How Two Students Launched Careers Through Principal® Internships

Each year, Principal® selects a cohort of interns from thousands of applicants, landing on 200 people who work either traditional summer assignments or stretch their work out over longer periods, and even years. This summer, two interns — Kyle Corbin, a Waukee native, and Lydia White, originally from Minneapolis — had the opportunity to get to know the workplace culture at Principal and take part in the company’s professional communities to determine whether Principal might be a fit for them in the future and what career path might be right for them.

The professional communities offered to interns, include:

• Accounting
• Actuarial
• Data Analytics
• Financial Analyst
• Investments
• Marketing and communications
• Real Estate
• Technology and engineering
• Other (HR, sales, strategy, on occasion)

These communities allow interns to gain real-world experience and develop skills in the above areas. Principal’s program makes it easy to build a network as well, enabling students to develop through mentoring by attending events and making connections with different teams and leaders within the organization.

Making a Career at Principal

Both Corbin and White gained experience from their intern experiences. Corbin’s experiences — which included seven different internships, Principal being the first — crossed business units and skill sets, from correlation studies in the Benefits and Protection business to developing a risk analysis dashboard for Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS). While Corbin had multiple offers following graduation, he ultimately chose Principal because the company always worked with him on his interests, needs and constraints. The culture at Principal also won him over, and Corbin now works full-time as a Financial Analyst.

White accepted a position at Principal following her internship after negotiating her start date, acknowledging that Principal offered a great place to launch her career. She is a Software Engineer for the company.

Apply for an Internship

Looking for an opportunity with Principal? Hiring begins later this month and it’s easy to apply! Visit principal.com/careers or email campusteam@principal.com.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company ® . Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/-dealers. Principal Global Investors leads global asset management. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group ® , Des Moines, Iowa 50392. ©2023 Principal Financial Services, Inc. 3037216-082023