An insurance agent helps people find suitable policies, either working for a company or as a broker. They must pass licensing exams and gain experience in sales and customer service. Entry-level jobs can lead to becoming an agent, and training is often required.
An insurance agent helps people obtain the most suitable policies for life, health and property insurance, among others. He or she may be employed by an insurance company, actively participating in inquiries and sales, or working independently as a broker, reviewing insurance plans from multiple providers to help a person choose the right one. An individual who wants to become an insurance agent does not always need a college degree, although many companies give preference to candidates with post-secondary educational background in business administration finance or economics. In addition, new agents are required to pass the licensing exams administered by their specific country or state.
A person hoping to become an insurance agent can gain a fundamental understanding of the business by taking high school and college courses in economics and business. Because modern insurance offices often rely on computers to calculate policies and communicate with clients, it’s essential that prospective agents become familiar with the Internet and popular word processing and spreadsheet applications. Many students choose to gain valuable customer service experience by working in retail stores, hotels or other facilities where employees deal directly with the public. Extensive sales experience prepares an individual for the quick and difficult task of selling insurance to businesses and individuals.
Many hopeful insurance agents find entry-level employment with insurance companies as administrative assistants and clerks. While working in such jobs, individuals are able to learn the basics of the insurance industry and build professional relationships with established agents and other professionals in the business. Employers often recognize a skilled worker’s skills and may offer them the opportunity to become an insurance agent for their company.
In most countries, an individual must pass extensive licensing exams to become an insurance agent. Licensing exams are regulated by the state or country in which the individual intends to practice. Many localities encourage potential agents to pass training courses to prepare them for licensing tests. A person is usually required to pass a series of exams that measure their understanding of basic job procedures, insurance laws and regulations, ethics and confidentiality. After passing the exams, an individual can officially become an insurance agent and look for work in the business.
Many new agents train under the supervision of experienced professionals for a period of time, learning company-specific practices and procedures. An intern who shows sufficient competence may be allowed to sell basic policies. With time and proven aptitude for the job, an agent is given the opportunity to start working independently.
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