Break into insurance: Build a career

There’s a reason you keep hearing that the insurance industry is stable. It’s not just a talking point. In a world in which so many professions are fading into gig work or being overtaken by algorithms, insurance has quietly remained one of the few sectors offering not just jobs, but long-term careers. And, while most people don’t grow up dreaming of writing policies or adjusting claims, once you get a taste of how dynamic and relationship-driven this field is, it’s hard not to see the potential.

The language of risk

You can’t sell what you don’t understand, and insurance—at its heart—is about translating risk into something people can wrap their heads around. That means you need to understand the language before you ever try to speak it. Whether you’re fresh out of college or pivoting mid-career, start with a solid baseline of knowledge. State licensing requirements often include coursework that isn’t just box-checking—it’s foundational to helping people make decisions with confidence.

Put your story on paper

A strong resume in the insurance industry isn’t about flashy buzzwords—it’s about clarity, focus and proof of trustworthiness. You want to highlight licenses, relevant coursework, and any sales or customer-facing experience that shows you know how to build relationships. If you’re just starting out, lean into transferable skills and emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt. A simple, well-organized layout beats an overdesigned one every time—recruiters in this field care more about content than flash. For a few smart formatting ideas and examples, check this out.

Find the niche that speaks to you

Insurance sounds monolithic until you’re inside it. Once you’re in, you realize there are so many specializations that it feels more like a collection of mini-industries. Health, auto, life, commercial, cyber, marine—the list goes on. The trick is to find the line of coverage or client type that aligns with how you naturally communicate and solve problems. Some people love the rhythm of home and auto, others thrive in complex, B2B commercial setups—there’s no right answer, but there is a right fit for you.

Mentorship is not optional

If you’re entering insurance without a mentor, you’re doing it on hard mode. The learning curve in this field is steep, not because it’s impossible, but because so much of the job is unwritten. Good mentors can show you not just how to close a policy, but how to avoid the time-wasters, how to structure your week, how to handle client pushback without caving. Most successful agents didn’t just fall into success—they had someone who helped sharpen their instincts.

Make peace with the sales side

Even if you’re not selling policies directly, the DNA of this industry is tied to the art of persuasion. And no, you don’t have to be a caricature of a salesperson. However, you do need to be comfortable educating, listening and helping people take action. That might mean cold calls. That might mean walking into a small business unannounced. It’s not about being slick—it’s about being prepared, curious and clear. Clients don’t need another product—they need someone they trust to help them make decisions.

Licensing and continuing education

One of the easiest ways to distinguish yourself in this industry is by going beyond what’s legally required. Sure, you need a license. And yes, there’s continuing education. But the agents who build real momentum are always learning something new. Whether it’s staying on top of new risk categories (e.g., climate exposure or diving into CRM platforms that help you scale), the investment you make in your own learning is the one that keeps compounding.

Tech is your friend

The word tech can make traditionalists in the insurance space bristle a bit. Here’s the thing: the tools don’t replace the human work—they amplify it. Whether it’s quoting systems that speed up the back-and-forth or data analytics that help you prioritize which clients to follow up with, the right tools let you focus more on what matters—human conversations. Don’t fear tech. Adopt it, learn it, but stay focused on what it’s really there to do: make your job easier, not colder.

So, you want to start your own agency

Launching your own insurance agency means shifting from producer to business owner. You’ll need to think through your niche, build relationships with carriers, and put systems in place for quoting, CRM and compliance. Once your vision’s clear and you’ve mapped out the groundwork, then comes the legal structure.

It’s not a small leap, but if you’ve been laying the foundation through consistent client work and smart networking, it’s a leap that can put real ownership in your hands.

Insurance careers may not have the glitz of tech startups or the cultural cachet of creative gigs. But for the right kind of person—someone who values long-term relationships, practical problem-solving, and a steady path to financial independence—it can be deeply rewarding.

And the industry needs new voices now more than ever. Not people looking for quick wins, but professionals who want to do the work and do it well. If that’s you, then the road’s wide open—you just have to take the first step.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: PIA Northeast members have access to Steps to Success, which is a tool kit with resources to build a successful agency from the ground up or to grow your existing agency. Its contents include information on licensing, business planning, financial planning, sales and marketing, office organization, personnel management, internal workflow, technology issues and reference resources.]