Sales Intern, AEL Distribution

Socket.dev; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Mentorship program

Networking opportunities

Professional development sessions

Job summary

American Equity's Launchpad Internship Program in Des Moines offers hands-on exposure to the financial services industry, supporting wholesaling teams and marketing campaigns. Interns gain real-world experience, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful business outcomes in a collaborative setting.

Actively pursuing a bachelor's degree in related fields, you will learn about annuities, product lineup, and marketing strategies while working alongside professionals across the

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Finance, Economics, Insurance & Risk Management, Business Management or similar.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management abilities required.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Support wholesaling teams with pre-sale activities and campaign execution.
• Identify regional sales opportunities and assist with advisor list segmentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive marketing campaigns and business growth.
• Learn and use tools such as Salesforce CRM and illustration software.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Relationship-building

Mathematical skills

Presenting information

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Finance/Economics/Insurance

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Illustration software

Customer service databases

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

The American Equity Launchpad Internship Program is designed to identify, develop, and empower the next generation of talent. Through meaningful project work, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, interns gain real-world experience while building the skills and connections needed to launch their careers.

The Launchpad Internship Program is a 10–12 week, in-person experience based in our downtown Des Moines office. Interns gain hands‑on experience, collaborate with professionals across the organization, and contribute to work that drives meaningful business outcomes.

Program Highlights

• Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real business impact.
• Receive dedicated mentorship from leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Participate in an Intern Hack-a-thon focused on solving real business challenges and presenting innovative solutions to company leaders.
• Develop professional skills through learning sessions, leadership presentations, and networking opportunities.
• Engage in community service projects, Des Moines Intern Connections events, and social activities with fellow interns.

Receive competitive compensation, including a housing stipend and recognition opportunities

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Internal Sales Intern provides ongoing support to American Equity’s wholesaling teams by helping identify regional sales opportunities, supporting marketing campaign execution with partner firms, and assisting with pre‑sale activities that help drive fixed and fixed index annuity sales. This internship offers hands‑on exposure to the financial services industry, the annuity marketplace, and the collaborative work that supports sales growth across American Equity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Shadows Internal Wholesalers to learn the essential duties and functions of the role.
• Gains a foundational understanding of annuities and how they fit into the financial planning process.
• Becomes familiar with American Equity’s product lineup and unique capabilities.
• Assists wholesaling teams with illustrations, pre‑sale support requests, advisor list segmentation, and the creation and execution of marketing campaigns.
• Builds strong working relationships and partners with teams such as Marketing, National Accounts, and Customer Excellence to support business objectives.
• Learns and uses key software tools, including Salesforce CRM, illustration software, and customer service databases.
• Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
• Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross‑functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Finance, Economics, Insurance and Risk Management, Business Management, or a similar field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

At the beginning of the internship program, American Equity will sponsor enrollment in a study course for the Iowa Life License, including one exam fee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to successfully prioritize requests and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment.

DISCLAIMER

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step‑by‑step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At American Equity, our core values—Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring—are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day. To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.

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