By Katie McKy
Insurance can restore health and lives, and its restorative power is one of the reasons many choose to work in this industry. The following insurance professionals expound upon the general joys of working in insurance and the specific joys of working at their companies.
Walker Educates People About the Importance of Diversity at Allianz
Travis Walker, business solutions and diversity consultant at Allianz Life, knows that the next rung of the corporate ladder can feel a little slippery under your feet. “The funny thing about getting your dream job is it’ll come with a healthy amount of butterflies,” he observes.
However, butterflies are a good thing. “If you don’t have them, then you might not have reached far enough and dreamed big enough,” he continues.
Walker speaks from experience. “ I became a prime candidate for a job I really wanted once. My nerves were building and then I got the job, but there’s only so much training they can give you. You’re tossed into the deep end, and your feet aren’t touching the bottom,” he relates.
So how did Walker find his footing? “It takes courage to admit that you don’t know, and that you need help. You need to raise your hand. So you have to find the people who do know, and who can guide you. Wanting to appear as if you know all of the answers isn’t really a good thing,” he replies.
Six months later, all was well again in Walker’s world. “I was a little embarrassed to remember how nervous I was, but there were so many who were kind with their time,” he remembers.
Walker continues to climb, recently winning employee of the month, and Allianz continues to rise with Walker. “We want to grow, and I’m not just talking about sales numbers. We want to get better at serving our communities. To do this, you have admit to your shortcomings, and accept feedback and move forward with better outcomes. I love how we’re not afraid of reckoning of where we can improve,” he elaborates.
Allianz continues to improve by tapping its talent. Walker has personally experienced the open-door policy that Allianz uses to improve. “I became aware of Wallin Education Partners, Googled them, vetted them, and scheduled a meeting with leadership,” he recalls.
Allianz didn’t just listen: it reacted. “Allianz put money behind our partnership with Wallin. We truly have an open-door policy. So many companies say that, but we do that. The leadership here wants to hear from the employees. They understand that everyone you know knows something you don’t,” he underscores.
If you’re seeking a company that wants to perpetually improve and serve communities, then look no further than Allianz. And Walker explains just how to join this workforce: “We have a great internship program, but don’t limit yourself to an internship. There are so many opportunities in this industry. You truly don’t know what you don’t know. Visit websites, go to industry events and do career days at your university. Don’t limit your scope.”
And don’t assume you know what Allianz and this sector are. “Whatever notion you have of what we do, disabuse yourself of that. Connect with us. Read articles about us and the sector. Reach out to practicing professionals. Use Google to research. You need exposure to the industry and to its component companies,” encourages Walker.
When shopping for an employer, be as particular as a museum, he further advises. “Find a company that reflects your values. You’re positioned to choose, so curate the companies. Find the company that will work for you. Find the company that’s doing the right thing, however you frame that. Your employer will take up a big part of your life so be discerning and find the right fit.”
And what’s Walker’s role at Allianz? It’s at the nexus of diversity and inclusion (D&I), helping to educate others. “I strive to make clear why diversity is needed and necessary in our industry. I don’t shame. I don’t blame. I inform,” he explains.
Whatever your role is, though, if you’re hired, then you’ll likely stay, according to Walker. “A lot of people end up in this industry even though they weren’t gearing up for it, but found themselves in it, and love it and stay. So many stay that we welcome new blood. We need new ideas. Once you find yourself here, you’ll see all of the possibilities and make a great career of it.”
And if you feel that you don’t have the skill set to prosper at Allianz, then Walker wants you to know that essential quality to succeed is curiosity.
“We look for a willingness to learn and grow. We have some of the best trainers you could hope for. We can teach you, but only if you’re curious. I can teach you how to box, but if you don’t fight, then you don’t have a chance. We’re like that. Come curious, and we’ll teach the rest,” he concludes.
