Michigan is home to some of the nation’s largest insurance companies. The industry employs over 50,000 people and serves millions of policyholders in areas such as health insurance, property/casualty insurance, and life insurance. Insurance companies work to provide financial assurance products covering a diverse range of financial risks.
Many students do not have the insurance industry on their “career radar,” but here are some reasons why you should:
- The insurance industry offers significantly higher wages. Michigan’s insurance industry average wage is $85,000, whereas average wages across all industries is $60,000
- There is a substantial need for talent – the industry is replacing a quarter of the workforce due to retirement and broadening areas of recruiting interest
- The insurance industry is seeking students with all backgrounds of study, which means it could be a great fit for everyone and especially those in fields with fewer job opportunities.
Alumni, Julia Mills (’18), is currently working in the insurance industry after recently graduating and shared some insight into the field.
“The insurance industry can be an excellent fit for students navigating the post-graduation transition. As most insurance companies are large scale, there are frequently many roles to fill at any given time. By working for an insurance company, you begin to get a taste of what the real world is like, which is necessary to face after college. Although it is not all glamorous, and the type of work available may not highlight your Myers-Briggs, it is an excellent place to learn what you do (or do not) love in a work environment. Hours are consistent, benefits are substantial, and interviewing is relatively easy. Another perk to the insurance industry is their commitment to training you thoroughly. Because your expertise on insurance will contribute to the greater picture of the entire company, businesses are likely to put time and effort into your training. This means that many doors are open for you, especially if you want to continue in the insurance world. If you are a learner, and taking in new information everyday excites you, the insurance industry could be perfect for you.”
If you are curious or interested in learning and discovering more about a career in the insurance industry, we invite you to attend The Michigan Colleges Alliance Insurance Industry Recruiting & Informational Event on November 15th from 1:00- 4:00PM. The event is being held at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West (925 S. Creyts Rd, Lansing, MI 48917).
The event’s agenda will include small-group roundtable networking sessions with each company. These sessions will have overviews of current and future recruiting needs.
A special drawing for multiple $500 Scholarships will be held at the conclusion of the event. All students graduating in May 2019 or later will be eligible. You must be present to win.
International students are encouraged to review individual positions and attend. Select companies offer sponsorship opportunities. Below you can find a link to register as well as learn more about the companies that will be in attendance.
Please register here to attend: https://mcainsurance18.eventbrite.com
Review each company’s positions currently posted via https://tinyurl.com/mcainsuranceevent.
As always, the Boerigter Center would love to help you prepare as well as answer any further questions. Feel free to give us a call (616-395-7950) or stop by the office located in Dewitt.