Risk Management Intern (Summer 2026)

What You'll Do

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join our Risk Management team for Summer 2026! This position offers hands-on experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across the organization. You will work closely with risk management professionals while having exposure to business leaders, control partners, and internal audit as we work through real-world risks & opportunities that financial services face in today’s business environment.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

What You'll Do

• Assist in risk assessments and control evaluations across our business operations
• Support the development and maintenance of risk registers and dashboards
• Help prepare reports for leadership and other stakeholders
• Research emerging risks, industry trends, and best practices
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement risk mitigation strategies

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate level degree in Risk Management, Finance, Business, Economics, Actuarial Science, or a related field
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Familiarity with data visualization and Governance, Risk & Complaince tools (such as Power BI, Archer, ServiceNow)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work independintly and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Salary Range Information

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

Pension Eligible

Our Internship Culture

Join an established program that provides hands-on experiences for 200+ interns each year! You'll learn new skills with dedicated teams and mentors, build your professional network and collaborate across a global Fortune 500 company. We care about offering you diverse experiences and exciting challenges that push you to reach for bigger life goals, all while enjoying our flexibility and work life balance. Join us for events such as our Executive Speaker Series, gain career direction, and much more! 

https://careers.principal.com/internships

Summer Internship Stipend

You will receive a lump sum stipend of $3,000 (net of taxes). This amount is intended to support incidental expenses you may incur as part of your internship. The Company will provide a tax gross-up on this stipend amount listed above as a financial benefit but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.

Location & Work Environment

This internship will be located at our corporate headquarters in Des Moines, IA. This role offers the ability for in-office, or four days in-office and one day remote. You’ll work with your leader to determine which option may align best based on several factors.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our interns.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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