5 Things to Know About Working in Insurance

5 Things You Need to Know about Working in Insurance

November 29, 2021

Ready to start your own business and become an agent? Great! But first, there are five things you should know about working in the insurance industry.

Think back to your first day at your first job. Now think about your final day. What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself? If you’re considering transitioning to the insurance industry, we did the hard work for you. Keep reading for five things you need to know about working in insurance, before you start.

1. Your Success Is in Your Hands

There’s a core truth about working in the insurance industry: You get back what you put in. As an insurance agent, you’re your own boss. You set your own hours, and you’re responsible for growing your business exactly as large as you want it to be. The flexibility and entrepreneurship that come with being an agent is a reason why working in the insurance industry is so fulfilling for many insurance professionals.

Fair warning: If you’re not a self-starter, this industry isn’t for you. But if you enjoy putting in the effort and reaping the rewards, keep reading.

2. You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

While you are your own boss, you’re not on an island. Farm Bureau prides itself on providing some of the best resources and support in the industry.

On-the-job training starts from day one with the Developing Agent Program. This practical, hands-on learning combines classroom sessions, online training and mentoring to help you learn to sell yourself and your services — and set yourself apart from other agents.

All along the way, you’ll have sales and marketing support, as well as access to sales coaches and other resources to help you grow your budding business.

3. No Two Days Look the Same

There are some common misconceptions about the insurance field. Maybe you picture an aggressive salesperson trying to bank as many accounts as possible, or a fried desk worker clocking in for a day of drudgery at 9 a.m.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. As an insurance agent, you are truly your own boss. You set your schedule, develop your book of clients and build a profession that’s both rewarding and profitable.

Some days you’ll be out in the field meeting with clients. Other days you’ll be at your desk, putting together paperwork. And other times, you’ll be living your life while your business runs itself.

4. Your Previous Skills Have a Home Here

What do you need to work in insurance? To start, a passion for helping people. At the end of the day, it’s a people-first job. It's your job to get to know your clients, discover what they need and set them up for success.

The insurance industry attracts a wide range of professionals, including those from agricultural fields. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to grow your own business from the ground up, that’s a great starting point for getting into insurance work.

Sales, organization, customer service, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, attention to detail, emotional intelligence — these traits can translate to success in insurance.

5. You’ll Earn a Great Living

As an agent, the money you earn is based on what you sell, not how much time you spend working. And get this: Because you’re serving clients in several areas — including auto, home and life insurance — your earning potential is much higher than the average commission-based position.

On average, a new Farm Bureau agent makes 56% more than other sales roles, according to Payscale.com.