Learn about Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Allianz via Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Explore www.allianzlife.com/why-allianz/culture?vanity=careers, careers at careers.allianz.com/en_en.html and careers.allianz.com/us/go/allianz-us-life/5140601.
Moore Supports the Community at Highmark Health
Emry Moore, lead specialist in community affairs at Highmark Health, feels on top of the world most days. In fact, his job as a supervisor is to not only serve and support the local community, but also to make a difference at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.
“As lead specialist in community affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, I lead hundreds of partnerships with non-profits in Western New York and support them through major sponsorship activation and volunteering support,” he elaborates.
“I have the best job in the world. I get to serve our community through [these] sponsorships [and] partnerships, and [by] volunteering to help organizations with missions like Highmark to make Western New York a better place for all,” he further enthuses.
It’s work that Moore loves. “Hands down, I love Highmark’s commitment to bettering the community through our charitable giving and community involvement program – Highmark Bright Blue Futures. This includes hundreds of partnerships and sponsorships and employee volunteerism,” he continues.
Moore’s job goes even further. “I also serve as the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) champion in Western New York, with the responsibility to bring relevant and timely programming and content to our local workforce that enhances awareness around DEI,” he explains.
“I love being able to touch so many organizations that support different causes and impact different groups of people, and then connect those experiences to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program.”
You can have the best job, but still encounter tough times. “One of the toughest times I’ve experienced was around the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was persisting, and the world seemed to be falling apart,” he remembers.
The world’s woes were hard to shake for Moore. “It felt impossible to carry on, let alone work in an environment without acknowledgment of what was happening – for me personally, and for the people we serve,” he admits.
So, rather than bear the load alone, Moore reached out. “After seeking guidance from a mentor, I found other Highmark employees who shared the same deep and personal feelings as I had, and, together, we formed a business resource group to address issues like voting, food insecurity, and chronic kidney disease among other topics.”
Making even more of a difference for others made a difference for Moore. “It was an incredible success and gave me what I needed to feel heard and included.”
When it comes to being heard and initiating change, Moore tenders some wisdom: “For those interested in entering community-focused roles, I’d advise to remember that you’re on stage, and service with a smile goes a long way.”
Moore also offers insight into the pace of change: “For my work in the DEI space, one of the most important things I’ve seen is you must be willing to accept little progress during a long period of time. The work we’re doing today will hopefully impact generations to come. Make sure to reflect on your accomplishments and continue to move ahead.”
Want to join Highmark’s 40,000-strong workforce, serving millions across the country? The good news is there are myriad roles, and Highmark seeks diverse talent, according to Moore. “Highmark seeks employees with a wide range of traits and skills. This is why DEI is so important at Highmark. By practicing DEI, Highmark has greater ability to find a wide range of talent that can address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.”
If you’re hired, then you might find yourself as happy as Moore. “My job is a perfect fit. I love people, and I love our community. I’ve been networking and growing my knowledge of organizations and community programming for the past two decades. My work within the DEI space started with me leveraging my own expertise, experiences, and listening to others to create content, communications, and programming.”
And Moore’s work continues to grow and change as needs in the world dictate the conversation.
Learn about Pittsburgh, PA-headquartered Highmark via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Glassdoor and X. Explore careers at careers.highmarkhealth.org and careers.highmarkhealth.org/explore-jobs.
Jeffries Applies Her Communication Skills at Cigna Healthcare
Haley Jeffries, a client manager for Cigna Healthcare, loves the camaraderie in her career. “I work in an environment where coworkers can become close friends. When I got married last summer, two of my colleagues who I started at Cigna Healthcare with were in my wedding,” she shares.
Jeffries also loves how the 70,000-strong workforce finds myriad ways to serve. “There’s such a strong sense of community within our collective team. I also enjoy the dedication to giving back to local communities that we serve. There are so many chances to get involved or pursue volunteer opportunities about which you’re passionate, and to dedicate the time you need to pursue that passion.”
