I applied through college or university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Los Angeles, CA) in Aug 2013
Interview
Applied through the career center at my school and got an email within a week to attend an information session at their office. Information session consisted of a presentation on what Northwestern Mutual does. After the session, those who still wished to pursue the internship had to answer three questions (about a page long) and take a personality test. After that I was emailed for my second interview which was a behavioral interview. Here I was given more "homework" which consisted of completing a market survey, aka write down/talk to personal contacts who would be interested in buying insurance and other products. Third interview discussed my survey and was offered the job. Easy process.
There were four or five interviews, if you count the meeting with my future mentor. There were also a few personality assessments. Lots of paperwork. The finance industry is tightly regulated.
The first interview was easygoing and went fairly well. We talked a little on myself and what northwestern was all about. Because they wanted to see how I could fit in to their team and what I would bring.
I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Greenville, SC)
Interview
The process was smooth and straight forward. A lot of behavioral based questions, but relaxed and low stress. First phase is a phone screening followed by a teams or in person meeting.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about the most influential person in your life?