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Insurance is already part of everything you do.

Find your career in it.

Career Changers

Career Changers

Explore your Experience

In exploring the nine examples offered here, and later in the career profiles, you may be surprised to see how much of your previous experience may be leveraged in a career in insurance.

Automobile Sales & Service

Working with automobiles, whether in a sales or service capacity, can offer insight into the design, construction, makes and costs of automobiles. In addition, there is an element of customer relations, making complex and technical information accessible to the consumer and needing to have a good understanding of the risks associated with vehicles and their drivers. Sometimes, you may even already have experience working with insurance companies.

Typically, professionals in this area have competencies that are aligned to the following insurance career profiles: Appraiser, Broker, Loss Adjuster and Claims Investigator. That said, your knowledge, skills and experience may apply to other roles you are be interested in. Keep an open perspective and explore those as well.

Examples of transferable competencies in this sector may include:

- Strong working knowledge of the design and construction of a wide
  array of makes and models of automobile.

- Demonstrated ability to accurately diagnose, trouble shoot and
  estimate costs associated with a variety of operational issues and
  damage to a vehicle.

- Sound understanding of security issues, design flaws and potential
  risks associated with different makes of automobiles.
- Experience working with customers, who at times may be very upset,
  to fully understand the presenting issue and their needs, explain what
  actions need to be taken and provide recommendations on how to
  proceed with their next steps.

Banking – Finance

Banking and finance offers one of the most transferable areas of experience to a career in the p & c insurance sector, as insurance is the third pillar of the financial services industry in Canada. Whether working directly with the public or in a ‘back-office’ role, there are parallels to the ethical and regulatory frameworks, ability to conduct on-the-spot analysis and commitment to service excellence that are prevalent in insurance careers.

Often, professionals in this area have competencies that are most applicable to these insurance career profiles: Actuary, Broker, Risk Manager and Underwriter. However, be sure to explore all of the roles that have sparked your interest. You will likely find that your knowledge, skills and experience can apply to them as well. In addition, if you hold a finance or accounting designation, you may also want to explore careers in these functional areas within insurance organizations.

Examples of transferable knowledge and skills in this sector may include:

- Demonstrated capacity to work in a highly regulated industry where a
  strong sense of ethics, tact and sound judgment are required.

- Experience working with industry systems to support carrying out
  customer transactions, conduct analysis and inform decision making.

- Ability to offer advice/counsel to clients on plans and strategies that
  are aligned to their level of risk tolerance and within the legislation
  governing the industry.

- Solid approach to decision making which is rooted in analysis, inquiry
  and research.

Construction – Skilled Trades

Working in construction or another closely related area of the skilled trades (e.g. plumbing, electrical, masonry) can provide a really sound knowledge of building codes, by-laws and associated legislation. This type of experience also offers insight into the materials and equipment used, costs, safety considerations/precautions which need to be taken and perils that may occur throughout the building process. In some cases, you may have already had experience working with or on-behalf of insurance companies.

Construction and skilled trades related experience can apply to virtually any role in the industry. Usually, the strongest alignment is to a role as a(n): Appraiser, Loss Adjuster, Loss Control Specialist, or Underwriter. You may also want to explore opportunities with companies that specialize in reconstruction and restoration. Insurance companies use these firms to support the rebuilding of homes and businesses that experienced a loss.

Examples of the transferable skills and knowledge from experience in this industry may include:

- Proven ability to work effectively as a part of an interdisciplinary team
  and/or with consultants at various stages in the building process to
  achieve optimum results.

- Sound understanding of the codes, by-laws and legislation governing
  the construction and skilled trades sector – including permits, health &
  safety measures and professional expertise required at all stages of the
  building process.

- Capacity to provide estimates, develop work plans and source
  materials required to complete jobs on-time and within budget.

- Experience ensuring tools, materials and other equipment are in good
  repair, used safely/ appropriately and in compliance with
  contemporary construction standards.

Customer Service

Customer service often provides experience which is transferable to a variety of sectors – insurance is no exception. Whether in a call centre or face to face, the knowledge and skills honed in managing customer expectations, adapting to changing situations and responding to questions and concerns could prove to be invaluable. As well, in customer service roles, it is often the case that you work a wide variety of shifts. Given that some roles in insurance are required 24/7, flexibility in your work schedule can be an asset.

Often, customer service professionals have experience which is most applicable to roles as a(n): Broker, Loss Adjuster and Underwriter. However, be sure to explore all of the roles that have sparked your interest. You will likely find that your knowledge, skills and experience can apply to them as well.

Examples of transferable competencies from experience in customer service include:

- Experience with industry systems that support transactions, log
  inquiries and facilitate escalation/distribution of customer requests to
  appropriate departments.

- Proven capacity to assess and appropriately adapt approach to service
  based on the customer’s current state of mind (e.g. satisfied, upset,
  angry, concerned) and prioritize responses based on their level of need
  (e.g. urgent).

- Highly skilled communicator that is able to navigate, work within and
  explain company procedure and policy in an accessible manner.

- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast paced, high volume
  and multitasked environment.

 

Sports & Recreation

Working in sports and recreation can provide a strong working knowledge of by-laws, regulatory standards and associated legislation; awareness of the health and safety considerations to be taken into account in facility construction and operations; knowledge of the human body and a sound base of skills related to customer service and contract management.

Traditionally, the strongest alignment for those with a background in sport and recreation is to a role as a(n): Broker, Loss Adjuster, Risk Manager or Underwriter. You may also want to explore opportunities with companies that specialize in risk management and loss control. Insurance companies use these firms to support the analysis and management of risk on behalf of their clients.

