What You'll Do

We’re looking for Commercial Real Estate interns to join our Principal Real Estate team. In this role, you’ll have exposure to many areas of Commercial Real Estate (CRE) while working specifically on one of the teams mentioned below. In this fast paced, constantly evolving environment, you will play a critical role in supporting your team, which is not only exciting, but the best way to learn.

Provide analytical support for evaluating equity or debt investment opportunities across multiple product types (industrial, apartments, office, retail, etc.)
Perform market research, review due diligence materials, prepare presentations, and assist with written investment committee memos
Develop knowledge of products, programs and clients’ needs through available training programs and involvement in investment activities

Who You Are

Working towards or have a recent Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (preference for degrees in finance, mathematics, economics, real estate, or accounting)
Strong quantitative financial and statistics background including an understanding of basic finance concepts such as time value of money
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Highly motivated individual with a self-starter approach
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Availability to start part-time in April 2026

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

Real estate experience (full time or internship experience, clubs or extracurriculars)
Involvement in student organizations and other business-related extracurriculars

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)

$36 - $36 / hour

Time Off Program

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

Pension Eligible

Hours

This is a 20+ hours/week internship starting in April 2026

Location & Work Environment

This role will sit onsite in our Corporate headquarters in Des Moines, IA or remote during the rest of the school year through May 2026.

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 interns.

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

4/1/2026

Most Recently Posted Date