Why Insurance Industry is a Good Fit for Veterans?

What are some positive steps in transitioning from a military career to a civilian job? 

As a veteran, transitioning from a military career to the civilian sector might feel daunting. What is the best approach to matching the skills and knowledge you learned in the military to a civilian workplace?
What are some options? There are many but slipping easily into a new career may take time. It may require going back to school or competing with people in a career who have more of the hands-on experience many employers seek.

It’s a Good Transition from a Military Career to Being an Insurance Agent

A career in insurance sales can be a great opportunity for you to consider when leaving the military. Starting in sales can help level the playing field since everyone typically starts in the same place as an insurance agent. Your success is dependent on the time and effort you are willing to invest in learning and growing. 

You are Supported

As an insurance agent, you may be part of an agency. Within the agency, you are likely to have leaders who understand the early days of selling and its challenges. These leaders can help lead and point you in the right direction when you need it most.
 
If you become an agent who sells for a reputable insurance company, it is likely you will have resources available throughout the year to help you further develop your sales ability and leadership development including webinars, in-person training, and sales schools.
 
Besides the commission you may initially receive selling an insurance policy, you may also be eligible for commission based on renewals. If you are eligible for renewal commission, you may receive a percentage of the premium when the policy is renewed as long as the policyholder continues to pay the premiums and the policy is active.
 
Some insurance companies have additional incentives and awards for meeting and surpassing company business goals. Some insurance companies host annual conventions in exciting destination locations for qualifying agents. To attend the convention, these companies may require the agents to meet certain qualifications, such as a minimum amount of business sold within the qualifying period. 

"A career in insurance sales provides a great opportunity for veterans exiting the military and looking for something new."

Usable Skills you Learned in the Military

Ethics, problem solving, leadership, and time management are skills veterans bring to the civilian workforce.¹
 
The insurance industry can be a good fit for veterans because veterans generally:

1. Understand structure and discipline
2. Realize the importance of helping others
3. Have developed habits for a mindset of tenacity and persistence
4. Understand the importance of learning systems and following them
5. Adapt and pivot when plans change
6. Understand what it means to be part of a team
7. Know what being prepared means and the effort and training to accomplish the goal/mission

Structure and Discipline

Tips for a successful transition from military to civilian life include creating a support system and a daily routine.²
 
As an insurance agent, you generally set your own hours. Creating structure and sticking to a work routine may be hard for some people. However, those with military experience understand the importance of this type of structure and discipline.
 
Veterans understand putting in the hours and sacrifice required to achieve their goals. The benefits of discipline and tenacity can be extremely rewarding.

Leadership Skills

Veterans are familiar with the importance of leadership. Often, insurance agents have the opportunity to build leadership skills. Leadership is a valued strength so it’s wise to look for insurance companies that promote and provide training for leadership skills.

Service to Others

While in the military and as a veteran, you understand service to others more than most. Entering the civilian world is an adjustment. Choosing a career where you can help protect families and their financial future could be seen as an extension of your former service. You can also help families by selling them the most appropriate insurance policy for them and answering any questions they may have about their policy.

Step into a New Career

Exploring a begins with finding the right insurance company and becoming a licensed insurance agent:

1. Review different insurance companies. Then contact the one(s) that resonate with you. Be ready with your questions. Gather information about the company and the steps required to become a .
2. If you are given an interview, that is your opportunity to ask questions and explore if you and the company’s culture, commission structure, and provided training are a good fit.
3. To sell insurance you need a license. Some states require training or a certified pre-licensing education course before taking the insurance exam.
4. In addition to passing the insurance licensing exam, the state may require you to provide identity verification or fingerprints and may run a background check on you. After you have met all of the state's requirements, you can apply for a license.
5. When you receive your license, you are now ready to sell insurance products. If you are appointed by an insurance company, the company might offer you additional training to help prepare you for selling.

Sources:

1. Lawforveterans.org, Employment Issues Facing Returning Veterans, Accessed 2024.
2. Region-five.org, 5 Tips for a Smooth Transition Into Civilian Life, Accessed 2024.