Page 31 - June2017

Katie School and InVEST are Back at it Again

with the Industry Perpetuation

By Kirsten Davis

InVEST is working to generate interest among Millennials
and Generation Z, groups that are earmarked to perpetuate
the insurance industry. According to the US Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the number of insurance professionals
aged 55 and older has increased 74% in the last ten years.
Soon nearly half of the force will be retiring. The insurance
industry could suffer greatly if we do not exhaust our efforts
to attract new talent to the industry.
The Illinois InVEST program is expanding rapidly. InVEST
has already impacted over 45 high schools and colleges IIA of IL Government Relations Chair, Bill Lawrence,
across the state. The national program focus to improve addressed the students and gave them a brief introduction
insurance literacy, attract new talent and restore the to the independent agent channel. Most students in
reputation of the industry is achieved by providing high attendance are in the midst of their junior and senior years
schools and colleges with free materials that outline the in high school: choosing universities, specifying their field
benefits and potential of a career in insurance. of study and ultimately laying the foundation for their
career path. A few students took the initiative to introduce
Local high schools and colleges are encouraged to work themselves to IIA of IL staff and requested additional
with the Illinois InVEST team to provide students with information about licensure and initiating a career in the
the InVEST curriculum, industry specific internships, industry.
scholarships, apprenticeships, special programming and
networking opportunities. All of which give students a This event proved to be a success as the students were
positive firsthand encounter with the insurance industry. highly engaged and asked questions throughout the trip.
Additionally, the attendees walked away with a great
Each year Illinois State University’s, Katie School of body of knowledge about the insurance industry and the
Business hosts an event for Illinois InVEST students. This potential of a career within the independent agent channel.
year’s event included: lunch, a campus tour, a tour of the If you are interested in the InVEST program or would like to
Katie School and an opportunity for the students to have request more information please feel free to contact Kirsten
round table discussions with industry professionals. Nearly Davis at kdavis@iiaofil.org.
60 students from the following high schools attended Katie
School’s event this year: Thornton Township, Thornridge Kirsten Davis is the IIA of IL Communications Assistant. She
and Chicago Vocational high schools. can be reached at kdavis@IIAofil.org or 217-321-3023.

2017 Travelers Summer Camp

Traveler’s is hosting an InVEST Summer Camp June 20 – For more additional information about Traveler’s summer
22 in Naperville, IL. During the three-day camp students camp contact Senior Underwriter – InVEST Liaison – Joi
will discover the endless career possibilities within the Jackson JRJACKSO@travelers.com If you are interested in
insurance industry. The camp includes complete coverage joining the Illinois InVEST team please do not hesitate to
of the 12 week InVEST curriculum, and activity sessions contact us at invest@iiaofil.org.
covering the following topics: resume review, career day,
elevator pitch, mock interviews, job shadowing, dressing
for success, email etiquette and a claim simulation.

Near the end of the camp, Traveler’s volunteers will assist
students as they craft their scholarship essays. Travelers
will facilitate nearly 40 students in completing the entire
InVEST curriculum and submitting their applications for
the national InVEST Scholarships. If that doesn’t sound like
industry perpetuation, I don’t know what does!

june 2017 insight 31