I am only 18, I know young. And i will be graduating this year. I live about an hour from Chicago and would like to be hired by a company there. I am debating about going to college, but my friends dad said I don't need to go. (he is an Insurance agent). I am a people person, and am very well liked. But my question is-How to get started? Should I just become that of an assistant? Or get a side sales job, and get my lisence on my own? Any general information would be very helpful, thank you. And if you are an insurance agent, do you like your job?
2007-03-12 16:45:37 · 7 answers · asked by Starcraft 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
My friends dad passed away last year.
2007-03-12 16:52:38 · update #1
You should get a job as an assistant or file clerk (don't expect to make very much) and work on getting your license. No need to go into the big city - actually, if you're looking for a LARGE agency to hire you, you likely can't get in without a degree of some kind. You don't NEED a degree for insurance work, it just opens doors. Seriously reconsider going to college - you can go part time while you work full time at an agency (for not more than minimum wage, with no experience and no license), or go to school full time while you work part time.
And a smaller agency is much more likely to hire you.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE insurance. I dumbed into it, when working on my Masters degree. I've done it ever since. But the majority of people who work in the industry don't love it - they do it because they don't have many other options. A college degree will give you options.
2007-03-13 05:33:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been an agent for over 3 years and from time to time I have enjoyed it. There are some things that you have to learn the hard way and if I would have seen this: http://www.farmers-online.com I wouldnt have gone to work for Farmers Insurance as an agent.
The best thing you can do is to talk to Independent Insurance Brokers in your area and ask about Producer Agent jobs. They are more than willing to hire you regardless of degree! Make sure you talk to a few though to make sure you get the best deal. If you need additional help you can contact me through http://www.insuranceagt.com or email me on yahoo on suggestions.
2007-03-13 01:54:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, while you can study for the licensing exams on your own (some states even allow you to take online classes for that), you would have to find a company to "appoint" you in order to get a license.
Also, given how expensive it can be to get your training, you would probably be better off to get someone to sponsor you for that also.
If you want to have your own agency some day, you will probably need to go to college. That wasn't such a requirement a few years ago, but it's become more of one in recent years. If you want to work in an agency as a salesperson, you should be able to do that without a degree. (It's usually more lucrative to have your own agency, but there's also a LOT more responsibility.)
Why don't you try doing an internship in an agency and make sure this is something you really want to do?
2007-03-12 16:57:37 · answer #3 · answered by ISOintelligentlife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a job at an insurance agency. They will usually help you work towards your license. You can be an assistant to a salesperson or a customer service rep. Then work your way up to selling on your own.
Getting a license & selling on your own is hard. Best to be affiliated with an agency or an insurance carrier.
2007-03-12 16:49:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine Queen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Starcraft , hopefully you received my email earlier this evening. Let me know if I can offer additional info or direction. Having a degree didn't used to be a requirement , but most firms expect it now.
The best way to get started at your age would be to find a local agent who might take you on part time, or some arrangement fitting your schedule & their needs in the office. You can get a basic feel for the business this way too, & see how you like it.
Later, Budman
2007-03-12 21:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by SantaBud 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friends dad, and insurance agent, says you don't need college to become an agent.
Odd, you don't ask your friends dad this question but ask it here. I would think your friends dad could easily tell you and perhaps give you a few contacts to help you get started.
But since it seems that he hasn't, I wonder about the truth of your question.
2007-03-12 16:51:24 · answer #6 · answered by khorat k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why don't you asked your dad's friend how he became an insurance agaent? or google it
2007-03-12 16:48:58 · answer #7 · answered by lala15 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