Sitting at a desk all day is no way to learn what our company’s all about—or to spend a summer, for that matter. That’s why, at Principal®, our internships are holistic experiences with a wide range of opportunities to network, socialize, and get involved.
“It’s important to us that interns feel connected to each other and to our company,” says Ruby M., a leader in the internship program.
We also aim to develop the core competencies of career readiness:*
· Career- and self-development
· Communication
· Critical thinking
· Equity and inclusion
· Leadership
· Professionalism
· Teamwork
· Technology
Here’s how it all goes down:
Networking with peers and leaders
Networking is natural for a lot of interns because they meet people on their teams or in the shared intern workspace. But we also formalize many events—with small groups, among business units, even with all 200+ interns.
Amelia C., an actuarial intern, recalls an event with senior leadership where she floated around, talked to people, and learned about Principal International, which piqued her interest. “It was a really great networking experience,” she says. “I’ve had a great deal of opportunities to meet people in other areas … to learn about what others do and how it all ties back.”
Also, there’s usually food, the interns report.
Not into mingling? During the three-day code-jam, interns have a chance to collaborate on practical projects. “It’s cool to get to work with people across teams,” says Sam V., a tech intern. “Because in the real world you won’t only work with people with your job title.”
And for a more formal experience, interns are invited to a speaker series tailored to them. Leaders and executives present on our lines of business and strategy, inclusion efforts, company culture, and various developmental topics of interest to our interns—and they often stick around to chat afterward.
OOO: social activities out of office
The internship program makes good use of the outdoor space on campus for its summer-long cornhole tournament. “There are lawn games, ice cream, and no agenda besides having fun outside the office,” Ruby says. With 60% of the onsite interns participating (and many more cheering them on), this is one of the crowd-favorite team-building activities.
Interns also participate in the Des Moines Corporate Games, where companies compete in sports like ultimate frisbee.
These activities aren't just about organized fun. The interns say they spark friendships and plans for lunches out, gatherings after work, and weekend adventures downtown.
Participating in the community
Principal is deeply committed to participating in and promoting progress in the community. And we welcome our interns to take part.
“I really love how the company’s values pour back into its employees,” says Amelia, who attended a food truck celebration for Juneteenth and marched with Principal in the Pride parade. “I wasn’t expecting so many of these types of events where you feel appreciated as an individual.”
Interns are also allotted and encouraged to use eight hours of paid volunteer time. Organized outings include volunteering with lower-income elementary school children and expecting mothers, but the time can be dedicated to any causes they care about.
Many interns also participate in the Principal Charity Classic—our sponsored golf tournament that raises money for local children—as both volunteers and spectators.
With all these opportunities, Sam says, “Principal sets the stage for you to go out and get what you can out of your internship. I've matured so much more than I have throughout my entire college experience.”
Hear from other 2024 interns
