As graduation season approaches, we’re excited to welcome new faces into the insurance workforce. If you are starting out in your insurance career, there are a number of ways to set yourself up for success. Below, our colleagues from across The Jacobson Group share their seeds of wisdom for putting your best foot forward and getting the most enriching experience out of your role – both now and as you grow in your career.
Firstly, make sure you really understand what success looks like in your new role. Get out that job description and make sure you're talking to your manager about it. Sometimes, we get hired and then we don't really continue to evolve those capabilities in our role, so ensure you’re keeping focused and organized. Secondly, learn terminology as quickly as you can. There are a lot of acronyms thrown around in the insurance sector, and I found it very confusing because three different words can mean the same thing. Get yourself a [insurance] dictionary or take an Associate in Insurance (AINS) class; whatever you can do to accelerate your learning and onboarding. I'd like to wish you luck because it's lots of fun and very interesting - more so than I ever imagined.
— Judy Busby, Senior Vice President and Managing Director
I would highly recommend individuals understand the impact they’re making on the organization — no matter the role, no matter what part of the industry. If you yourself can’t pinpoint the impact you make, then the organization likely doesn't know that you are making an impact at all. The sooner you recognize your impact; the sooner you can translate it into tangible results.
— Lavezz Middleton, Engagement Director
Be curious and ask questions. Insurance is a complex industry, but people are willing to share their knowledge if you just show some genuine interest in learning.
— Nikki St.Martin, Vice President of Marketing
First, understand that insurance is one of the most impactful and resilient industries in the world. We help businesses survive catastrophes and families rebuild their lives. That’s really meaningful work. Second, master the fundamentals: underwriting discipline, claims integrity, distribution strategy and risk management. Those things are timeless and always relevant. Technology will evolve but fundamentals will win the long term. Third, play the long game. Relationships matter enormously in this industry so build credibility early; do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. Your reputation will compound faster than you think and your career trajectory will rise exponentially.
— Brett Carter, Vice President and Managing Director
Don’t let your first job determine your entire career path. Take the opportunity to try different areas in the insurance industry. Even if you end up back where you started, you will be more well-rounded and better prepared for more senior roles.
— Jeff Blair, Senior Vice President of Executive Search and Business Development
Building connections, creating a solid reputation and personal brand, practicing consistency, and embracing ongoing learning will take you far. While your insurance career path will be unique to you, it’s always valuable to hear others’ stories and lessons learned. As you advance in the industry, we encourage you to seek out additional insights along the way and give back by sharing your own personal wisdom. Enjoy the journey!