Internship program preparing future financial advisors

As the demand for financial planning in the United States continues to rise, Northwestern Mutual's McTigue Financial Group in Northbrook is providing opportunities to Chicago area college students, beyond the summer months, to learn about careers as financial advisors.

So far in 2014, nearly 50 students have enrolled in Northwestern Mutual's internship program at one of five McTigue Financial Group offices. As a year-round internship, the company provides students the opportunity to join the program in September, December, March, May and June. Recruiters are already filling spots for the May and June 2015 classes.

According to Northwestern Mutual's 2014 Planning and Progress Study, two-thirds of Americans don't have a long-term financial plan and 71 percent do not have a financial advisor. Furthermore, the majority (70 percent) of American adults feel that the economy will experience future crises, and that they need a financial plan to help them weather the ups-and-downs (52 percent).

"The demand for financial planning has never been higher. And that demand is opening up career opportunities for current college students to learn from the best training program and financial advisors in the business," said Theresa Taylor, Director of Internship Development. "Through this internship, they are prepared to hit the ground running post-graduation."

Career a Good Fit for Millennials

The financial advisor career is an attractive option for the millennial generation. In fact, nearly one third of Northwestern Mutual's full-time financial representatives are Millennials and that number is expected to climb as the appetite for financial guidance grows among this financially precocious generation.

The 2014 Planning and Progress Study also shows that 61 percent of Millennials consider themselves to be "highly disciplined" or "disciplined" financial planners, more than those from other age groups. Despite their head start, a solid majority (68 percent) still see room for improvement in their financial planning, though only a small fraction (13 percent) currently work with an advisor.

These dynamics, combined with projections that Millennials stand to benefit from roughly $30 trillion in wealth transfer in the next several decades, translate into limitless opportunity for college students exploring an advisor career.

Top-Ranked Internship Program

Since 1967, more than 40,000 students have graduated from Northwestern Mutual's financial representative internship program, which has been recognized for the past 18 years as one of the top ten programs nationwide by the Vault.com. Taylor added that the program is incredibly important for attracting exceptional talent and is an opportunity to build the best and brightest early in their careers.

A network office of Northwestern Mutual, The McTigue Financial Group is financial planning firm providing expert guidance to help clients manage financial risk and achieve financial security. Ranked one of Chicago's Best Places to Work for six straight years, according to Crain's Chicago Business (2009-2014), The McTigue Financial Group provides career and internship opportunities to individuals who are committed to growing a successful financial service practice. The Northbrook district office is located 650 Dundee in Northbrook. Further information can be found at evansgroup.nmfn.com.

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With more than $217 billion in assets, $26 billion in revenues and more than $1.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.2 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wis., and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.