At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our sales team to support account management and gain hands-on experience in retirement solutions.
- Company: Principal, a purpose-led financial services firm with over 140 years of integrity.
- Benefits: Earn $24/hour, receive a $4,000 stipend, and enjoy paid holidays.
- Other info: Collaborate with experienced professionals and build your network in a global Fortune 500 company.
- Why this job: Kickstart your sales career while making a real impact on financial security for others.
- Qualifications: Pursuing or completed degree, strong communication skills, and interest in sales.
The predicted salary is between 24 - 24 £ per hour.
Come join Principal’s Retirement & Income Solutions, Sales Internship Program (Summer 2027)! As a sales intern, you’ll be teaming up with our Retirement sales team members to provide sales support, account management assistance, and intermediary support. During this paid internship, you will work full time, while enhancing and applying your sales skills and developing professionally. This role is given the opportunity to assist our regional sales offices, while learning how we distribute and support our retirement plan business. In this role, you'll get a first-hand look at what it takes to be successful in a sales-driven career in the future.
The locations we are looking to fill in are:
- Des Moines, IA
- Denver, CO
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington D.C.
Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!
Who You Are
- Currently pursuing or completed undergraduate or graduate level degree.
- Involvement in extracurricular activities and/or involvement within the community.
- Interest in a career in sales.
- Preference will be given to students who have experience with sales either through a previous internship, involvement, or work experience.
- Ability to build positive relationships with internal and external partners.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Travel will be required.
Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly): $24 - $24 / hour.
Time Off Program
Paid company holidays and any time off required in your state.
Pension Eligible: No.
Our Internship Culture
Join an established program that provides hands-on experiences for 200+ interns each year! You'll learn new skills with dedicated teams and mentors, build your professional network and collaborate across a global Fortune 500 company. We care about offering you diverse experiences and exciting challenges that push you to reach for bigger life goals, all while enjoying our flexibility and work-life balance. Join us for events such as our Executive Speaker Series, gain career direction, and much more!
Through your experience, here's what you can expect:
- Work alongside experienced professionals.
- Gain career direction to help you achieve your professional and personal goals.
- Contribute to work that helps more people and businesses around the world save enough, have enough and protect enough.
- Explore new perspectives in an inclusive, welcoming culture.
Internship Stipend
You will receive a lump sum stipend of $4,000. This amount is intended to support incidental expenses you may incur as part of your internship. The Company will provide a tax gross-up on this stipend as a financial benefit, but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.
Location(s)
This internship is unique in that you will spend the first 5 weeks at our headquarters in Des Moines, IA and the last 5 weeks at one of the respective sales office locations listed above.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Sales Internship - Retirement & Income Solutions (Summer 2027) in Cardiff employer: Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group offers a dynamic work environment where interns can gain hands-on experience in sales and account management within the financial services sector. The company is committed to professional development, providing opportunities for growth and skill enhancement through its internship programs. With a focus on purpose-led initiatives, employees are motivated to contribute to meaningful financial solutions that improve customers' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Internship - Retirement & Income Solutions (Summer 2027) in Cardiff
✨Get to Know the Sales Scene
Dive into sales-related events and meetups in your area, like industry conferences or networking events. It’s a great way to not only learn more about potential employers but also to build connections that could lead to a sweet internship, like with Principal Financial Group.
✨Leverage University Resources
Check out your university’s career services for workshops and events specifically focused on sales roles. They often have partnerships with companies looking to hire interns, so keep an eye on those alerts – you might just find an opportunity at Principal Financial Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion
Create a personal project or blog sharing insights about sales trends or case studies. This not only demonstrates your passion and knowledge but also acts as a conversation starter when you chat with pros in the field. Don’t forget to link this in your applications!
✨Apply Directly and Early
Usually, sales internships are competitive, so applying directly through our website for roles like the one at Principal Financial Group can really set you apart. Keep your eyes peeled for early talent programmes—we want to see you shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Internship - Retirement & Income Solutions (Summer 2027) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Savvy:In the world of sales and business development, it's all about showcasing your knack for persuasion and relationship-building. Highlight any relevant projects, experiences, or coursework that demonstrate your ability to engage customers or develop business strategies, even if they're from university or previous internships.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:When crafting your CV, emphasise experiences that reflect your understanding of the sales process—think about any roles in your past where you’ve managed accounts, carried out market research, or used CRM tools. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and ensure it shows your potential as a driven intern ready to learn and grow.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is where we want to see your passion for sales shine through. Share a specific example of a time you successfully convinced someone of your point of view or how you handled a challenging situation. Highlight your eagerness to absorb knowledge from the team at Principal Financial Group during this internship.
Let Your Personality Shine:Sales is all about connection, so don’t shy away from letting your personal brand shine through in your application. Whether it’s a unique anecdote or a personal motto that drives you, make sure to infuse your personality into your CV and cover letter to give us a glimpse of who you are beyond just qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Financial Group
✨Know Your Numbers
In sales and business development, it’s all about the metrics! Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to meeting sales targets. They might throw some numbers your way, so a good grasp of conversion rates and sales funnel stages can set you apart.
✨Research Your Prospective Client
For your internship at Principal Financial Group, make sure to research their client base! Understanding who they are selling to and the challenges those clients face can be a game-changer in your interview. Show them you’re already thinking like a sales pro by suggesting potential strategies tailored to their market!
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Expect a bit of role-playing during your interview. They might ask you to sell something on the spot or present a pitch. Practice common objections and how to handle them, as demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and think on your feet is key in sales!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As an intern, they want to know that you're eager to learn and grow. Share experiences where you’ve taken initiative to dive deeper into sales techniques or customer interactions. They're looking for a fresh perspective, so don’t hesitate to showcase your passion for the industry and your adaptability.
