Insurance is a billion dollar industry in the United States. The outlook for new jobs in the insurance industry is positive. Marketing is a key function in any industry, and insurance is no exception. With the average American increasingly relying on the Internet for information about products and services, there is an increased demand for qualified applicants in marketing positions in the insurance industry. Consider the facts and see if a career in insurance marketing might be the right choice for you.
Education
Most insurance agents and carriers are looking for marketing employees with a minimum education level of a bachelor's degree. Good degree choices if you are looking for a job in insurance marketing are a bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, finance or advertising. Some degree programs will allow you to major in one field with a minor in another, related field. An example of how this would work for someone seeking a degree in insurance marketing would be a major in business administration with the minor in marketing.
Professional Insurance Designations
Professional designations in insurance will also help you advance in your career, giving you a deeper understanding of the insurance industry. Here is a partial list of some of the designations available:
• CIC -- Certified Insurance Counselor
• CISR -- Certified Insurance Service Representative
• CLCS -- Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
• CLU -- Chartered Life Underwriter
• CPCU -- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
• CRM -- Certified Risk Manager
Here is a list of some institutions offering Insurance Certification programs:
• Insurance Institute of America
• The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research
• The National Underwriter Company
• The American College
Job Examples
Jobs in insurance marketing cover a wide range of possibilities. Here are some job examples:
• Marketing Associate---This is usually an entry-level position for an insurance carrier or an agent. Duties vary but may involve recruiting customers and distributing advertising materials.
• Marketing Manager---The marketing manager oversees all marketing functions of the company and may also complete and manage the marketing budget for the company or agency. In an agency, the marketing manager can also be the one responsible for distributing new business leads to the appropriate producer.
• New Business Developer--A new business developer would be involved in branding new lines of business and introducing the product to an appropriate market.
• Marketing/Sales Representative---A marketing or sales representative may have a defined territory that he or she travels, making contact calls to potential clients.
Pay
An average annual salary for an insurance marketing manager can range from $50,000 to $75,000 depending upon education level and insurance related experience. Sales/Marketing representatives' salaries can vary from $30,000 to $65,000. A marketing developer can look to bring in $75,000 to $100,000; while sales and marketing executives' annual salaries may reach $170,000 to $200,000. Jobs in insurance marketing have a great potential for advancement and increased wage earnings. The more education and insurance certifications you can obtain, the greater your chances for advancement.
Where to Look
If you are looking for an insurance marketing job, several websites cater to this niche employment opportunity including:
• www.ultimateinsurancejobs.com
• www.insurancesalesweb.com
• www.marketingcrossing.com
Tags: insurance marketing, insurance industry, marketing manager, bachelor degree, business administration, Certified Insurance