This spring, Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland joined the Redbird family of supporters by becoming a member of Engage, the Career Services Partner Engagement Program.

Through Engage, companies generously provide support that specifically assists Career Services with developing, enhancing, and implementing innovative career development programs and services. In addition, participating organizations have many opportunities to connect with Illinois State talent.

As a leading financial services provider, Northwestern Mutual’s mission is to impact lives and help secure futures. It was recently ranked number one on the list of Best Life Insurance Companies by NerdWallet and is a Top 5 Independent Investment Broker‐Dealer.

Illinois State alum Ryan Kramer ‘98 works as managing partner for Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland. He began his career as an intern and is proud to reconnect with the University.

headshot photo of Ryan Kramer
Ryan Kramer ’98 Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner

“As an ISU alumni and former Northwestern Mutual intern, I am so excited for our firm to partner with Career Services on campus. Through this partnership, students will be introduced to what it means to work in financial services and the impact they can make. An internship with NM Chicagoland can lead to a career of endless opportunities!”  

Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland is known for its quality internship programs. According to Natalie R. Alexander, Career Services associate director, “Not only does their program include seasoned professionals training students in finance, insurance, and financial planning; but they were also recognized as one of the top workplaces by the Chicago Tribune (2020), as one of America’s best employers for diversity by Forbes (2020) and received a perfect score by the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index from 2015-2020. Their brand to change people’s lives for the better, certainly rings true for Redbird futures as well.”

Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland joins other Engage Partner Program members and industry leaders including Archer Daniels Midland, Enterprise, Growmark, and MI Homes. Organizations interested in connecting with Illinois State can learn more about the Engage Partner Program by contacting Alexander.