Operations Intern – Summer 2027

National Life Group - Interns; Montpelier, Addison (VT, TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

National Life Group invites undergraduates and recent graduates to join its Life Insurance Application Operations Internship. The program rotates interns through the life insurance application lifecycle—from intake and data entry to underwriting support and policy issuance—while emphasizing operational excellence and client service.

You will work onsite four days per week on core days, engage in data analysis, reporting, and process improvement, and gain real-world, career-relevant experience

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with insurance or CRM software is a plus.
• Interest in learning about life insurance and its operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist with life insurance application intake, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Input application data and verify information against documents.
• Support underwriting by organizing documents, communicating requirements, and tracking cases.
• Learn about medical reviews, financial evaluations, and risk assessment procedures.
• Support policy setup, document finalization, and issuance of certificates.
• Communicate with applicants, agents, and internal teams for status updates.
• Participate in projects to improve operational efficiency and client experience.
• Assist in tracking KPIs related to processing times, accuracy, and satisfaction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

CRM software familiarity

Interest in life insurance operations

Education

Currently pursuing or recently completed degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Finance, Operations, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

Job description

Come join one of America’s fastest-growing insurance companies. Since 1848, National Life Group has aimed to keep our promises, providing families with stability in good times and in bad. Throughout that history, we have provided peace of mind to those families as they plan their futures.

Our mission extends beyond the insurance and annuities policies that we offer. We strive to make the world a better place through our grants from our charitable foundation, paid volunteer time for our employees, environmentally sustainable and healthy workplaces, and events that promote the work of nonprofits in our own backyard.

We foster a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and encourage our associates to live our values: Do good. Be good. Make good.

Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position

POSITION SUMMARY:

The National Life Group Internship Program was developed to provide real workplace learning and growth opportunities for undergraduate students. Over the years the program has provided students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful, career-relevant work at National Life Group in preparation for full-time employment.

This position currently offers an onsite work schedule, with the expectation that you are in the office four (4) days per week during onsite core days. Our current onsite core days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The work schedule type and core days are subject to change with advance notification and manager discretion.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Life Insurance Application Operations Internship is designed to provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in every phase of the life insurance application process. Interns will rotate through various operational functions, gaining a deep understanding of how applications are processed, policies are issued, and customer needs are met efficiently. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn how life insurance operations support the overall success of the business.

Interns will engage in activities that encompass the full process of a life insurance application, from submission and underwriting to policy issuance. By the end of the internship, participants will have a holistic view of how operations drive successful outcomes for both the company and its clients.

• Application Intake: Assist with receiving and reviewing incoming life insurance applications, ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete.
• Data Entry & Verification: Input application data into company systems and verify accuracy of information against submitted documents.
• Underwriting Support: Collaborate with underwriting teams to facilitate the review of applications, providing operational support by organizing documents, communicating requirements, and tracking case statuses.
• Risk Assessment Coordination: Learn about the underwriting process, including medical reviews, financial evaluations, and risk assessment procedures, supporting the team in gathering necessary client information.
• Policy Administration: Support policy setup once an application is approved, including final documentation, policy creation, and the issuance of certificates to clients.
• Client Communication: Communicate with applicants, agents, and internal teams to provide status updates, request additional information, and address inquiries related to the application process.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Participate in projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and improving client experience across the entire application lifecycle.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Assist in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to application processing times, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, contributing to data-driven decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Finance, Operations, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
• Excellent communication skills, with a client-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with insurance or CRM software is a plus.
• Interest in learning about life insurance and the operational processes that support

At National Life Group, we view AI as an enabler of human potential. We use AI to help us work smarter, serve more clients, and keep our promises, while remaining a relationship-driven business where our people are our greatest strength.

All associates are expected to:

• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life's AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention, and intellectual property.

Core Competencies

• Service Focus - Demonstrates a client centric focus for satisfying one’s external and/or internal customers; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
• Decision Making - Makes sense of complex information, critically evaluates, and creates solutions.
• Results Oriented - Sets performance and personal goals; Driven to meet or exceed goals and objectives.
• Plans and Aligns - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals; Aligns people and skills to tasks and assignments; Evaluates results of work.
• Demonstrates Learning Agility - Enhances skills and knowledge through continuous learning; Focuses on personal results by establishing stretch goals; Seeks feedback and changes accordingly.
• Establishes Relationships - Builds partnerships with others to instill trust, collaborate, and meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively - Actively listens, conveys messages to meet different audience needs, and remains open to new ideas and opinions.
• Fosters Diversity - Values diversity and difference in thought, experience, and perspective; Promotes an environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion; Supports equal and fair treatment for all.
• Empathy: Displaying compassion, active listening, and a supportive attitude when interacting with clients or colleagues in complex situations.
• Organizational Skills: Keeping track of multiple applications, deadlines, and communications without letting details slip through the cracks, prioritizing tasks effectively
• Curiosity and a Desire to Learn: Asking questions, seeking to understand the “why” behind tasks, and being genuinely interested in how the life insurance business functions.
• Attention to Detail: Being thorough and precise in completing tasks, double-checking work, and ensuring accuracy in client and policy information.
• Integrity: Maintaining confidentiality, adhering to company protocols, and acting ethically in all interactions.
• Adaptability: Being open to shifting priorities, quickly learning new systems or tasks, and remaining composed in unfamiliar or dynamic situations.
• Resilience: Showing perseverance when faced with difficulties, maintaining a positive attitude during busy times, and recovering quickly from mistakes or obstacles.
• Strong Work Ethic: Interns with a strong work ethic will contribute positively to the team and help ensure operational efficiency.
• Strong Communication Skills: Communicating clearly and professionally with both internal teams and clients, ensuring information is conveyed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative: Taking initiative, being reliable in completing tasks on time, and going above and beyond in delivering quality work.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Analyzing situations, proposing practical solutions, and contributing ideas for process improvements or service enhancements.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Being cooperative, respectful, supportive, and open to the ideas of others while working on group projects or when assisting colleagues.
• Patience: Remaining calm and composed when faced with challenging tasks or interactions, taking the time to ensure things are done correctly.
• Self-Motivation: Proactively seeking tasks, managing time effectively, and completing projects without needing continual reminders or oversight.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• 10-week paid internship (June 1 - August 6) with formal orientation and onboarding
• Networking opportunities with peers and leaders throughout the summer
• Cross-Departmental group project focused on an enterprise-wide solution presented at company-wide event
• Presentation skills coaching sessions
• Learning opportunities throughout program
• Access to mentors (former program participants)

Base Pay Range

The base pay range for this position is the range National Life reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account