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Operations Intern - Summer 2026

Addison, TX; Montpelier, VT

Come join one of America’s fastest-growing insurance companies. Since 1848, National Life Group has aimed to keep our promises, providing families with stability in good times and in bad. Throughout that history, we have provided peace of mind to those families as they plan their futures.

Our mission extends beyond the insurance and annuities policies that we offer. We strive to make the world a better place through our grants from our charitable foundation, paid volunteer time for our employees, environmentally sustainable and healthy workplaces, and events that promote the work of nonprofits in our own backyard.

We foster a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and encourage our associates to live our values: Do good. Be good. Make good.

Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Role Summary

The Life Insurance Application Operations Internship is designed to provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in every phase of the life insurance application process. Interns will rotate through various operational functions, gaining a deep understanding of how applications are processed, policies are issued, and customer needs are met efficiently. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn how life insurance operations support the overall success of the business.

Interns will engage in activities that encompass the full process of a life insurance application, from submission and underwriting to policy issuance. By the end of the internship, participants will have a holistic view of how operations drive successful outcomes for both the company and its clients.

This position currently offers an onsite work schedule, with the expectation that you are in the office four days per week during onsite core days. Our current onsite core days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  The work schedule type and core days are subject to change with advance notification and manager discretion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Application Intake: Assist with receiving and reviewing incoming life insurance applications, ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Data Entry & Verification: Input application data into company systems and verify accuracy of information against submitted documents.
  • Underwriting Support: Collaborate with underwriting teams to facilitate the review of applications, providing operational support by organizing documents, communicating requirements, and tracking case statuses.
  • Risk Assessment Coordination: Learn about the underwriting process, including medical reviews, financial evaluations, and risk assessment procedures, supporting the team in gathering necessary client information.
  • Policy Administration: Support policy setup once an application is approved, including final documentation, policy creation, and the issuance of certificates to clients.
  • Client Communication: Communicate with applicants, agents, and internal teams to provide status updates, request additional information, and address inquiries related to the application process.
  • Process Improvement Initiatives: Participate in projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and improving client experience across the entire application lifecycle.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Assist in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to application processing times, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, contributing to data-driven decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Finance, Operations, or a related field.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
  • Excellent communication skills, with a client-focused approach.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with insurance or CRM software is a plus.
  • Interest in learning about life insurance and the operational processes that support it.

HOW YOU SHOW UP:

  • Empathy: Displaying compassion, active listening, and a supportive attitude when interacting with clients or colleagues in complex situations.
  • Organizational Skills: Keeping track of multiple applications, deadlines, and communications without letting details slip through the cracks, prioritizing tasks effectively
  • Curiosity and a Desire to Learn: Asking questions, seeking to understand the “why” behind tasks, and being genuinely interested in how the life insurance business functions.
  • Attention to Detail: Being thorough and precise in completing tasks, double-checking work, and ensuring accuracy in client and policy information.
  • Integrity: Maintaining confidentiality, adhering to company protocols, and acting ethically in all interactions.
  • Adaptability: Being open to shifting priorities, quickly learning new systems or tasks, and remaining composed in unfamiliar or dynamic situations.
  • Resilience: Showing perseverance when faced with difficulties, maintaining a positive attitude during busy times, and recovering quickly from mistakes or obstacles.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Interns with a strong work ethic will contribute positively to the team and help ensure operational efficiency.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Communicating clearly and professionally with both internal teams and clients, ensuring information is conveyed accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Self-Motivation and Initiative: Taking initiative, being reliable in completing tasks on time, and going above and beyond in delivering quality work.
  • Problem-Solving Ability: Analyzing situations, proposing practical solutions, and contributing ideas for process improvements or service enhancements.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Being cooperative, respectful, supportive, and open to the ideas of others while working on group projects or when assisting colleagues.
  • Patience: Remaining calm and composed when faced with challenging tasks or interactions, taking the time to ensure things are done correctly.
  • Self-Motivation: Proactively seeking tasks, managing time effectively, and completing projects without needing continual reminders or oversight.

Program Highlights 

  • 10-week paid internship with formal orientation and onboarding
  • Networking opportunities with peers and leaders throughout the summer
  • Cross-Departmental group project focused on an enterprise-wide solution presented at company-wide event
  • Presentation skills coaching sessions
  • Learning opportunities throughout program
  • Access to mentors (former program participants)

Base Pay Range.  The base pay range for this position is the range National Life reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors, including: prior experience and job-related knowledge; education, training and certificates; current business needs; and market factors.  The final salary or hourly wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances.

Additional Compensation and Benefits. The total compensation package for this position may also include a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in National Life’s discretionary annual incentive programs, subject to the rules governing such programs. If hired, the employee will be in an "at-will position" and National Life reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

National Life is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis and the role remains open until filled.

Hourly Pay Range

$19 - $28 USD

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT – founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, TX – chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company. All other entities are independent of the companies of National Life Group.

Fortune 1000 status is based on the consolidated financial results of all National Life Group companies.

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National Life Group

1 National Life Dr

Montpelier, VT 05604

 

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