Northwestern Mutual LIfe Insurance Co. surpassed its recruiting goal for 2012 and has set a higher goal for 2013, the company announced.

It has set a recruiting goal for financial professionals and interns at 5,500 for this year. Northwestern Mutual, based in Milwaukee, set a goal of 5,000 new recruits last year and exceeded the goal.

This is the second year the company has had all-time highs for recruitment goals. Many of the new recruits are people changing careers to join a new field, the company says.

“For those with the right background who are looking to start a new career and want to get into financial planning, now is an opportune time,” says Steve Mannebach, vice president of field growth and development at Northwestern Mutual.

Northwestern Mutual has received the Employees’ Choice Award by Glassdoor.com and ranked first in the insurance industry in Selling Power magazine’s annual 50 best companies to sell for.

Additional information about careers with Northwest Mutual can be found at www.northwesternmutual.com/find-an-office.aspx.