Leadership Development Rotation Program
This leadership development program provides an exciting opportunity for a select group of high-performing college graduates. It’s designed to expose future leaders to all aspects of the company.Once you successfully complete the program, we'll work with you to determine your best fit at The Principal, and launch you into your career.
How it works
This two to three year program includes five cross-functional rotations, ranging from six to 12 months in length, help you develop an understanding of the different business areas of The Principal, while providing you broad exposure and meaningful project work. Rotations include functional areas like:
- Asset Accumulation/Asset Management
- Compliance
- Finance
- Health
- Human Resources
- Public Relations/Marketing
- Sales
- Underwriting
- Project Management
- Supplier Management
Sample Rotation
The rotational path of each participant is customized to develop strengths and stretch the individual’s skill sets, giving prime opportunities for growth and new experiences. Following is a sample rotation of a participant who has a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Finance and previous leadership experience:
- Marketing Coordinator – Retirement & Investor Services: nine months
- Business Coordinator II – Life, New Business: six months (will lead up to two individuals)
- Global Product Advisor – Principal Global Investors: six months
- Risk Consulting & Audit – Business Risk Consulting: nine months
Leadership Development Plan
Development is one of our five core values and is available for all employees. As a program participant you'd qualify for a customized development plan including:
- Personal assessment of leadership skills
- Formal leadership curriculum and classes
- Mentoring from senior leaders
- Networking with members of senior management
- Representing the company at corporate community events like the Principal Charity Classic, Drake Relays, and the Principal Family Fun Fest
- A capstone project with other participants in the program
- Interaction with analysts and investors when they visit The Principal corporate campus in Des Moines
- Quarterly earnings call debriefs with senior management
- Learning how our products and services stack up against the competition
- Participating in a “Financial Strategies” simulation
What you learn
You’ll learn about our business, the company culture and how to be a leader. Learning will take place in formal, classroom settings and informal environments as you learn from senior leaders and peers. And since we limit the number of participants, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in depth how our leaders have helped make The Principal a great place for great people to do great work.
Mentoring & Networking
A member of senior management will serve as your mentor throughout the program. You will have a different mentor each year of the program to broaden your exposure and many chances to network with senior leaders, high performing peers, clients, business leaders and members of the community.
Criteria for application
- College student graduating in a business related field this December or the following May
- Advanced analytical, communication and written skills demonstrated by a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher (preference for 3.5)
- Exceptional leadership skills demonstrated through holding various leadership positions on or off campus
- Strong business acumen as a result of at least one internship or business relevant work experience
- Desire to learn, explore and be challenged outside of comfort zone
- Proven track record of academic excellence and community involvement through various awards and recognition programs
- The initiative to lead with or without a formal title
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
How to apply for the program
Step 1: Create your profile and upload your resume
- Don't forget to tell us how you heard about this opportunity by completing the Referral Information
Step 2: Search and apply for positions
- Using keywords: Rotation Program
Once you have successfully completed these steps, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
Timeline
August – October: Application available and Human Resources/first round interviews
November: Second round interviews By Dec. 1: All candidates will be notified of offer or decline
April: Spring get-together for participants
Late May - June: Leadership Development Rotation Program begins
