| YOUNG AGENTS COMMITTEE |
What’s not to love?
The same benefits that drew us to the business
will also draw the next generation of producers
CAROL VANLEEUWEN
Young Agents Committee President
W
e all have good days and bad days on the
job. But, overall, what’s not to love about the
insurance industry? Whether you grew up in
the business, deliberately chose a career in
insurance, or fell into the business like I did, it’s a career
path that has many benefits – including flexibility and
financial opportunity.
InVEST, an initiative of the Big “I” that is focused on
bringing insurance education to high school and college
classrooms has put together a list of reasons why today’s
student may want to consider a career in insurance.
Besides giving us the key points we need to recruit new
blood into the industry, I thought the list was a great
reminder for all of us as to what’s to love about insurance.
stability
Things change. In the technology industry, what was cool
five years ago may not even exist today. But the insurance
industry is here to stay. People will always need insurance
whether it’s for their car, residence, pet or even their
wedding, the insurance industry touches all aspects of life
— and that won’t change.
flexibility
You want a well-rounded life — and that means a
rewarding career that offers vacation time so you can
travel and experience new things. The insurance industry
offers flexible schedules and time off. If you work hard, a
three-day weekend could be in your near future. Perhaps
you want to catch a family member’s little league game or
attend a community fundraiser one afternoon? You could
control your schedule so you won’t miss important events.
In a recent U.S News and World Report article
featuring “Best Jobs of 2014,” Big “I” President and
CEO Bob Rusbuldt was quoted saying, “The lifestyle of
8
an independent insurance agent is perfectly suited to
someone who has the ability to do different things, who
wants control over their schedule, and who wants to be
involved in their community.”
Insurance is also worldwide. Once you become an
insurance expert, there are potential employers in every
community, enabling you to live anywhere — in the U.S.
or around the world.
income potential
In a growing industry with more than 400,000 jobs
openings by 2020, people entering the insurance
field have a huge opportunity for growth. If you’re an
insurance agent or principal, you control how much you
make by setting your own sales goals. The harder you
work the more money you’ll earn in commission. You are
only limited by what you put in your career.
be a boss
Baby boomers who are running agencies and companies
are retiring. They are looking now for young talent to
bring in to perpetuate the businesses they spent their
lifetime building up. You could enter the industry now
and in just a few years you could manage a staff, own your
own insurance agency or be team leader at an insurance
carrier.
make a difference
Insurance professionals are pillars in their communities
with offices in nearly every town and city in the U.S. Many
are active in local organizations, sponsoring sporting
teams or helping charities. Insurance offers you the
chance to make a career out of helping individuals when
they suffer a loss and need assistance.
KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER |September-October 2015|