With university and college graduations less than a month in our rear view, Summer Students being welcomed to their companies, and plenty of new people flooding into the Insurance Industry, we want to help you make an impression and discover your strengths early in your career.
Being new to the Insurance Industry can feel a bit overwhelming, especially amongst seasoned pros who seem to have success figured out. If you are new to The Sauce Recruitment community, we enjoy guiding candidates to find the BEST fit for you and your employer. Early on in your career is a great time to EXPLORE the Insurance landscape and be bold by testing different roles and building diverse skills. We’ve put together SIX TIPS tailored just for the young and new to the Industry.
1. It’s Ok if You Aren’t In Love With Your First Job
Don’t stress about finding the perfect fit right off the bat. Remember that very few people land their dream job right away. Every job, no matter how seemingly unrelated to your ultimate career goals, offers VALUABLE LEARNING opportunities. Take the time to assess what aspects of a role resonate with you and what doesn’t, so you can make more INFORMED DECISIONS for your next move. Remember, it’s all about gathering experiences and refining your career trajectory. (Take a listen to Jenn Devlin, Owner of Sauce Recruitment, on a recent episode of Risk Takers & Trailblazer’s Podcast where she talks about her own experiences and how they led her to where she is now.)
2. Focus on Making CONNECTIONS
While job hunting can feel like a solo journey, your networks can help steer you down the right paths. Seasoned experts, leaders, colleagues, and Recruitment experts, like us, can help answer questions and give you an idea of what you COULD do in your career. The best ADVICE we can give to someone new to the Insurance Industry is to network WITHIN YOUR COMPANY. We can’t tell you how much success we have had in our own careers and have seen in our colleagues, friends, and candidates who do just this. Get to know their colleagues while you kick butt in your first role. Be curious about, not only the work, but who they are. These CONNECTIONS can last a career and serve you in ways you can’t imagine today.
3. Keep Learning and Investing in Yourself
Beyond traditional education, invest in CONTINUOUS LEARNING and SKILL DEVELOPMENT. Attend workshops, webinars, and online courses to stay ahead of industry trends and sharpen your expertise. Don’t be afraid to investigate industry certifications to bolster your resume. Education is a fairly quick way to determine which areas of the industry you may like to explore, and help rule out areas you aren’t interested in. The more skills you acquire, the more valuable you become to potential employers, and the better equipped you are to tackle challenges head-on.
4. Build a Strong ONLINE Presence
In today’s digital age, your online presence is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Polish your LINKEDIN PROFILE, engage in industry-related discussions, and showcase what you are learning through relevant content sharing. LinkedIn is a great place to CONNECT with other Insurance Pros who you may not run into otherwise. A strong online presence enhances your professional credibility and can OPEN DOORS to networking and opportunities. If you want to boost your LinkedIn presence, read our article: BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IN THE DIGITAL AGE; which includes tips on your profile, how to engage, and how to stand out.
5. When You Receive Rejection, Stay RESILIENT and Persistent
The road to success is rarely smooth sailing – it’s more like a series of hills and valleys. Do your best to STAY RESILIENT in the face of setbacks, and don’t let rejection deter you from pursuing your goals. You won’t get an offer for every job you apply for, clients walk away, deals don’t go as planned, and not every day will be you ‘living the dream.’ However, it’s important to remember, every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to a ‘yes.’ Think like you are BUILDING A CAREER, not just trying to land a job. Stay persistent, stay focused, and keep pushing forward with determination.
6. Find a MENTOR or Role Model
Seek out experienced professionals who can serve as MENTORS or role models in your desired field. If you are feeling shy about asking for someone to mentor you, think about how flattering it would feel if someone asked you! Their guidance, wisdom, and insights can be invaluable as you navigate the early stages of your career. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or seek official mentorship opportunities.
Remember, being new isn’t a bad thing! Take advantage of the opportunity you have to try different career paths, take on additional projects, immerse yourself in continuous education, and attend all the industry events. As you embark on your insurance journey, remember that every step forward is progress. Embrace the challenge, and don’t be afraid to take risks. With our six tips, you’re equipped to navigate the insurance rink and carve out a successful career. Your journey starts now, and we couldn’t be more excited for you!
If you want more, read more about career development in the early days, check out the article: CHOOSING YOUR DIRECTION; written by the Owner of Sauce Recruitment, Jenn Devlin. The article dives deeper into the great question of “Should I follow my passion or the money?”
