of AI and robo-advisors, a significant majority still prefer relationships with human advisors. A 2024 research report from Cerulli Associates indicates that financial advisors are retiring faster than they are being recruited and developed, with an estimated 109,000 advisors expected to retire over the next decade, representing nearly 40% of the current advisor workforce.

Career Opportunities and Development

Northwestern Mutual offers award-winning training, professional development, and mentoring to ensure new advisors' success. Financial advisors and representatives at Northwestern Mutual are independent contractors who run their own businesses and organize their schedules, supported by continuous coaching and guidance from local office leaders.

“Our best, most successful financial professionals are individuals who are already successful in their chosen careers but are looking for more flexible options,” said Christensen. “Our team of dedicated financial professionals helps families and businesses across Des Moines reach their financial goals.”

The company also boasts an award-winning college representative program, where interns can build financial security for others while developing their professional skills. Many of the company’s successful leaders started as financial representative interns.

Prospective candidates, including career-changers who are highly motivated and driven to impact clients positively, are encouraged to apply. More information is available at https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial-representative-careers/

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assets being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, nearly $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE® 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2025.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

¹ The dividend scale and the underlying dividend interest rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Future dividends are not guaranteed.

² Among U.S. life insurers. Ratings are for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, as of the most recent review and report by each rating agency. Ratings as of: 08/24 (Moody’s Investors Service), 10/24 (A.M. Best Company), 01/25 (Fitch Ratings), 04/24 (S&P Global Ratings). Ratings are subject to change. Total company assets as of December 31, 2024.