Examples of the transferable skills and knowledge from experience in sports and recreation may include:

- Proven ability to work effectively as a part of an interdisciplinary team
 in the delivery and management of sports & recreation services to the
 general public; highly developed communication, interpersonal and
 problem solving skills are required to achieve success.

- Sound understanding of the by-laws and legislation governing the
  construction and operations of a sports & recreation facility –
  including permits, health & safety measures and professional expertise
  required at all stages of the building process and day-to-day
  operations.

- Capacity to identify potential risks within program areas and develop
  strategies to mitigate/reduce the possibility of risk becoming a reality.

- Experience ensuring materials and other equipment used in
  programming are in good repair, used safely/ appropriately and in
  compliance with current procedures.

- Providing service to the general public and stakeholders to deliver a
  high quality programming experience and ensure adherence to
  operation/regulatory protocols.

Engineering

Experience working as an Engineer or in engineering technology can provide a sound understanding of construction (e.g. civil, automotive, mechanical), materials and design standards required by industry and legislation. This type of experience may also offer insight into the safety considerations/precautions that need to be taken and perils which may result if risk becomes a reality (e.g. building collapse, chemical induced explosion).

Usually, the strongest alignment for engineers and technologists is to a role as a(n): Loss Adjuster, Loss Control Specialist, Risk Manager or Underwriter. You may also want to explore opportunities with companies that specialize in risk management and loss control. Insurance companies use these firms to support their assessment of and management of risk on behalf of their clients.

Examples of the transferable skills and knowledge from experience in engineering may include:

- Solid working knowledge of industry and legislated standards for
  design, materials, processes and other resources used in
  construction/factory production.

- Experience providing cost estimates, identifying suitable materials and
  developing work plans required to complete projects on-time and
  within budget.

- Experience identifying and mitigating potential risks in pre, active and
  post construction/production.

- Proven ability to work effectively as a part of an interdisciplinary team
  and/or with consultants at various stages of a design or building
  process to achieve quality results.

Teaching / Education

Work in education can provide insight into human behaviour, managing and addressing risk (e.g. planning a trip – how do we keep students safe?), and how to take something which is complex and break it down, so that it may becomes easier to understand. In addition, there is an element of stakeholder relations (e.g. with parents, other educators, principals/board officials). Sometimes, you may even already have experience working with risk managers and insurance industry representatives.

Typically, professionals in this area have competencies that are aligned to the following insurance career profiles: Broker, Claims Investigator, Loss Adjuster and Underwriter. That said, your knowledge, skills and experience may apply to other roles you are interested in. Keep an open perspective and explore those as well. You may also wish to explore entry level roles in or set on a career trajectory which leads you to opportunities in training and development within insurance organizations.

Examples of transferable competencies in this sector may include:

- Experience communicating with stakeholders, who at times may be
  very upset, to fully understand their needs, explain what actions need
  to be taken and provide recommendations on how to proceed with
  their next steps.

- Proven capacity to manage multiple priorities, document effectively
  and adapt in a fast paced, high stakes and dynamic work environment.

- Strong working knowledge of how to synthesize complex information
  and offer it in a way that is easy to understand in multiple delivery
  formats (e.g. face-to-face, in documentation and on-line).

- Demonstrated ability to accurately assess, make suggestions for
  remediation and manage risk in a variety of settings.

Healthcare

Work experience in the Healthcare sector equips you with strong skills related to professional trust and relationship building, developing plans of action (e.g. treatment plans, care conferences), understanding the human body and documentation. In addition, there is a comfort level with providing a professional opinion based on inquiry and analysis, following prescribed protocols and recommending actions for risk reduction and prevention. In some cases, you may already have had some experience working with insurance companies.

Typically, professionals from the healthcare sector have competencies that are aligned to the following insurance career profiles: Claims Investigator, Loss Adjuster, Risk Manager and Underwriter. Healthcare professionals may find the strongest fit for their experience in areas related to accident benefits and bodily injury insurance. That said, your knowledge, skills and experience may apply to other roles you are be interested in. Keep an open mind and explore those as well.

Examples of transferable competencies in this sector may include:

- Sound understanding of the human body, kinetics and courses of
  treatment which facilitate healing for a wide array of illnesses, injuries
  and chronic/acute conditions.

- Demonstrated ability to quickly foster rapport and a high degree of
  professional trust with stakeholders; conduct mini-interviews /analysis
  to shape an understanding of the presenting need and make
  recommendations for next steps.

- Proven capacity to set and/or follow established medical protocols
  with an interdisciplinary team which are designed to control, mitigate
  or prevent risks associated with patient care.

- Extensive experience in documentation, participating in
  consultations/care conferences and comfortable in the use of current
  medical terminology.

Law & Security

Law and security experience is often highly transferable to the property and casualty (p&c) insurance sector. Whether working directly with the public or in a behind the scenes role, there is definitely alignment to the investigative techniques, documentation requirements, public relations skills, ethics and decision making that are a part of many key roles in the insurance industry.

Often, professionals with law and security experience have competencies that are most applicable to these insurance career profiles: Claims Investigator, Loss Adjuster, Loss Control Specialist and Underwriter. However, be sure to explore all of the roles that have sparked your interest. You will likely find that your knowledge, skills and experience can apply in some way to them as well.

Examples of transferable knowledge and skills in this sector may include:

- Experience interviewing key stakeholders and witnesses, verifying
  stories and accounts, documenting statements/findings and drawing
  tangible conclusions over the course of an investigation.

- Superior interpersonal skills; working with individuals at a time of
  crisis, making use of rapport building strategies and the ability to
  detect inconsistencies or untruth in a statement.

- Demonstrated capacity to ask questions, exercise judgment, function
  within a defined ethical/legal framework and make sound decisions
  based on the information available.

- Proactive approach to preventing and reducing risk of crime, sabotage
  or fraud.