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:

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.

From a young age, Kayla Johnson enjoyed baking alongside her mother, but in 2020, her favorite pastime evolved into a thriving business. Like many during the pandemic, Johnson — who now serves as a People & Culture Business Partner in KFC’s Digital & Technology division — found comfort in watching baking shows. One episode struck a chord when she saw a contestant from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, take the spotlight.

“It made me believe I could aim high, too,” Johnson shared. “At the time, I wasn’t sure where baking could take me, but I thought, ‘Why not start somewhere?’ So I ordered a cake decorating kit in August 2020 — though it stayed unopened until November.”

That fall, she finally put the kit to use, experimenting with a strawberry crunch cake for her family’s Thanksgiving celebration. Their positive response encouraged her to take things further. Just a month later, she launched Kay Marie Bakes. Capitalizing on the rising popularity of hot cocoa bombs that winter, she managed to sell over 2,500 units in just three weeks — a standout experience she later highlighted during her interview for a human resources role at KFC in 2021.

“I sensed she was hesitant to mention her side business,” recalled Julie Lloyd, Director of Human Resources at Yum! Brands. “But we actually value and support employees who have passions beyond their primary roles.”

Nearly four years into her HR career, Johnson has mastered the art of balancing both her professional responsibilities and her entrepreneurial pursuits.

“During the week, I focus fully on my HR work,” she explained. “Evenings and weekends are for baking — whether it’s fulfilling orders, experimenting with new recipes, or handling the operational aspects. Baking is more than just work for me; it’s a creative escape.”

However, starting a business wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles early on was learning to manage her time effectively. Johnson admitted that she initially took on more than she could handle, resulting in late nights and added stress. She eventually had to set boundaries and sometimes even decline orders. Still, her people-centered approach helped her navigate tough situations and build resilience. “Each obstacle has taught me something and helped me improve how I run the business,” she said.

Today, Johnson is affectionately known among her colleagues as the “dessert person” — a title she’s carried since her school days when she often baked for friends. Her coworkers frequently place orders for personal and corporate occasions, and she’s a featured vendor at the company’s annual holiday markets and Valentine’s Day pop-up events.

Her desserts have even garnered wider recognition, including a feature in Kentucky Bride Magazine. For one wedding, she created a dessert table that honored both the groom’s Southern roots and the bride’s Filipino heritage. The menu included Southern favorites like peach cobbler, banana pudding, and bourbon balls alongside Filipino-inspired treats such as Ube brownies and Calamansi citrus bars.

“I’m truly thankful to work at a company that embraces and uplifts my entrepreneurial spirit,” Johnson said. “One day, I hope to open my own storefront, and my leadership team continues to equip me with the skills to get there. That kind of support is rare.”

Yum! Brands — KFC’s parent company — has even earned a spot on TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders for two consecutive years, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent and nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs like Johnson.

“Right now, I feel I’m thriving in both worlds,” she added. “KFC is helping shape me into a leader, and I get to apply those lessons through Kay Marie Bakes. Who knows — maybe one day I’ll be making desserts for KFC itself.”

Now that would truly be a recipe for success.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Dominic Fernandez, after multiple combat tours overseas and years of service, was honored alongside his family with a brand-new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. This marks the 50th vehicle donated through the collaboration between U.S. Bank and Freedom Alliance and the 80th donation overall since the Driven to Serve initiative began in 2018. The van is also the 12th vehicle donated in 2024 alone.
 
U.S. Bank has long supported veterans and active military personnel, their families, and communities. Beyond vehicles, U.S. Bank partners with Freedom Alliance and Operation Homefront to donate mortgage-free homes, offering stability to veterans and their families. Since 2013, U.S. Bank has donated 28 homes nationwide, with plans for two more by the end of 2024. Additionally, they have funded 29 critical home repairs for veterans since 2017.
 
Greg Cunningham, U.S. Bank’s Chief Diversity Officer, expressed, "Our veterans and servicemembers give everything for our collective freedom. We thank them for their service and sacrifice."
 
Recognized as one of the top corporate supporters of veterans and military families, U.S. Bank ranked #10 on the Military Times Best for Vets 2024 Employers list, marking the third consecutive year in the top 10. In addition to their partnerships with organizations like Freedom Alliance, U.S. Bank provides specialized banking products and services for military personnel and their families. In 2024, the bank’s Proud to Serve chapters hosted 42 employee events across the country, engaging over 1,660 employees in support of military families. Over 20 volunteer events were also held.
 
U.S. Bank is proud to support over 2,000 military and veteran employees and is recognized as a leader in corporate support for military families.
 
In celebration of Veterans Day, U.S. Bank participated in San Diego Fleet Week 2024. During the event, the U.S. Bank Good Truck promoted Spouse-ly, a marketplace supporting military spouses who own small businesses. Given the financial challenges military families face, with one in four military spouses unemployed due to frequent relocations, Spouse-ly helps these spouses generate income wherever military life takes them.
 
Through U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, U.S. Bank has also supported an affordable housing project for veterans in California. Buena Esperanza, a revitalized Econo Lodge motel, now offers 69 supportive housing units, including 20 reserved for veterans. The project includes a community space, kitchen, and food pantry. U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance has a long-standing partnership with Jamboree Housing, contributing approximately $387 million in debt and equity for affordable housing developments throughout California.