When Jeffries applied for a position at Cigna Healthcare, her knowledge of insurance was minimal. “I had limited knowledge of insurance other than the fact I needed to pay a certain amount when I went to my provider, and the insurance covered the other part,” she recalls.
So how was she able to spin her skills and ultimately get hired? “My interviews were focused more on being personable, professional, and having a desire to make decisions that benefit people over self. Those characteristics are at the heart of our culture, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated workforce that’s committed to supporting the health and vitality of those we serve,” she answers.
From that starting point, Jeffries got up to speed in a hurry and was promoted. “I landed my first client management role at 24 years old. I was so young compared to my counterparts and others in my industry. Frequently, when I’d attend presentations for my clients, I was the youngest person in the room, and everyone would look to me as the expert on one of the top-line items for their companies’ expenses.”
How did she prepare for all of the more experienced people looking to her for guidance? “I would run mock presentations with my manager and counterparts in different offices within Cigna Healthcare to ensure I could confidently represent our company and our offerings,” she replies.
“Eventually, the presentations became second nature, and, with my tough, but encouraging support system, I was able to overcome my fears.”
College had also helped her prepare for the challenges of being of being a client manager. “As a communications major, I learned soft skills during my time at Hampton University that have been valuable in my daily life as a client manager. This includes things like interpersonal communication, writing, and public speaking, all of which have been incredibly helpful to me in terms of sharing ideas, working well with others, and building strong relationships.”
Jeffries also believes that relationships built in college should be kept strong. “Insurance is such as small field. I’d recommend retaining your connections with your friends and classmates from college because you’ll probably cross paths with them in some capacity in the future.”
And, if you’re looking for work, then reflect on Jeffries’ pride in Cigna Healthcare’s values and find just the right company for you, too.
“It’s important to consider a company’s values when seeking a job rather than solely focusing on one that aligns with your major. Finding a supportive and welcoming work environment can help you develop skills and habits that will be useful throughout your career journey,” she elaborates.
As you sally forth, glean wisdom from those who came before you, Jeffries further encourages. “I’m always my toughest critic. The best advice I received in my career was from my first manager at Cigna Healthcare, Tracy Hayes. She encouraged me not to dwell on the uncontrollable. When you reflect on your day, do you feel you’ve done your best with what you’ve been given? If the answer is yes, then consider that a successful day.”
Learn about Bloomfield, CT-headquartered Cigna Healthcare via Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Explore careers at jobs.thecignagroup.com/us/en.
Edwards Directs DEIB at Farmers Insurance
Today, Kesa Edwards, director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) for Farmers Insurance, is an experienced leader. However, like all leaders, she was once a rookie with growing pains.
“When I first assumed a supervisor role earlier in my career, it was in a newly established department experiencing rapid growth, which made it challenging to keep up with the demands of hiring and training,” she remembers.
However, the great thing about growing pains is the growth that comes from them. Something that Edwards experienced as a result of her first managerial experience.
“Being a new leader with a team of employees new to insurance allowed me to develop my ability to lead through discomfort and build resilience to keep pushing forward,” she reflects.
Now Edwards focuses on ways Farmers can advance its commitment to DEIB in the broader communities it serves and in its workplace, which has more than 18,000 employees.
According to Edwards, Farmers is still seeking to add to its workforce, too. “We’re always searching for talented people to join our team. With roles offered across many different disciplines at Farmers – from information technology (IT) to claims and customer service to human resources (HR), marketing, and more – specific traits and capabilities certainly vary across function. That said, there are interdisciplinary skill sets that are consistent throughout our high-performance culture.”
Those interdisciplinary skill sets include collaboration and communication, as well as adaptability and resiliency. “Change is constant, therefore embracing new challenges, quickly adjusting to changing circumstances, and pivoting when needed can be critical,” Edwards adds.
Curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning and development are also crucial. “Come with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, interest in acquiring new skills, and staying up to date with industry trends and technologies,” she continues.
