Page 14 - April FINAL!

What a Difference a Day Makes!

By Charles Hilson

Harold Washington College located in Chicago, Illinois goal to dismantle stale stereotypes and introduce students
recently hosted an eclectic collection of book bags, to the multiple career paths within the insurance industry.
students and insurance professionals. The event provided The presentations were purposely brief with most of the
students an opportunity to explore insurance careers with time devoted to questions and lively one on one follow
professionals from several disciplines. The event also up discussions between students and insurance company
showcased a collaborative response (Talent Pipeline) to the representatives.
growing need to attract millennial talent to the insurance
industry. The Talent Pipeline is an approach supported and The Talent Pipeline collaboration divides the insurance
endorsed by key insurance industry stakeholders. industry challenge into manageable segments championed
by segment specialists, sharing a common a goal -
Something other than “business as usual” is required if attracting, developing and retaining millennial talent for the
the industry is going to replace the 400,000 insurance insurance industry.
industry positions becoming vacant in the next four years.
This event reflected the belief that the industry must work Recruitment
together to implement an effective response that addresses
the negative industry image held by millennials. The collaboration begins with InVEST, a nonprofit
organization with programs in more than 800 high schools
The day was sponsored by Risk Management Solutions of and colleges nationally. The program connects insurance
America (RMSOA), a private firm providing back-office professionals and educators, providing curriculum,
support for the insurance industry; InVEST a national teaching materials and volunteer speakers at no cost to
non-profit organization delivering insurance industry the high school or college. Supported by independent
education and recruitment; Independent Insurance Agents insurance agents and insurance carrier partners, InVEST
of Illinois (IIA of IL) an agent’s professional association and provides an “early intervention” with millennials to change
the College to Careers (C2C) program, a joint initiative their perceptions about the insurance industry and highlight
between the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and local the industry’s varied and multiple career options.
industry, including insurance.
More than 100 students listened to presentations from
insurance professionals from all disciplines (including
carrier underwriting, wholesale marketing, insurance
agents and third party administrators), all tasked with the

14 insight april 2017