Good and bad - Recruiter Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

3.0
15 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If you're an advisor, and you MAKE it as an advisor, you're set for life. There is no better career opportunity out there and I stand by that. But that's if you're in the 10% that make it. Otherwise, you will be left with a lot of debt and have to find a new job to make ends meet. The company culture is pretty unmatched.

Cons

If you're not an advisor (i.e. staff or a recruiter like I was), you get a very different experience. Support and growth opportunities are minimal, and pay is extremely low because you are usually being paid out of the pocket of the advisor or manager you work for, not the company itself. Your job is to make the advisors' lives easier, doing the work they don't want to do but they get all the glory for it. You will also likely not get much PTO or good benefits either, but the advisors have giant egos so they think they're doing you a solid and will say this to convince you not to leave, assuring you that you won't find a better deal elsewhere. They're in a bubble. The culture is very family-like, which is great when you're in it but terrible when you leave. I got a new opportunity and was met with coldness, hostility, and wasn't even allowed to say goodbye to my friends. It showed me a lot.

Explore other reviews about Northwestern Mutual

5.0
26 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Amazing culture, supportive mentors and leadership, everyone wants you to succeed and will help get you there.

Cons

You need to have a disciplined mindset and a strong work ethic in order to be successful

5.0
17 June 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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