Northwestern Mutual plans to hire more than 2,700 financial representatives and 3,700 interns this year to meet demand for comprehensive financial advice, according to the company.
"There's a high demand for trained financial professionals and our forecasts show that demand will continue to climb in the foreseeable future," said Steve Mannebach, Northwestern Mutual's vice president of field growth and development. "With the market uncertainty and confusing options, people are seeking guidance and clarity in their long-term planning."
Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual recruited more than 5,500 financial representatives in 2013.
More than half of the new financial representatives in 2014 are expected to be "career changers" – professionals who believe they have reached the ceiling in their current occupation and are looking for more opportunities to grow, says the firm.
Military veterns represent another group from which the firm expects to hire.
The firm recently launched a military recruitment Web site that highlights opportunities for interested veterans, including training and development programs, rewards and benefits, and testimonials from veterans who made the transition.
“Military veterans' strong leadership qualities, discipline, motivation and desire to help others are highly transferrable skills to careers as financial representatives," said Mannebach.