Insurance may seem intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, as its terminology and jargon can seem like indecipherable legalese.
Insurance offers many opportunities for those seeking a rewarding and financially stable career path, and the following tips will assist in making that dream of becoming an insurance professional a reality.
Education and Training
If you want a job in insurance, it is essential that you possess the appropriate qualifications. Working in this industry can be both demanding and stressful; particularly when dealing with customers who may be dealing with major life events such as death or car accidents. Strong customer service skills and work ethics are required, along with finding an established company with excellent consumer ratings from insurance rating agencies.
Insurance professionals need to be conversant in various terminology and policies. Many employers provide employees with training materials and resources designed to help them learn the fundamentals of the industry. Take full advantage of this opportunity; it will put you ahead of your competition, as well as open doors for new connections within it.
Based on your interests and skills, consider becoming an agent or claims adjuster. As part of this profession, you’ll need to sell clients on various policies while handling claims efficiently – while being sympathetic when dealing with stressful clients.
Even those not wanting to become agents or brokers still have many options for finding work within the industry. Some companies hire entry-level sales people with only a high school diploma or two-year associate degree as entry-level staff; you could also consider applying for a graduate training programme.
No matter your background, it is essential that you find a company willing to invest in your development and will support you as you advance within their ranks. Networking in insurance is crucial, so try connecting with as many people as possible while taking advantage of opportunities such as conferences and networking events to meet new contacts and build your clientele base.
Licenses and Certifications
Insurance is an indispensable industry, impacting almost everyone in our nation at some point or another. From businesses who require liability coverage, to individuals needing health coverage; few go through life without some form of coverage at some point. Furthermore, this sector needs talented and motivated professionals who enjoy helping other prepare for success even when life unexpectedly throws curve balls their way – earning your state-specific license is an excellent way to begin this career path.
To obtain your license, it will be necessary to meet state requirements that vary from state to state. These could include completing prelicensing education and passing the state exam; some states also require you to pass a background check as part of their licensing requirements. An insurance license preparation course will give you an edge in meeting these challenges head on and help build confidence that you will pass their examination successfully and begin your career in insurance.
Your career goals and specialized areas of knowledge within the industry will determine which certifications are right for you to obtain. Selecting one with care can not only increase your odds of success in this rewarding field but also ensure your clients receive up-to-date advice.
Professional certification can not only increase the quality of your services, but it will demonstrate to prospective employers that you possess the necessary skills and expertise they require. According to a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018, over 43 million individuals held professional credentials (certification or licenses). Furthermore, this study found that workers holding credentials had lower unemployment rates and greater labor force participation rates compared with those without credentials.
Acquiring the necessary license to become an insurance agent will open many doors for your future. Not only will it allow you to advance in your career, but it will allow you to provide excellent client services, which is key in being successful as an agent.
Work Experience
Establishing yourself as a potential candidate in the insurance industry is crucial. There are various options for work experience ranging from internships and volunteer programs that can provide valuable insight into whether this career path is suitable. Once you’ve experienced firsthand working within this field, you will gain a better sense of what skills and knowledge will help you be successful in it.
Work in the insurance industry can be challenging, particularly for new employees. The field is heavily regulated with strict guidelines regarding customer interactions. Being sympathetic towards clients who may be going through difficult circumstances such as losing their home or car should always be prioritized when dealing with customers in this sector.
Working in the insurance industry offers many advantages, from its steady career prospects and opportunities for advancement, to competitive pay and benefits packages offered by insurance companies.
When considering a career in insurance, be sure to do your research and explore all available specializations. Once you’ve made up your mind, begin searching for jobs that align with your career goals; remembering that work exists across most fields within this industry — from sales and customer service through risk management and underwriting.
Once you find a position that aligns with your skillset, apply! Multiple applications could be perceived as spam and reduce your chance of consideration for this role.
Once you’ve gained some industry experience, consider expanding your education by taking classes on advanced insurance law, risk management and technology. Such courses will not only strengthen your resume but will also give you a leg up against competition; additionally they are an excellent way to build up networks and increase opportunities for advancement.
Networking
Networking is one of the cornerstones of success when starting out in insurance. No matter if you’re an industry veteran or just entering, networking is an invaluable way to discover job opportunities and increase business growth. Here are some helpful tips on getting started and maximising your networking experiences.
Building relationships within your industry can provide invaluable career advice and client referrals. Gaining insights from fellow agents about latest developments and strategies they are employing in growing their businesses.
LinkedIn, one of the world’s most widely-used social media websites, provides an excellent resource for finding jobs in the insurance industry. Their search feature makes narrowing down options by profession and location simpler, and there are various resources that can help prepare you for an interview such as writing an effective cover letter and discussing salary negotiations.
Other websites you can use to search for an insurance industry job are Indeed and iHireInsurance, both of which offer similar features to LinkedIn but specifically focused on insurance roles. While these websites provide an effective starting point in your job hunt, consider reaching out to local business associations or groups which might also have opportunities available within this field.
Remind yourself that networking takes time: you will need to attend events, join groups and volunteers, volunteer your services and follow up on new connections to establish an extensive network of fellow insurance industry professionals. With patience, this network will expand over time and eventually lead you closer to landing the career of your dreams in insurance.
Though challenging, the insurance industry offers great opportunities for those who value hard work and a steady paycheck. Furthermore, unlike many industries which require four-year college degrees for entry-level positions, the insurance sector offers accessibility for people without sufficient finances for more academic paths.