Why work in insurance? It’s never boring!
Donegal Insurance Group's Erin Keller wouldn't trade her insurance career for anything, and here's why.
Editor’s Note: In my February column, I asked insurance professionals to share their stories of how they came into the industry and why they stay. This is the story one of our readers shared with me. ― Editor-in-Chief Rosalie Donlon
I think the insurance industry is in the best place to appeal to the younger generations than ever before. Universities are adding degrees, and there are organizations such as Gamma Iota Sigma. Companies that are staying up to date with technology and giving college students opportunities to learn during co-op and internships are at an incredible advantage.
I have a business economics degree from a college that now has a degree program for insurance. I didn’t know what I was going to do when I graduated. I thought I would end up in the financial services or banking sector. I started that, and it was boring to me. I needed something more.
I actually went back to school to get a Master of Education because I didn’t know what or where to go. I went on to get married and have my children then found myself having to go back to the workforce, still not knowing what I was going to do to support three kids on my own!
I “knew” someone that worked at a local carrier, so I reached out. I started as an assistant underwriter. I learned about all of the tests and designations, and that fascinated me. I was 30 by that time, barely making enough to support my kids, so I needed to find a way to differentiate myself ― and fast. I started taking the tests. I appreciated the award money for taking those tests too!
I started racking up my designations and got myself into the commercial lines underwriting class. I was promoted quickly and was appointed to many different “specialist” roles. I traveled to teach classes and to visit and network with my agencies.
I wanted to be able to create more and have more ownership, so I took a role as a senior production underwriter in the excess & surplus department. Here I traveled to find and market my own new business while retaining my renewal book. I enjoyed the job, but I was out of state a little more than what worked for my family, now consisting of four kids. I wasn’t planning on leaving at the time, but I believe all things happen for a reason. I was presented with a wonderful opportunity and great offer to work remotely for another regional carrier as their business relationship manager in their marketing and sales dept! This took away my underwriting authority (once an underwriter always an underwriter, right/?). I felt a little lost at first, but then I got my groove.
I am now loving this aspect of the insurance industry in the sales and marketing division. I’m still drumming up business, talking out risks, and working with the independent agents, but it’s so much more. I am creating a brand. I am creating a name for myself in my own state and for my new company. I am working on my CIC and taking classes offered by the Cincinnati Insurance Board and Ohio Insurance Agents. I read articles every day and share via social media, hoping to inform others of current trends. Things that I believe will better myself to do a better job representing my company.
I am becoming a trusted advisor to my agents and promoting my company to shine. I work in tandem with field underwriters and staff in my HQ, located in Pennsylvania. I’ve even gone back to my university to volunteer to be a mentor to those students planning on going into the insurance field and those who are studying economics just as I did.
It has been a long road but a wonderfully fulfilling ride. I just as easily could have ended up in claims, accounting, auditing, or HR, but I wouldn’t trade my career path for anything. I have taken all of my skills, connections, and the sheer determination of being an advocate for this industry, and I am trying to make a difference. I don’t know what I would do without the insurance industry, and I’m excited to give back and make my mark.
Erin Keller (Erinkeller@donegalgroup.com) is currently the business relationship manager for Donegal Insurance Group serving Southwest Ohio. She is an active member of Ohio Insurance Agents and the Greater Cincinnati Insurance Board. Opinions expressed here are the author’s own.
For more articles on insurance careers, including recruiting and fostering the next generation of talent visit our Instant Insights page “Insurance Careers Month: Bridging the Talent Gap.”
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