Where can I go from here? What about a CPCU Designation?

Question

I'm 23 yrs old and I have 5 years experience in working as a property and casualty agent. I've worked for GEICO and Nationwide, I am currently working at a Nationwide Agency and I work with a few ladies that have been in the insurance industry for 20+ years and they do the same thing I do. I don't want to be stuck doing the same thing, making the same money forever, but insurance is the only thing I know. I was thinking about getting my CPCU designation. Are there any online programs? And is it worth it?

Answer 1

There are online "classes" to take for the CPCU, but the exams are ALL in person, essay type. I've a bachelor's degree and some work on my master's, and the CPCU is EASILY harder than anything I've ever done before.

BUT, because of that, because so few insurance people actually COMPLETE it, it DOES open a lot of doors for you. So it's not going to get you any more MONEY, but it WILL get you a job over just about anyone who doesn't have one - which is most people.

Now. For some unsolicited advice - move from your Nationwide agency, to an independent agency. You'll do better there, too. Move to a LARGER agency. The thing is not to get in a rut. The smaller agencies can train you up, but the larger the agency, the more opportunities there are. You'll need to move to an independent agency so you can get the opportunity to work on medium and large size accounts - where the real money is. If you stay with an agency that thinks $50,000 in premium is a large account - there REALLY isn't any place to go.

Answer 2

I took the classes years ago when there was no "on-line" (back in the 70's. We didn't even have computers in our offices back in the dark ages).

I would say that it helped further my career a lot. The classes are tough but the fact that you got through them and got the designation will help your career if you want to stay in this business. I went on to become a surplus lines broker and spent half my time traveling between New York and London, which was a lot more interesting then just writing commercial property casualty. But I had over 20 years in the business by then too. I actually started out as a Worker's Comp claims adjuster many many years ago.

Answer 3

I actually just signed up for the CPCU program. Yes you can go online and take online classes or do a self study program. I'm doing Personal Lines and it's 8 classes. It's very much about insurance law, ethics, Cannons, etc...tough. It's not something you can breeze through.

Got to www.aicpcu.org, the official CPCU website for additional info.

Is it worth it? Maybe not where you currently are, but if you wanted to get into a manager or executive role within an insurance company...it adds tremendous points to your resume.

Answer 4

I have the IIA, AIC and RPA designations. I am getting calls from headhunters about 4 times a year, just wondering if I am ready to leave my employment yet.

Once you have the designations, you keep them. It's a great marketing tool. The tests aren't easy, but if you can swing them, it's wonderful.

Most executives have the CPCU designation. Go for it now, later life gets in the way

Answer 5

You might try working for a larger agency. There's plenty of room to move up in larger agencies, if that's your goal. (And hey, if you're looking... email me!)

If you want to pursue the CPCU, there's always that opportunity. Personally, I think I'd be bored out of my skull using working in the Underwriting dept. But that's just me.

Answer 6

I not recommended take on-line classes because you receive many distractions. You asked for advice to take the CPCU? and the answer is go for it!!!! I 34 yrs old and I begin the CPCU classes and my goal is finished.

Answer 7

Suppose you stay in insurance, One day you will be 35. And you'll be 35, whether or not you make CPCU.

Go for it!