Actuarial Internship (Summer 2027)

About the Role

Join the Principal internship program and provide actuarial services and support across multiple lines of business. Projects and responsibilities vary based on business needs, offering opportunities to expand your technical skills, communication abilities, and industry knowledge.

Responsibilities

Examples of projects and tasks previous interns have accomplished:

• Cluster Modeling Project – develop an efficient method of compressing a model to improve runtime.
• Updating experience studies – analyze data to identify the frequency and severity of claims across demographic groups, directly impacting product pricing by setting assumptions based on internal and industry-wide experience.
• SAS Asset Reporting Tool – help understand changes from projection to projection to better analyze future performance across blocks.
• Analysis of Foreign Exchange Rates – explore the impact of currency fluctuations on Principal’s international insurance and retirement businesses to improve global risk strategies.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Identifying model elements most likely impacted by the economic environment.
• Designing and running test scenarios, analyzing results, and summarizing findings.

Requirements

• Current enrollment at a college/university or completed degree with focused studies in actuarial science, statistics, mathematics, or related majors.
• Ability to pass actuarial exams and dedication to pursuing an FSA with the Society of Actuaries.
• Knowledge of actuarial mathematics, including probability, statistics, numerical analysis, and compound interest.
• Collaborative communication skills and an eagerness for continuous learning.

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• At least one actuarial exam completed and passed.
• Knowledge of Excel, database, or actuarial modeling tools.
• Informal or formal leadership experience.

Benefits

• Learn from and work with credentialed actuaries, including an assigned mentor.
• Meaningful and challenging work at a company that values authenticity and encourages curiosity.
• Small group meetings with Senior Actuarial Leadership.
• Hands-on experience as part of an established program with 200+ interns annually.
• Professional development through events like the Executive Speaker Series.
• Flexibility and work-life balance in a global Fortune 500 company.
• Lump sum stipend of $4,000 to support incidental expenses (tax gross-up included).

Pay

Targeted base salary range: $24 - $29 per hour. Non-sales positions may participate in a bonus program.

Schedule

This role is located at our world headquarters in Des Moines, IA, with options for in-office or hybrid work arrangements (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek).

Paid company holidays and any time off required by your state are included.