Launch Your Career Without a Degree: Principal Apprenticeship Program
We understand—it can be overwhelming to apply for a role at a large company like Principal, especially if you don’t have a four-year degree or extensive professional experience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need either to get started.
Our 12-month apprenticeship program offers full-time, entry-level positions in Des Moines, Iowa, tailored for individuals ready to launch their careers. What sets this program apart isn’t just the job itself, the competitive pay, or the benefits—it’s the strong support system designed to help you grow and succeed in a corporate setting.
“It felt like getting a head start with training wheels,” says Melissa P., a customer service apprentice who joined Principal right after finishing high school.
Ideal candidates are:
Our 12-month apprenticeship program offers full-time, entry-level positions in Des Moines, Iowa, tailored for individuals ready to launch their careers. What sets this program apart isn’t just the job itself, the competitive pay, or the benefits—it’s the strong support system designed to help you grow and succeed in a corporate setting.
“It felt like getting a head start with training wheels,” says Melissa P., a customer service apprentice who joined Principal right after finishing high school.
Ideal candidates are:
- Motivated to learn
- Customer-focused
- Effective communicators
- Interested in a future in financial services
No college degree? No problem.
1. Hands-on training from day one
Starting a new job can be tough, especially if it’s your first professional role. That’s why our program is designed to make the transition smoother.
Melissa remembers attending an open house before officially joining, where she had the chance to meet her future manager and get her questions answered. During onboarding, her leader made sure to explain not just the tasks but also the reasoning behind them—recognizing this was new territory for her.
“I had structured training and consistent support,” she explains. “My trainers and manager have been incredible. There’s no pressure to be perfect—just to learn and grow.”
2. Personalized coaching from HR
Along with a team leader, every apprentice is paired with a coach from our HR learning and development team. These coaches schedule regular check-ins and customize guidance based on your needs.
“It’s great having someone outside of my team I can ask anything—even basic stuff like how to book a meeting room or choose my benefits,” says Melissa. “My coach always adapts our sessions to help with what I’m going through.”
3. A built-in professional network
Each new class of 10–12 apprentices starts together annually, creating a peer group that learns, grows, and connects throughout the program. They meet for lunches, attend company events, and support each other’s development.
One of Melissa’s favorite parts? Watching major company meetings as a group and discussing what they heard from leadership.
Coaches also help with making broader company connections. “I mentioned wanting to meet more people across departments, and my coach immediately started setting up introductions based on my interests,” she says.
Launching your career journey
For Melissa, this program was the perfect stepping stone into the professional world.
“I didn’t want to jump straight into college because I wasn’t sure of my path,” she says. “This opportunity gave me a chance to figure out where I want to go.”
After the year-long program, apprentices can apply for permanent positions in areas like customer support, sales, marketing, technical support, and operations. As a full-time employee, you’ll also have access to education assistance and career development programs.
This initiative is part of Principal’s commitment to nurturing early-career talent and advancing financial stability in the communities we serve.
Principal is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.
1. Hands-on training from day one
Starting a new job can be tough, especially if it’s your first professional role. That’s why our program is designed to make the transition smoother.
Melissa remembers attending an open house before officially joining, where she had the chance to meet her future manager and get her questions answered. During onboarding, her leader made sure to explain not just the tasks but also the reasoning behind them—recognizing this was new territory for her.
“I had structured training and consistent support,” she explains. “My trainers and manager have been incredible. There’s no pressure to be perfect—just to learn and grow.”
2. Personalized coaching from HR
Along with a team leader, every apprentice is paired with a coach from our HR learning and development team. These coaches schedule regular check-ins and customize guidance based on your needs.
“It’s great having someone outside of my team I can ask anything—even basic stuff like how to book a meeting room or choose my benefits,” says Melissa. “My coach always adapts our sessions to help with what I’m going through.”
3. A built-in professional network
Each new class of 10–12 apprentices starts together annually, creating a peer group that learns, grows, and connects throughout the program. They meet for lunches, attend company events, and support each other’s development.
One of Melissa’s favorite parts? Watching major company meetings as a group and discussing what they heard from leadership.
Coaches also help with making broader company connections. “I mentioned wanting to meet more people across departments, and my coach immediately started setting up introductions based on my interests,” she says.
Launching your career journey
For Melissa, this program was the perfect stepping stone into the professional world.
“I didn’t want to jump straight into college because I wasn’t sure of my path,” she says. “This opportunity gave me a chance to figure out where I want to go.”
After the year-long program, apprentices can apply for permanent positions in areas like customer support, sales, marketing, technical support, and operations. As a full-time employee, you’ll also have access to education assistance and career development programs.
This initiative is part of Principal’s commitment to nurturing early-career talent and advancing financial stability in the communities we serve.
Principal is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.
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