How did you determine that insurance was a viable career choice?

If I'm being completely honest, I got into insurance completely by default. I Googled marketing jobs within a 5 mile radius of my house and this happened to be one of them! The first few months, like most 20-somethings, I thought it was dreadfully boring and decided to stick it out for a year and then look for something else. But the more I started getting involved, working with other departments within my company, meeting other insurance underwriters and producers through NAPSLO Next Gen, I realized the amazing potential of this industry.

How does technology fit into your work strategy?

Better question is how does it not! From the sales side, we use producer management software so that we can track producer numbers and set goals. From the marketing side, we use social media and email blast systems.

Who do you look toward as a mentor in this industry?

I absolutely love hearing stories from industry veterans, what better way to learn, than those that have already lived it and come out successful. My boss has been with huge carriers and one-office shops, he's been on the producer side and MGA side, he has seen it all! Being able to get so many different perspectives from one person is priceless information and a learning advantage!

What are your future goals in this industry?

I would like to continue taking on more responsibilities, attain my CPCU designation and get more exposure to all sides of the industry through my NAPSLO Next Gen involvement. Getting to work so closely with such a variety of people in the industry has been such a motivating factor in my career.

What are your main priorities as a young agent (work/life balance, charity support, legislative issues, etc.?)

For me, I need continued growth, the second I feel like I can go into auto pilot, I need a new challenge.

How does your office reflect how you work?

My office is an exact match to my ever-racing mind! Paperwork everywhere (if it's out of eye sight, I'll forget), 5 hour Energy in arms reach, and pictures of my dogs and family to keep me sane on crazy days!

What is an important lesson you learned when joining a professional working environment?

Be sensitive of everyone's time and work load. It is easy to get sucked into the vacuum of your workload and get frustrated with other departments for checks being incorrect, the printer not working or a mail run being late. Everyone is just as busy as you are, be respectful.

What do you see Gen Y/Millennials struggle with in a professional environment? What advice do you have?

I know one thing I struggled with when I first started, was the desire for people to take me seriously. When you're young it feels like everyone would rather deal with your superior, because what could you possibly know? It's not something that happens overnight and it doesn't matter if you have your MBA and every designation behind your name. It takes experience and that obviously takes time. Be patient, it will come!

Where do you hope to take your career? What direction would you like your career to go?

I would love to move into more of a sales and producer relations role. I've always been a “people person.” I love getting out and meeting people. Through NAPSLO Next Gen I've gained insight into other careers, ask questions and see how others operate. I'm lucky to have started in a smaller operation that allowed me to wear lots of hats and find my way into my own niche.

Have you ever experienced any “generation gap” issues with your carriers in terms of personal interaction or the products they offer?

I have noticed at companies where more “Under 40” employees are located, you do tend to see more of the new product offerings (cyber liability, etc.). The younger folks are always trying to keep up with trends, the veterans have already established their specialties.

Many young agents enter this industry because other family members work in insurance. What advice do you have when working with family?

I know quite a few of these folks and what always surprises me is their ambition, rather than having an attitude of entitlement. Many have gone to other companies for a few years to see how others operate, and make a name for themselves. It's great exposure and a great self confidence booster.

What skills do you think young agents will need next year?

The ability to keep up! With ever-changing technology, legislative issues, and the quick pace of the world now, coverages are changing, new risks popping up and Mother Nature's relentless fury. The only thing that seems constant in this industry is change. The NAPSLO Next Gen newsletter quarterly reports new trends, coverages, etc.to keep our under 40s group in the know.

What do you see young agents struggle with in their first years in this industry? What advice do you have?

From what I hear from veteran underwriters, they just want you to pick up the phone more. We have grown up in a technological era; we are used to texting and emailing as a form of a communication. After sending 10 emails back and forth all morning, a quick phone call could have solved the issue in 5 minutes.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a young agent, and how did you handle it?

My biggest challenge was gaining confidence. As a young employee, you tend to feel green and not taken seriously. I quickly started taking CPCU classes, would go above and beyond on projects and worked overtime. People start to notice the effort, and your role begins to expand. Gaining people's trust and approval is always a confidence booster.

What do you see as your biggest strength in this industry?

My biggest strength is being a people person. This industry thrives on relationships. People do business with people they like.

Similarly, what is your biggest weakness? How have you addressed that weakness?

My weakness is technical insurance knowledge. I didn't go to school for Risk Management, so I've been taking CPCU classes and sneaking in webinars here and there to build my knowledge. Thankfully, being a member of NAPSLO Next Gen has opened my “sounding board” network, there are so many under 40 folks with extensive expertise who are happy to answer questions and provide explanations.

How does social marketing make you a more productive employee?

Social media allows me to network with others in the industry so much faster than ever before, but most importantly, there are great articles, discussions, tips all in one place. NAPSLO Next Gen members can post questions on LinkedIn or Facebook and get answers from members all over the globe in minutes.

Whitney Simonetti was featured in the April 2013 issue of AA&B. She is the senior corporate marketing specialist for American Safety Insurance.