Sales Intern, AEL Distribution

American Equity; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Mentorship

Intern Hack-a-thon

Networking opportunities

Job summary

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.

Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Finance, Economics, Insurance and Risk Management, Business Management, or a similar field, you will support Internal Sales by identifying regional opportunities, assisting with

Qualifications

• Actively pursuing a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Finance, Economics, Insurance and Risk Management, Business Management, or a similar field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external partners.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Shadows Internal Wholesalers to learn the essential duties and functions.
• Gains understanding of annuities and how they fit into financial planning.
• Becomes familiar with American Equity's product lineup and capabilities.
• Assists wholesaling teams with illustrations, pre-sale support requests, advisor list segmentation, and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborates with Marketing, National Accounts, and Customer Excellence to support objectives.
• Learns and uses Salesforce CRM, illustration software, and customer service databases.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Salesforce CRM

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Finance

Economics

Insurance and Risk Management

Business Management

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Illustration software

Customer service databases

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.