Authentic Career Growth and Opportunity at Principal Financial Group
From Humble Beginnings to Purposeful Growth
I started my journey with a challenging background, limited resources, and ambitious aspirations. What I’ve discovered during my time at Principal is that career growth isn’t just about checking off traditional milestones—it’s about embracing and applying your own unique strengths. And here, you’re truly encouraged to do that.
A Culture Where Leaders Are Within Reach
My path began with a chance meeting. I connected with a Vice President from Principal during a career fair, and we hit it off right away. At the time, I was close to graduating and already had a different direction in mind. I hadn’t even heard of Principal, and I wasn’t considering a sales development role. But that conversation stuck with me—so I took a chance and submitted my resume.
The night before my final interviews, I attended a happy hour event and crossed paths with another leader who would later play a pivotal role in my journey. She took the time to have an honest, personal conversation and made me feel seen—not just as a candidate, but as a person. That moment mattered deeply.
Later, I even had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO—just because I asked. That openness and willingness to connect is something I’ve consistently experienced at Principal.
There’s also a remarkable sense of support here. When I was a new hire and facing housing challenges, a colleague welcomed me into his home. It wasn’t part of a formal program or benefit—it was simply a kind, human gesture that meant the world to me and forged a lasting friendship.
Embracing Your True Self
There’s a stereotypical image that comes to mind when people think of a financial sales role—and it’s not one I match. But that’s never been a barrier. At Principal, the goal isn’t to fit into a mold, but to build genuine connections.
Throughout my career here, mentors have continuously reminded me: bring your authentic self to the table. That’s where your true value lies. I’ve learned to rely on my own communication style and relationship-building approach, rather than trying to mirror someone else’s. That shift in perspective has made all the difference.
Whenever I’ve had an idea or suggested a new way of doing things, it hasn’t just been welcomed—it’s been encouraged and celebrated.
Creating Your Own Path Forward
Although I work remotely, that hasn’t limited my ability to grow. I’ve found meaningful opportunities by getting involved in cross-functional projects, proposing new ideas, and staying actively engaged.
One highlight was my involvement with our LGBTQ+ employee resource group. I proposed initiatives to make our marketing language more inclusive and to better recognize the buying power of LGBTQ+ communities. That work made a real impact—and even led to a presentation before the Principal board of directors.
I also lead a Career Development Network pod, where I support peers in their own professional journeys. It’s my way of paying forward the investment others have made in me.
A Story of Possibility, Not Exception
From growing up in foster care to presenting at the board level, my journey has been anything but linear. But it’s not about being an exception—it’s about showing what’s possible when you have the right mindset, support, and environment.
When you show up as your true self, keep learning, and commit to doing the work—there really are no limits.
Click here to know more about our recruitment fraud information.
I started my journey with a challenging background, limited resources, and ambitious aspirations. What I’ve discovered during my time at Principal is that career growth isn’t just about checking off traditional milestones—it’s about embracing and applying your own unique strengths. And here, you’re truly encouraged to do that.
A Culture Where Leaders Are Within Reach
My path began with a chance meeting. I connected with a Vice President from Principal during a career fair, and we hit it off right away. At the time, I was close to graduating and already had a different direction in mind. I hadn’t even heard of Principal, and I wasn’t considering a sales development role. But that conversation stuck with me—so I took a chance and submitted my resume.
The night before my final interviews, I attended a happy hour event and crossed paths with another leader who would later play a pivotal role in my journey. She took the time to have an honest, personal conversation and made me feel seen—not just as a candidate, but as a person. That moment mattered deeply.
Later, I even had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO—just because I asked. That openness and willingness to connect is something I’ve consistently experienced at Principal.
There’s also a remarkable sense of support here. When I was a new hire and facing housing challenges, a colleague welcomed me into his home. It wasn’t part of a formal program or benefit—it was simply a kind, human gesture that meant the world to me and forged a lasting friendship.
Embracing Your True Self
There’s a stereotypical image that comes to mind when people think of a financial sales role—and it’s not one I match. But that’s never been a barrier. At Principal, the goal isn’t to fit into a mold, but to build genuine connections.
Throughout my career here, mentors have continuously reminded me: bring your authentic self to the table. That’s where your true value lies. I’ve learned to rely on my own communication style and relationship-building approach, rather than trying to mirror someone else’s. That shift in perspective has made all the difference.
Whenever I’ve had an idea or suggested a new way of doing things, it hasn’t just been welcomed—it’s been encouraged and celebrated.
Creating Your Own Path Forward
Although I work remotely, that hasn’t limited my ability to grow. I’ve found meaningful opportunities by getting involved in cross-functional projects, proposing new ideas, and staying actively engaged.
One highlight was my involvement with our LGBTQ+ employee resource group. I proposed initiatives to make our marketing language more inclusive and to better recognize the buying power of LGBTQ+ communities. That work made a real impact—and even led to a presentation before the Principal board of directors.
I also lead a Career Development Network pod, where I support peers in their own professional journeys. It’s my way of paying forward the investment others have made in me.
A Story of Possibility, Not Exception
From growing up in foster care to presenting at the board level, my journey has been anything but linear. But it’s not about being an exception—it’s about showing what’s possible when you have the right mindset, support, and environment.
When you show up as your true self, keep learning, and commit to doing the work—there really are no limits.
Click here to know more about our recruitment fraud information.
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