Pyramid Scheme, Stay Away - Financial Advisor Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

1.0
20 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There's really nothing good about this company unless you're high in the chain. If you want to have a career where you lie to people in order for them to work for you, knowing employee retention does not exist, then this is for you!

Cons

It is a cult, you will have them watch wolf of wallstreet and pretend they are him. From lying to consumers to their own employees, NorthWestern Mutual has a horrific history and the fact that they still operate to this day, is insane. I am an real, certified FA and this job isn't that, you're just an insurance sales person. The most important metric they pay attention to is how much in whole life have you sold. This should've been the first thing that I was were I had to draw the line, but I decided to give them the opportunity. I was able to make money, due to the book of business I already had prior to NM but everyone else failed unless they moved to other positions. The only way as a sales advisor or FA can make money, is by hiring a couple of sellers to sell for you and you handle your own team. They will make you promises of grandour and show you an income path that is not real. I joined NM coming from a managerial position because the business was sold. I told them that I am a serious person, I made a lot of money and I did not want to waste time. They did, they lied to my face, showed me documents that they will not let you keep as to what you're projected to make. I wouldn't recommend NM to my worst enemy. It's a cult, it's a pyramid scheme and everyone there is miserable (front end of the business anyways). The reason they have good reviews everywhere is because they are predatory. They will get college interns on cruise ships and show them a life that's not real in exchange of fake reviews. Then once they're back, they'll have them working for basically nothing and because they've never had a career in their lives before, they'll be too afraid to make a change because this is all that they know. They believe in the "Fake it till' you make it". They will lie to get sales, they will ruin people financially if given the chance. If you want to do insurance sales, go to a real insurance sales company, they'll be transparent but NM is a predatory pyramid scheme designed to take advantage of new employees. They'll have you do Project 250, which is a list of leads that they get to keep of your warm market, your friends, family, anyone that they can sell to once you leave. They'll pay you minimum wage, they won't pay you on the big commissions up front either even though they will tell you that you will get paid on them and once all is done, you open your eyes and leave, they will harass your family and friends, everyone from that 250 list, to try to sell them life insurance. Specifically a whole life policy.

Explore other reviews about Northwestern Mutual

5.0
25 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Flexible with your schedule and life - You get to create your own schedule - Great for independent and hardworking individuals - Gives you the opportunity to push yourself to your own limits

Cons

Not cons but items worth considering if you are interested joining the team. . . - long workdays in the first couple months - I would work 12 -14 hour days in the beginning to keep high volume of meetings and get my practice started from scratch. - It is completely self-driven where you need to constantly improve your skills, test yourself, and consistently improve. Not great for people who need more hands-on help

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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