And with the help of insurance professionals, students can
job shadow, gain experience through internships or even
have a career waiting after graduation. “By creating awareness at many levels, students are taught
that there just isn’t about any career that doesn’t have some
aspect of a connection to insurance,” she said.
Founded in 1970 by the Independent Insurance Agents
of Los Angeles, the program was initially designed
to educate students on how to be better insurance
consumers. Through the years, it eventually expanded into
teaching insurance agency and company operations, and
encouraging students to pursue careers in the industry. Currently, InVEST is in more than 800 classrooms with an
outreach to students of more than 29,000.
“InVEST has an online learning program that exposes
high-school students to insurance education,” Hower said.
“Through those learning opportunities, students also
learn about all the careers available. Students in the more
robust InVEST classes get to go on industry tours and
learn insurance applications. Some programs also provide
mentoring on the behaviors of social media, how to dress
for an interview and communication skills.”
The program also has scholarships available to students
who intend on pursuing an education and career in an
insurance-related industry. In 2016, 79 students were
awarded scholarships, totaling $73,500 thru individual,
company and industry partner donors, Hower said.
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“By 2020, there will be 400,000 open jobs for a variety of
roles, interests and specialties in the industry,” Hower
said. “InVEST is determined to help fill those 400,000
open positions and is a founding partner of the insurance
careers movement to achieve this mission.”
Hower credits her opportunities through KAIA in helping
her become chairperson. Each year, the state association
submits the names of volunteers wanting to serve at the
national level. Her previous involvement on the Virtual
University committee gave her a leg up, she said, and after
one year on the InVEST board of directors, she was made
chairperson.
“The board of directors dedicates its time to promoting
insurance education and career pathways to the many,
many career opportunities in insurance,” Hower said.
KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | March - April 2017 |