Insurance Agent As A Career Option
In recent times, the insurance sector had undergone a sea change. It has opened up huge opportunities to an increased number of young educated people who showing a keen interest in becoming agents with leading insurance companies. In fact it has become one of the most challenging careers in recent times, with so many insurance companies trying to sell their policies to the customers. Therefore, if you are looking to become an insurance agent and want to make a difference in this field, you need to prove your mettle by showing a lot of hard work and dedication.
Who can become an insurance agent?
If you are the shy and introvert type, then you need to think twice before entering this profession. The job is meant for those who have an outgoing personality. It is expected that an agent should have traits of a good salesperson who can understand sales in this sector and define his sales pitch to the potential customers convincingly. As the insurance sector is highly competitive, he should be should set a target for completing his assigned job. In other words, he should be goal-oriented. He should also be passionate and keep himself updated on the development in this sector. The person should also be able to cope with rejection, at least in the initial stages.
How to become an insurance agent?
Most insurance companies prefer to recruit agents having a bachelor's degree in economics, business or finance and related any related field. a good working knowledge of computer education is preferred. Many insurance firms hire agents who have some prior knowledge of working in an insurance agency as trainee or part time employee while in college.
It has become mandatory to write the Insurance License Examination of your state once you are selected by the insurance firm. For this, you are expected to attend pre-licensing classes that are offered by the Insurance Agents Associations. You will also be trained on the various computer software programs that are used by the industry. Once you become a permanent agent, you have to attend certain continuing education classes to keep yourself updated with the latest policies and products in the industry.
What are the job responsibilities?
The primary job of insurance agent is to find more customers and get them insured with the insurance agency based on his needs and requirement. Once approved by the insurance company, his responsibility lies in delivering the policies to the customers. Also when he collects the premium amount, he would get certain amount of commission by the company. He can sell individual policies for life insurance, home insurance, car insurance and medical insurance. He is also responsible for helping customers in getting their insurance claim in the event of a disaster.
What are the career prospects?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an insurance agent can vary between $25,000 and $110,000. A number of diligent agents take up intensive courses and certifications to enhance their career prospects. They can rise to the position of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter or set up a brokerage firm.