Years at company: 4 years
College: Olivet College '12

Have you ever experienced any “generation gap” issues with your carriers?
Yes, a little bit. That is expected because I grew up in a different time than people 50 or 60 years old. I'll be honest, at times I do prefer to talk to younger people working for our carriers because it is easier to relate to them. That also works the opposite way when I need to speak with someone who has a very deep knowledge and experience about a specific product and/or industry.

What advice do you have for millennials struggling in this industry?
Learn to deal with rejection. We are the first wave of people entering the workforce who grew up receiving a participation medal and the idea that no one loses, everyone is a winner. The result is that later in life, when we are not selected for a job or promotion, or lose a big account, we don't know how to deal with the rejection. I quickly learned that it can really slow you down and prevent you from reaching your goals. My advice to other Gen Ys: Don't let rejection or losing slow you down. Instead, use the experience as a learning tool that fuels you to become better, because you will have another opportunity that you'll need to be prepared for.