Broker

Insurance is already part of everything you do.

Find your career in it.

BROKER

What do brokers do?

Insurance brokers are independent business people. They bring customers and insurance companies into a contractual relationship. Brokers also:

Manage all aspects of the insurance transaction by advising the client, arranging and invoicing the policy, and facilitating claims.
Provide consumers with choice in the marketplace, since they usually sell the insurance products of more than one company.
Identify the exposure to risk that consumers face and protect them from that exposure.
Service the portfolios of existing clients and work to bring new clients on board.
Help consumers deal with loss by ensuring the claims process moves as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Prepare reports, maintains records and keeps track of a client's changing needs by maintaining relationships.

Brokers have the option of owning a brokerage firm or working for one.

Is this career for me?

Do the following statements accurately describe you?

You are currently enrolled in a general arts, education, humanities or a business program at the post-secondary level
Your current program of study requires the ability to communicate complex ideas, critical thinking, time-management and organization
You have an entrepreneurial spirit and are happiest working independently, setting your own pace and schedule.
You have a "knack" for sales and use your outgoing personality to relate to a variety of customers
You are comfortable communicating complex subject matter to the general public
You are comfortable using a variety of computer applications and enjoy maintaining organized records using computer software

If you answered yes to these statements, then a career as a broker might be the perfect fit!

How do I get there?

A combination of the following qualifications would be helpful in gaining employment as a broker in the property and casualty industry.

College/University

A college diploma or university degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although those who have studied finance, management, mathematics or business would have an advantage. For an even greater advantage, there are a number of post-secondary institutions that offer a business of insurance program.

Licensing

Insurance Brokers and agents must be sponsored/employed by an insurance company and licensed to transact business in each province or territory in which they operate. More information is available through the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada.

What does the future hold?

Earning potential for this role depends on education, experience and geographic location. Many employers offer performance-based bonuses in addition to salary.

Ongoing career opportunities within this field reflect both the size of brokerage firms and the increasingly international scope of the industry. With a smaller firm you may pursue a rewarding local or regional career, while larger and international firms will enable you to take on national and international responsibilities.

A broker role can also be an excellent starting point for a broad range of insurance-related careers. Many of those who specialize in specific areas of insurance, like marine, aviation or environment, started their careers by training as insurance brokers. Others move into management roles - managing a team of brokers or several branches of a brokers' company - or shift to other functions within the industry, including underwriting, new business development, risk management or adjusting.

Employment opportunities for brokers are expected to increase. The increase is largely due to a large number of retiring workers and our increasing population. This will create a substantial number of job openings and opportunities.