“Have an ownership mentality, deliver on commitments, and hold oneself and others accountable for results.”
Lastly, according to Edwards, consider purpose and values. “Align with the organization’s core purpose and values. At Farmers, our values of belonging, responsibility, and integrity are the things about which we care deeply, and are the basis for the decisions we make.”
Edwards manifests that deep caring. “I’m fortunate to be able to work in a field about which I care deeply. I also get to work with incredible people and teammates every day, in a supportive culture, with growth opportunities, and with the ability to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
Do you want to follow in her footsteps? “I’d encourage students to explore careers in insurance and be open to the exciting career paths it can offer,” she advises.
“Many may not realize the diverse disciplines available in the insurance sector – from technology to marketing to finance and more – and the opportunities for on-going professional development and advancement.”
And, prior to an interview, be open to the myriad options at Farmers. “Be open to opportunity,” Edwards encourages.
“The best experiences are often those you may not have been actively seeking, so keep an open mind and evaluate on the basis of what could be rather than what is.”
Edwards also encourages you to know the value of your own voice. “For any number of reasons, we can diminish the value or relevance of our own experience and perspective. The reality is your voice matters, but it can only matter if you use it.”
She further encourages you to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. “We very rarely get things perfect, and, even more so, perfect the first time around. There’s true value in the experience of pursuing the minimum viable product, in work and in life,” she elaborates.
“When we’re committed to learning from the experience, doing the work to improve and move in the direction of the perfection we may be seeking, we tend to have better outcomes.”
Edwards shares one, last, gleaming nugget of wisdom: “Be kind with yourself, as the journey is enriched by growing through discomfort.”
Learn about Woodland Hills, CA-headquartered Farmers Insurance via Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Explore careers at farmers.com/careers/corporate.
Managing the Unexpected
Insurance can restore health and lives, and its restorative power is one of the reasons many choose to work in this industry. Insurance professionals also manage the unexpected for people and businesses. They also plan for the future and lift up the local communities they serve as they invest in people and the technology that helps them.
Depending on what career path an individual chooses to follow, insurance is a hands-down winner when it comes to identifying a business niche. As such, for instance, graduates with degrees in business administration, actuarial science, and risk management can be hired to fill positions such as claims examiners, risk managers, actuaries, insurance underwriters, and more in the insurance industry.
And while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports both positive and negative projected employment rates anticipated within the insurance industry, the fact is that there are many options when it comes to deciding on an insurance career.
Case in point: BLS predicts the employment of insurance underwriters to decline by 4% through 2031 while the opposite is true for insurance sales agents – a job category with an expected rise of 6% in employment during the same years.
Plus, the global demand for insurance is expected to grow worldwide, according to a recent survey by Deloitte.
In addition, the rise in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and other tech and apps are further opening up areas of growth in the industry in terms of investment in product and growth. Thus, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032, with about 911,400 openings projected each year.
So, as you can see, the career possibilities are wide open in the insurance industry where you protect people and assets, you restore lives, and you guide people and businesses through their ups and downs.
Captions & Callouts:
Travis Walker is a business solutions and diversity consultant at Allianz Life.
“It takes courage to admit that you don’t know, and that you need help. You need to raise your hand. So you have to find the people who do know, and who can guide you. Wanting to appear as if you know all of the answers isn’t really a good thing.”
Emry Moore is a supervisor at Highmark Health and a lead specialist in community affairs at Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Western New York, and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) champion in Western New York.
“For those interested in entering community-focused roles, I’d advise to remember that you’re on stage and service with a smile goes a long way.”
Haley Jeffries is a client manager for Cigna Healthcare.
“I’d recommend retaining your connections with your friends and classmates from college because you’ll probably cross paths with them in some capacity in the future.”
Kesa Edwards is the director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) for Farmers Insurance.
“Change is constant, therefore embracing new challenges, quickly adjusting to changing circumstances, and pivoting when needed can be critical.”