Life Insurance Agents and Brokers

Because of state licensing requirements, it is difficult for young people to obtain actual experience. The most notable exceptions are the student-agency programs developed by several insurance companies to provide college students with practical sales experience and a trial exposure to the field. One example is Project Invest (https://www.investprogram.org), a school-to-work insurance program for high school and college students.

To get a general idea of how business transactions take place in the professional world, join or start a business club at your school. You might also be able to get a part-time or summer job as a clerical worker in an insurance agency. This work will provide background information on the requirements for the field and an understanding of its problems and prospects for the future. Formal college or evening school courses in insurance will also provide a clearer picture of this profession's techniques and opportunities.

Join student business organizations—such as Junior Achievement (https://jausa.ja.org), DECA (https://www.deca.org), Future Business Leaders of America (https://www.fbla.org), and Business Professionals of America (http://bpa.org) to learn more about the business world and participate in activities that develop your leadership, managerial, and financial management skills. Some organizations—such as DECA—offer business and finance competitions.