Go elsewhere if you're a minority or a liberal. - Consultant Northwestern Mutual Employee Review

1.0
Oct 3, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Compensation is great, benefits generous and training - outstanding. Its a much better place to work at if you are young and looking to be molded to a corporate culture, if any family members already work there or if you come from a very regimented conservative organization - then you'll fit right in.

Cons

Worked for a new manager who was angry that I got the job that she wanted to give to her friend. She did not know how to manage staff and she had issues with people of color. She would make statements about my clothing, my neckline, my natural hair and my speech. I logged all incidences and when it became too much to deal with, I went to the Diversity Manager, HR and executive management and shared my concerns. I was told it was her word against mine and that as a newer employee - I did not have the social collateral to make the complaint stick. No one person- not the diversity manager, not HR - not even my bosses boss took it seriously. As a result of my coming forward with the issues I had encountered with this manager, I was ostracized, moved against my wishes to another manager (her friend) and into a role I was not qualified for and was eventually forced to resign (they gave me a severance package, the only indication that they were taking some responsibility for the situation) . There is absolutely no work/life balance at corporate - when my father was dying, the same manager told me to "suck it up". It is an incredibly conservative right-wing culture. I was amazed by the comments about our President and democrats and the things that were said out-loud, by management in front of staff - blown away. After I left - two people replaced my role and had repeated issues with the same manager. Its my understanding that at that point upper management was not able to ignore her behavior any longer and they relieved her of her managerial role. Vindicated? Somewhat...But it doesn't make up for the humiliation and embarrassment I had to deal with as an employee of this company.

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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