How Do I Become an Insurance Advisor?

You generally need a bachelor's degree to become an insurance advisor and some companies also prefer that you have previous experience in the field. An insurance advisor works closely with other professionals to develop a variety of insurance policies. In addition to assisting policy drafting procedures, you may be responsible for marketing different types of policies to various clients. Once you become an insurance advisor, there are two primary employment opportunities including assisting individuals and helping firms to select appropriate insurance policies. Most degree programs offer coursework in personal and commercial insurance which can ultimately prepare you for this profession.

In addition to general business administration degree programs, some universities offer degree programs in insurance and risk assessment. A field-specific major can prepare you to become an insurance advisor and may offer numerous experience opportunities. Some of the coursework offered includes insurance and financial planning, risk assessment, insurance ethics, and several types of accounting courses. This profession is predominately based on analytical procedures and mathematics. You could be required to display extreme proficiency in mathematics and accounting before you are hired in this profession.

Most degree programs offer internships in various areas of finance and insurance which may prepare you to become an insurance advisor. Some of the types of internships could include insurance underwriter, insurance associate agent, or assisting a senior insurance advisor. Duties during your internship might include devising investment solutions for clients, practicing risk assessment on individual portfolios, and designing policies based on client needs. The opportunity to assist senior professionals in the industry can give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the daily tasks of this profession.

Some students opt to continue their education and receive a master's degree in insurance and risk management which may improve employment opportunities. Most of these programs focus on highly specific topics designed to prepare you to become an insurance advisor. Courses may include advanced practices in liability insurance, employee benefits, risk management for corporate entities, and a variety of commercial insurance courses.

Career options vary, depending on the level of education that you have completed. Jobs that may be available to you if you have completed your bachelor's degree could include insurance sales, insurance advisor, and risk assessment agent. Employment opportunities for candidates who possess a master's degree could include management analyst, insurance investigator, and senior insurance advisor. Aside from Internet employment sites, you may want to consider seeking employment with a variety of insurance firms including life, health, automobile, or commercial insurance companies.