Additional Information
A great way to get the feel of any job is to shadow someone who is already
working in the field. Most high schools have a job shadowing program that
you can get involved with.
"Work in a small agency part time," suggests Monica Reid of the National
Association of Professional Insurance Agents. "You'll get a feel for the place."
Try to get a part-time or summer job with an insurance company. This will
give you some insight into the industry.
"You should try to work for a company for a couple of years first. Get
to know the industry," says insurance agent Brian Fitzpatrick.
Agents and brokers must be licensed in the state where they want to work.
To get licensed, they must complete specified courses and pass exams that
cover insurance fundamentals and state insurance laws. Agents must take continuing
education to retain their licenses.
Exact requirements vary from state to state. It is essential that you check
the rules with your state insurance office. Regulations can change often,
so make sure you have the most recent information possible.
Once you have your license, you must have a company appoint you as their
sales agent. This is called "company sponsorship." Without it, you will have
nothing to sell.
If you're thinking about attending university, many insurance companies
would love to get a hold of a commerce graduate. Commerce is a four-year degree
program offered at universities across the country.
Having a degree will help you advance into other related careers, like
adjusting or management, says Reid. "But it will have no effect on your insurance
license. There are no shortcuts."
Agents cannot have a criminal record.
As important as it is to learn basic finance, don't close your mind to
the other skills you'll need to learn.
"Technical skills are really important. You need to be knowledgeable about
the product that you are selling -- it's a very technical product. You've
got to learn it before you sell it," says insurance agent Abby McDowell.
Once you are working in the field, insurance agent Brian Moir strongly
recommends that you continue to upgrade your training. Good choices are courses
in accounting, economics, finance, business, law and insurance subjects.