Avoid IT positions at Northwestern Mutual home office - Senior Technical Product Manager Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

2.0
Jan 27, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very nice facilities Bonus structure still in place Most areas of the business are still pleasant, rewarding places to work

Cons

Top down command and control management, especially in infrastructure and Operations Very poor outlook for long term employment Promotions and advancement based on nepotism is very common Mixed messages coming from leadership - employees are publicly encouraged to innovate, but in reality, any deviation from leadership's ideas are shot down. Professional/ technical individual contributors and lower management employees are "walking on eggshells" to avoid drawing attention. Threats of termination are common, numerous and followed through on, unless one has a highly placed friend. Work/ life balance gets lip service in some areas, reality is most areas view employees as pawns whose personal time should be spent on company business

Explore other reviews about Northwestern Mutual

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work Life Balance, Benefits, Diversity in NY office

Cons

Long term strategy, priority, unclear.

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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