Unhealthy drinking culture combined with glorifying mediocrity - Information Technology Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

2.0
Jul 15, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some really good people work here Good Equipment Free lunches

Cons

Company has an incredibly unhealthy drinking culture. While consumption of alcohol is not allowed on any campus, organized outings to locals bars are so frequent it's ridiculous. Three local downtown bars called Flannery's, Taylor's, and Ward's are nicknamed conference rooms F, T, W because NM employees are often found in them daily and nightly. The pressure to attend these events is huge, as often times meetings, initiatives, and ideas are thrown around that aren't committed or discussed during regular business hours. When other satellite campuses like New York and Arizona come to visit Milwaukee, employees are often pressured to attend despite the fact they may not drink or enjoy alcohol. This often leads to binge drinking, or managers (even directors) calling out things like "Who wants tequila shots?". I didn't even drink before I came to NM, and now I'm an alcoholic. There's also been numerous accolades passed on to employees who barely do more than the bare minimum. This almost always happens with the NY staff, who only do a small percentage of the actual work, yet get most of the credit. The funding for groups is also hugely imbalanced, so much so that teams with grossly inexperienced employees get better pay than employees with decades of experience and industry knowledge.

Explore other reviews about Northwestern Mutual

5.0
Jul 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture, very rewarding and fulfilling career, providing amazing flexibility and recurring income with benefits as you grow your business.

Cons

Challenging to get the business off the ground in the first couple of years, just like they told me that it would be. Need to expect to put in 50+ hours per week in the beginning if you want to thrive but it's worth it.

5.0
Jun 17, 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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