Philip Reiter

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Agriculture & Food Business Management

Additional education undertaken after graduation:
Investment and insurance licensing as well an advanced designation in long-term care insurance.

Years in the Field:   2
Current Job Title:     Financial Representative
Organization:           Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

How did you find this job?
A family friend referred me to the company’s web site after hearing about their highly rated internship program.

Please describe your job:
My day involves spending time on the phone arranging meetings with existing and potential clients, as well as developing presentations for meetings with prospective clients. My job also requires some level of administrative work. Being my own business owner, my responsibility is to build my practice by bringing in new clients who are looking for a long-term relationship with a financial advisor.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
The finance and management classes I took through the Carlson School of Management have been very helpful as well as a few of the Applied Economics courses. While I am not using the specific material on a daily basis, I find the ideas and concepts to apply in many other areas.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
I think there is a misconception that insurance and investment professionals are peddling a product. In reality, most of us are looking to establish a long-term relationship with the client that will be beneficial for both parties. We truly do care about our clients’ long-term financial security.

What advice do you have for current students?
Focus on getting internships right after your freshman year. This will give you a great opportunity to try new things and really get a feel for what the industry is like and if it is the right fit for you.