Investment Operations Extended Internship/Co-Op (May - Dec)

What You'll Do

Principal Global Investors is the perfect opportunity to gain real world experience in the investment management industry. Our Investment Operations Extended Internship/Co-Op (May to December 2026) will allow you to play a key role in supporting the investment management process by focusing on process improvement, projects, strong controls and data integrity.

Principal Global Investors is a premier global asset management firm with over $630 Billion in assets under management. We operate globally and therefore; you will be a part of our global operations department that is responsible for providing timely and accurate investment data to investment boutiques and clients globally. Each intern opportunity will differ based on the needs of the business area. Generally, interns will be exposed to or be responsible for:

• Collaborating with other teams in Investment Operations to complete tasks and develop solutions
• Working with data consumers and stakeholders to delivery accurate investment related data
• Analyzing and maintaining accuracy on investment related data through data integrity reports
• Participating in process improvement and automation projects as needed
• Learning the technology used to calculate integrated investment related data

We utilize a team-based approach and have various teams in our Investment Operations Department such as Trade Support, Data Management, Investment Accounting, Investment Performance, Corporate Actions and Separately Managed Accounts to name a few. This particular opportunity is within the Investment Performance & Analytics teams where you will find an opportunity to grow your career!

All applicants should have availability of up to 40 hours a week from May 2026 through December 2026 in order to be considered for this position.

Who You Are

• Working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or related majors
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
• Involvement on campus or within the community
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills required
• Previous experience in a fast-paced environment
• Intellectual curiosity
• Minimum 2.8 GPA

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Exposure with data visualization tools such as Power BI or others
• Exposure to data analysis and/or investment concepts through intermediate level coursework, community involvement and/or internship/employment experiences
• Highly detail oriented with a critical degree of accuracy regarding data entry and analysis
• Willingness to tackle new tasks and look for ways to improve or automate processes
• Project oriented with ability to drive and compile meaningful results

Salary Range Information

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

$20 - $22 / hour

Time Off Program

Paid company holidays and any time off required in your state.

Pension Eligible

No

Location

The position will be based out of Des Moines, IA. You can check out what our Global Headquarters in Des Moines looks like here: 

Work Environments

This role offers the ability for in-office or four days in-office and one day remote. You’ll work with your leader to determine which option may align best based on several factors.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window

We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.

Original Posting Date

1/16/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

1/21/2026