Entry Level Financial Representative

Northwestern Mutual - Central Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Performance incentives

Mentorship

Work-life balance

Community impact

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual – Central Illinois is seeking motivated individuals to join our Financial Representative team. You will build long-term client relationships, customize insurance and financial plans, and help families secure their financial futures.

The role offers mentoring, development opportunities, and a clear path for career advancement within a collaborative, community-focused culture. Experience is welcome but not required; training and sponsorship for licenses are available, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required.
• Analytical thinking and the ability to build client trust are important.
• Licensing or sponsorship opportunities are available for Series 6, Series 63, and state insurance licenses.

Responsibilities

• Client consultation to understand goals and concerns.
• Develop comprehensive financial plans including investments, insurance, and retirement.
• Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect assets and income.
• Monitor plans and provide updates adapting strategies to changing circumstances.
• Build and maintain a client network through referrals and community involvement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Client rapport

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Series 6 Lic

Series 63 Lic

State insurance licenses

Job description

Benefits:

• Retirement
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Join the Winning Team at Northwestern Mutual - Central Illinois!

At Northwestern Mutual – Central Illinois, we are guided by the core values of Courage, Passion, and Growth. These principles shape everything we do—from how we support our clients to how we build our team. Our culture strikes the balance between professionalism and approachability, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where new Financial Representatives are set up to succeed. During your first year, you’ll benefit from joint work opportunities, hands‑on mentoring, and personalized coaching from seasoned advisors who are truly invested in your development. We believe that growth happens best with accountability, encouragement, and the freedom to learn alongside a strong team.

Our commitment to impact extends beyond financial services. We take pride in giving back to our community through support of local organizations such as HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Contact Ministries, the James Project, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. If you're looking for a career where you can make a difference—both in your clients’ lives and in your community—while building a business with unlimited potential, we’d love to talk with you.

Our thriving offices are located:

• Lincoln office: 2201 Woodlawn Road Lincoln IL 62656
• Pittsfield office: 311 W Washington Street Pittsfield IL 62363
• Jacksonville office: 606 E State Street Jacksonville IL 62650
• Springfield Office: 2921 Greenbriar Drive, Suite A, Springfield IL 62704

Follow this link to hear about a Day in the Life of a Northwestern Mutual Advisor: https://youtu.be/tar1BSa7Gaw

A Glance at Northwestern Mutual (NM):

Northwestern Mutual is a FORTUNE 500® company that provides a wide range of financial services to more than 5 million people. As a mutual company, we answer to our policyowners—not Wall Street. We began in Wisconsin in 1857, and today we’re one of America’s top companies - as was recognized by FORTUNE ® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024 - with a unique culture deeply dedicated to helping people achieve financial security.

Meet Some of Our Local Leaders, the Heartbeat of Our Business:

D. Patrick Scheina, CLU – Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor:

• Time with Northwestern Mutual: 22 years
• Previous Experience: Worked as a Loss Prevention Safety Consultant with an insurance company before joining Northwestern Mutual. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science.
• Outside Interests: Patrick, his wife, and daughter enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, water recreation, and cooking. They are members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and Patrick also serves on the Sangamon County CEO Board.

Eli Cook – Growth and Development Director:

• Time with Northwestern Mutual: 11 years
• Previous Experience: Began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a College Financial Representative in 2014 and has grown within the organization ever since.
• Outside Interests: Eli and his wife have been married since 2019 and have a cocker spaniel named Colby Jack. In his spare time, Eli enjoys hunting.

Brent Shunk – Private Wealth Advisor:

• Time with Northwestern Mutual: 38 years
• Previous Experience: Brent has spent his entire career with Northwestern Mutual.
• Outside Interests: Brent and his wife love spending time with their grandkids in Illinois and Florida. They stay active with boating, hiking, travel, playing cards, dancing, attending Bible study, and enjoying their weekly date night.

Austin Shunk – Private Wealth Advisor:

• Time with Northwestern Mutual: 13 years
• Previous Experience: Austin has built his entire professional career with Northwestern Mutual.
• Outside Interests: Austin enjoys spending time with his family, studying maps and the Bible, watching basketball, and playing chess. He also stays active by swimming, biking, and hiking.

Sheila Davidsmeyer – Financial Advisor:

• Time with Northwestern Mutual: Over 27 years
• Previous Experience: Sheila began her career at Northwestern Mutual in 1998 as an Associate Financial Representative and became a Financial Advisor in 2013. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
• Outside Interests: Sheila loves spending time with her kids and is an enthusiastic supporter of local sports in Pittsfield, IL.

About the Financial Representative Role:

As a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual, you will be part of a team that helps individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized insurance solutions and financial planning. Your role involves building long‑term relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and providing tailored financial solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Consultation: Engage with clients to understand their financial goals, aspirations, and concerns.
• Financial Planning: Develop comprehensive financial plans that include investments, insurance, and retirement.
• Insurance Solutions: Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect clients’ assets and income.
• Ongoing Support: Monitor clients’ financial plans and provide regular updates, adjusting strategies as needed to meet changing circumstances.
• Networking: Build and maintain a network of clients through referrals, community involvement, and professional associations.

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in financial services, insurance or business development is beneficial but not required.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients.
• Licenses: Obtain necessary licenses, such as Series 6, 63, and state insurance licenses (training and sponsorship available).

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and development programs, including sponsorship for advanced certifications.
• Income Potential: Competitive compensation structure including performance incentives, with no ceiling.
• Support and Mentorship: Comprehensive support from a dedicated planning team, marketing resources, and experienced mentors.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexibility to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and goals.
• Impact: Make a lasting impact by guiding individuals and families in your community towards financial security and success.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Patrick Scheina is a General Agent of NM and not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.