Insurance: A Growing Career Opportunity

With unemployment remaining high, many Americans are unaware that there are still growing industries. Insurance is one of the fields looking to employ more people. Since the number of insurance jobs is increasing, students may find Insurance Studies to be a beneficial college pursuit. Insurance programs are becoming more available in colleges, and provide many opportunities with insurance employers.

Recently, Cal State Fullerton's Director of Insurance Studies , Dr. Weili Lu, described students' opportunities to the Insurance Journal. In the interview, she details how scholarships are integral in the program. Scholarships are available to students through partnerships with insurance companies, and have allowed Insurance Studies programs to grow in the past few years.

Dr. Lu relates that internships are critical. Students are offered a range of possible internships in differing insurance-related  fields, such as  annuities, risk management, and independent brokerage. Risk management has seen particular growth since companies continue to require the expertise of risk managers. In addition to a positive job outlook, this sector offers funding to risk management students.  Students can also opt to intern with independent insurance brokers. The student learn how to operate their own brokerage, as well as how to use social media tools. Established firms are eager to hire their interns, and 90% of students are employed following their graduation. 

Thus, high school students may want to further explore the insurance industry. Since the field continues to grow, having an interest in it may pay off.

To view Dr. Lu's full interview, the video is posted below.

Readers, what do you think? Do your career interests and educational choices change based on the job market? Are you more likely to consider a career if you know it's job outlook is positive? 

Reference:

Dunford, M. (2012, May 21). Job Outlook for Insurance Graduates. [Web video]. Insurance Journal TV. Retrieved June 11, 2012, from http://www.insurancejournal.tv/videos/7241/