Strategic Analyst Intern

Location: Des Moines, Iowa, United States Department: Finance

American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company is a leading provider of annuity solutions designed to help clients protect and grow retirement income. Part of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, we partner with more than 40,000 financial professionals and help fund over half a million retirements nationwide. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies and named a Top Workplace in Iowa, American Equity fosters a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are empowered to ignite their passion and help shape the future of financial services.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with satellite offices in New York, NY, American Equity provides opportunities for employees to support work across the enterprise, including our sister company, American National, headquartered in Houston, Texas.

At American Equity, we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and goals in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently help fund more than half a million retirements nationwide and have been headquartered in the Des Moines area for more than 30 years.

General Purpose of the Job

As an Analyst, Strategic Initiatives Intern, you will gain hands-on experience from day one in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment. You will support strategic initiatives across American Equity and the broader Brookfield Wealth Solutions organization. Areas of exposure may include mergers and acquisitions, financing, product design, capital management, corporate development, financial analysis, accounting, and other business priorities.

Working alongside professionals and senior leaders across American Equity and Brookfield Wealth Solutions, you will help analyze complex business challenges, prepare recommendations, and support initiatives designed to create meaningful value across the organization. This role also provides mentorship from experienced investment and finance professionals, along with opportunities to demonstrate your analytical skills, business acumen, and ability to communicate effectively.

Launchpad Internship Program

The American Equity Launchpad Internship Program is designed to identify, develop, and empower the next generation of talent. Through meaningful project work, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, interns gain real-world experience while building the skills and connections needed to launch their careers.

The Launchpad Internship Program is a 10–12 week, in-person experience based in our downtown Des Moines office. Interns gain hands-on experience, collaborate with professionals across the organization, and contribute to work that drives meaningful business outcomes.

Program Highlights

Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real business impact.

Receive dedicated mentorship from leaders and colleagues across the organization.

Participate in an Intern Hack-a-thon focused on solving real business challenges and presenting innovative solutions to company leaders.

Develop professional skills through learning sessions, leadership presentations, and networking opportunities.

Engage in community service projects, Des Moines Intern Connections events, and social activities with fellow interns.

Receive competitive compensation, including a housing stipend and recognition opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be motivated self-starters who are comfortable navigating a wide range of complex business challenges. Working alongside American Equity and Brookfield Wealth Solutions professionals and leaders, the intern will:

Collaborate on and support the execution of value-creation initiatives across Brookfield Wealth Solutions, American National, and American Equity.

Prepare presentations, financial analyses, and other materials to support senior leadership decision-making and communications with external stakeholders.

Assist with the development of financial and insurance capital models, including public company valuation, credit analysis, and insurance capital impact assessments.

Conduct research and provide strategic insights related to business strategies, products, end markets, and potential transaction opportunities.

Analyze financial and operational information, identify key trends, and summarize findings clearly.

Complete project and support tasks with guidance from a mentor and department leader.

Collaborate with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross-functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.

Participate in potential travel opportunities with affiliated entities.

Prepare ad hoc reports and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or another related field of study.

Prior exposure to investment banking, private equity, credit, asset management, corporate finance, or a related area is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Professional Designations

None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong quantitative and analytical skills with close attention to detail.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to define problems, gather and analyze data, establish facts, and draw well-supported conclusions.

Ability to work with financial and mathematical concepts and apply them to practical business situations.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with employees, business partners, and other stakeholders.

Ability to build productive r