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Insurance Underwriters


Outlook

Employment Prospects

Employers

Most of the approximately 110,400 underwriters in the United States. Major employers include property and casualty insurance companies; insurance agents, brokers, and services; and life insurance companies. Opportunities are often best in large cities such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Hartford, Connecticut. Finally, some underwriters work in independent agencies, banks, mortgage companies, or regional offices.

Starting Out

The most effective way to enter the underwriting profession is to seek employment after earning a college degree. Most insurance companies prefer to hire college graduates, and college career services offices often assist students in securing employment.

It is possible to enter this field without a college degree. Underwriting clerks who show exceptional promise may be trained for underwriter positions. In addition, some insurance companies will hire people without a college degree for trainee jobs.

Advancement Prospects

Advancement opportunities for underwriters depend on an individual's educational background, on-the-job performance, and leadership abilities. Continuing education is also very important.

Experienced underwriters who have taken continuing education courses may be promoted to chief underwriter or underwriting manager. Underwriting managers may advance to senior management positions.

Tips for Entry

Work part time for an insurance company during high school or college. If there are no underwriter trainee positions available, contact local insurance offices to inquire about similar positions.

Contact insurance companies or professional associations to arrange for an interview with an underwriter.

Join a professional organization to learn about career opportunities, industry trends, and more.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings: http://careercenter.ahip.org and http://naiw-jobs.careerwebsite.com.