February is Insurance Careers Month, and there are exciting opportunities available in our diverse, innovative and growing industry. As a recipient of Business Insurance’s Best Places to Work Award for three years in a row, Tokio Marine Highland is creating a culture and environment where employees with diverse backgrounds and skillsets can thrive and grow their careers. Here’s why Chad Kerley, Private Flood Underwriter, chose a career in insurance:
Why did you choose a career in insurance?
In the summer of 2012, I interned at WNC in the sales department under the leadership of Sheri Kordsmeier. The following summer, I interned under the leadership of Teri Garcia in the claims department. I later graduated college in the fall of 2013, and then became a full-time employee in February 2014 with the private flood department. Although I studied political science in college with the intent of becoming a lawyer, insurance has always been in my family – and after my internships at WNC, I switched career paths in my early twenties and never looked back.
What do you find most interesting or rewarding about your role?
I really enjoy the customer interactions that I have daily. Flood insurance is not always top of mind for agents, so being able to explain our products and the value they have for their clients is very rewarding. Every day is a learning experience – there are always new trends and technologies that reshape our job as underwriters. It can be fast paced, so being able to keep up is crucial.
For someone who may have never considered the insurance industry for a career, what would you say to change their minds?
I would say give it a shot! There will always be a need for insurance. It is something that everyone will have in their lives in one form or another. Insurance is one of the few jobs that offer a stable career in times of recession. At the very least, I would say get your insurance license and never let it expire. In doing so, you can get into the industry in one capacity or another if needed.
Discover how you can join our team and grow your career like Chad at Tokio Marine Highland. Visit our Careers page to learn more.