I applied through college or university. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Richmond, VA) in Jan 2012
Interview
This is a three interview process. The first interview is a general one (very basic, asking your strengths weaknesses, etc.) done by the campus recruiter. The second one is a little more detailed and done by a financial representative. The third is a presentation you must give to show why they should choose you to intern.
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?