IT Intern, Digital Platforms

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.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The IT Intern, Digital Platforms supports initiatives focused on enhancing and modernizing American Equity’s digital portals, which provide digital experiences for agents and clients. Working within cross-functional teams, the intern helps gather business and technical requirements, contributes to the design and development of modern web and mobile-responsive applications, and supports the delivery of exceptional digital experiences. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world technology projects, allowing the intern to apply academic knowledge while gaining hands-on experience in a structured, collaborative, and professional environment.

 

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:

·         Develops front-end portal websites using React and Tailwind CSS.

·         Assists in building and maintaining back-end services and APIs using the .NET framework.

·         Works with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.

·         Assists in the design of user interactions on web pages.

·         Codes, tests, and debugs new and existing web applications.

·         Collaborates across time zones via video conferencing and software such as Microsoft Teams, Jira, and GitHub.

·         Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.

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

·         Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

·         Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

·         Experience in cloud infrastructure in AWS, such as AWS App Services, S3, DynamoDB, CloudWatch, and CloudFormation, is a plus.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

·         Web Development Certification a plus.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·         Effective verbal and written communication skills.

·         Strong organizational and time management skills.

·         Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.

·         Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

·         Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

·         Strong foundational knowledge of front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

·         Working knowledge of React.

·         Familiarity with back-end development, particularly .NET.

·         Familiarity with basic principles of API design.

·         Familiarity with databases.

·         Good analytical skills with the ability to research issues and products.

·         Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.

 

DISCLAIMER:

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.