Intern - Investment Solutions (Summer 2027)
Des Moines, Iowa
INTERN | USD 29.00 HOUR

What You'll Do



We’re looking for a summer intern to join our Investment Solutions Team in Principal Asset Management for Summer 2027! In this role, you’ll be responsible for assisting the team in various investment-related functions. The intern will:

  • Learn Liability-Driven Investment (LDI) concepts and contribute to the development and implementation of sophisticated investment solutions
  • Design client-facing reports and presentations
  • Use advanced investment tools to generate data for client-facing material
  • Gain exposure to investment solution design and delivery of that solution to a client or prospect
  • Optimize existing structuring and reporting processes
  • Develop and apply AI agents to enhance investment analysis, research, reporting, knowledge management, and team workflows
  • Identify opportunities to improve analytical, structuring, and reporting processes through automation and process redesign
  • Assist in developing scalable analytical frameworks supporting strategic asset allocation, OCIO, LDI, and derivative-based investment solutions
  • Support the creation of investment dashboards, knowledge repositories, and decision-support tools used by investment professionals
  • Evaluate AI-generated analyses and outputs for accuracy, consistency, and investment suitability
  • Contribute to projects involving portfolio construction, risk management, investment strategy, and workflow optimization
  • Assist with integrating data from multiple investment systems and sources to improve analytical efficiency and scalability
     

Principal Asset Management's Investment Solutions team develops customized, outcome-oriented investment strategies for institutional and wealth clients worldwide. The team specializes in Liability Driven Investing (LDI), Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) solutions, strategic asset allocation, derivatives-based strategies, portfolio construction, and investment risk management.

 

In addition to delivering customized investment solutions, the team is focused on advancing analytical capabilities, process innovation, and AI-enabled tools that enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, and support scalable investment excellence.
 

Principal Asset Management, a subsidiary of Principal Financial group, offers global asset management expertise across a diverse set of traditional and alternative asset classes. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years! Check us out at www.principalam.com.


Who You Are



  • Working towards a Bachelors degree in financial mathematics, accounting, finance, economics, or a related major
  • Completion of intermediate level coursework in finance
  • Additional exposure to investment concepts through involvement in student organizations or work/intern experiences
  • Ideally has previous work/intern experience in asset management or related financial services field
  • Ability to work onsite, full time in Des Moines over the summer of 2027

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strong interest in strategic asset allocation, fixed income markets, derivatives, institutional investing, pension risk management, or OCIO solutions
  • You preferably have a 3.5 GPA or higher and/or working towards a CFA charter
  • Experience using Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar AI platforms
  • Experience building AI agents, copilots, automations, workflow solutions, or analytical tools is highly desirable
  • Familiarity with Python, APIs, data analytics, dashboard development, workflow automation, or related technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex analytical findings into concise recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Curiosity regarding governance, controls, model risk, and responsible implementation of AI-enabled solutions
  • Ability to identify process inefficiencies and develop scalable solutions to improve team effectiveness
  • Demonstrated interest in long-term professional development within asset management, institutional consulting, portfolio management, OCIO, investment strategy, or asset allocation
  • Demonstrated commitment to a career in investment management through academic achievement, investment research, student investment organizations, internships, or related experiences
  • Candidates pursuing or intending to pursue the CFA designation are strongly encouraged to apply
  • Progress toward the CFA Program or demonstrated familiarity with CFA curriculum concepts will be viewed favorably

Salary Range Information



Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

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



$29 - $29 / hour

Time Off Program



Paid company holidays and any time off required in your state.

Pension Eligible



No

Location(s)

This internship will be located at our global headquarters in Des Moines, IA. Check out what our global headquarters looks like here: 

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://www.principal.com/about-us/careers/internships

Internship Stipend

You will receive a lump sum stipend of $4,000. 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 as a financial benefit, but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.

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.

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!

Principal Asset Management, a subsidiary of Principal Financial group, offers global asset management expertise across a diverse set of traditional and alternative asset classes. Check us out at www.principalam.com!

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.


Posting Window



We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.

Original Posting Date



10/16/2026

Most Recently Posted Date



10/16/2026

 



Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.