Thread: Any Underwriters on L4P? Employment Advice Needed

Hey all,

Just wondering if anybody here works for an insurance firm, or more specifically as an underwriter.

Back in May, I graduated with a bachelors degree in business administration (focused heavily on corporate finance and accounting).


I've been searching for jobs since June/July and haven't had any luck. In my searching though, I tried to see what other types of occupations might be available to me. I came across "underwriters" positions, and found that it may be something that I like to do. Turns out I have a friend who works for an insurance firm as an underwriter, and he gave me a decent idea of what the job is like.


Now i've been searching for months and I can't seem to find out how to get into an underwriting position. Every single job ad I see is for minimum 2 years experience at the very least. So my question is.. how do I get into an underwriting position? or at least into a position so that I can get trained as an underwriter.


As for my friends company, he knew someone a few years ago who was able to get him in, and now they do not hire fresh underwriting trainee's, they only look for people who are experienced.


I'm stuck.. as to how to get in lol.


Anybody have any advice?

No response after two weeks, so I will give you this small bit of advice.

Insurance is a tough gig, primarily because there are a million insurance salesman. The reason there are a million insurance salesmen is because the licensing test is easy and many companies are willing to hire you on a commission basis...which is why I am surprised you can't find a job. It's win-win for the company if you are commission-only.
The attrition rate is exponential. All of these insurance firms cycle through a new-hire class yearly...they bring someone on (like yourself), get you licensed and tell you to hit your rolodex. After a round or two through your rolodex, you might have Aunt Suzy and your roomate from college as new clients almost immediately, but then the reality of sales sets in and you start getting no after no after no!

I am not trying to convince you to explore other options, but I am hoping to uncover the reality of the job to you.
Insurance is highly lucrative. Some of the largest companies in the world are insurance companies. Their top producers make 7 figures. There is no reason that can not be you, but you better be able to differentiate yourself from the masses and perservere.

An alternative route you may want to consider would be Financial Advisor as well. Get your Series 7 and your Insurance licenses and you will have a more diverse product offering and be able to serve as more of a comprehensive financial planner. See BofA, Morgan Stanly, Northwestern Mutual, Amerprise, etc.

Or, if you have top grades and went to a top school, contact some of the big investment banks if you enjoyed corporate finance.

*coming from a 30 year old who was in your place 6 years ago and ended up being a CPA working in corporate finance...