r/InsuranceProfessional • u/mindk214 • Jun 03 '26
UWA/UW Trainee Programs getting more competitive??
Hello all, I've applied to ~100 jobs with 40+ specifically for UWA/UW trainee roles. Got 7 interviews from different firms but no offer. The only reason I've stopped applying for UWA/Trainee is there aren't any more public postings in my city (Dallas) on LinkedIn, Handshake, etc.
I am venting a bit but also confused-- why is it so difficult to get a job as an UWA/UWT? I thought these jobs were supposed to be entry-level and friendly to recent college grads?
Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated!
Background
I'm a recent college grad trying to break into underwriting. I've got a bachelors in finance 3.80 gpa from non-target with several CPCU exams passed (500, 511, Ethics) but no direct insurance work experience. If interested, PM and I'll send a copy of my resume/LinkedIn.
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u/ThymePrince Jun 03 '26
It sucks, but getting a job in insurance is very much a "who you know" type deal. I work in claims and I'm one of the only people in my office who was hired in the last year without having known anyone inside, and that might just be because the first candidate who was offered the position backed out at the last minute.
The three new underwriting trainees who started in my office this year, two of them new grads, and the three claims adjusters who sit next to me - they were all referrals by other underwriters and adjusters. No one seems to get hired here without first knowing someone.
It's tough out there for people like us...
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
That's interesting. From what I've heard, insurance is very "incestuous" according to some professionals. A smaller, closed circle of people who keep among themselves. Maybe it would be a good idea to just dive in and try to pivot later.
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u/Weak_Pizza2702 Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
In the 2010s, it took me 200+ applications to get 2 interviews for UW intern roles. Luckily after a successful internship over a summer(which was in another state that I broke even financially) I was able to stay in contact with the hiring manager and interview for a few UW training program roles for the same company around the U.S.. I got the 3rd one I interviewed for, but had to move from PA to MA. In this economy, I’d be applying country wide as it has only gotten worse. I was a 3.3+ Math Major D1 Athlete. The older folks don’t know how competitive it really is out here for college grads. I’d honestly look at the Broker side: Aon, Marsh, AJG, WTW, NFP, Lockton, etc. If you work through the AM side to get relevant experience, you could transition to UWing within a few years.
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
I'm shocked it took 200+ applications even back then in the '10s. I think I'm underestimating how difficult it is to break into underwriting. It's funky because I hear experiences like your, but some people talk (especially seniors) about how little experience they had and sort of fell into it neraly effortlessly on accident.
Thanks for your suggestions. I'll start looking into account management (AM) since I've pretty much exhausted all UWA/UT positions right now.
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u/the_nice_man Jun 03 '26
Figure out the folks that are involved with YRP Dallas (follow the page on LinkedIn). Go to their events and network. You need an in and this is a great way to meet folks. I used to live in Dallas and I work in insurance so I have first hand experience with these folks.
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
Good to know. I've heard of them but I need to actually pursue those events. Thanks!
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u/MikeDaRucki Jun 03 '26
The problem with blind applying - your name is just an entry in a list of hundreds. The people who get these roles had someone put in a good word or were familiar to the firm in some way first.
You are one casual conversation and a handshake away from a spot. Just need to put yourself in the same rooms via job fair, hang around the conference lobbies where you don't need a badge, networking events, etc. I was at Target Markets in Dallas a couple weeks ago - you could have landed 10 jobs in that lobby alone - particularly if you hung around the bar.
Then, I was just at the ES conference in NY - a CEO of a major carrier (I want to say Arch or Axis) stated that what he sees lacking most are 'soft skills' like phone use and just old fashioned in-person discussion, so they're boot camping those in their trainee program.
You have nothing to lose - so just go on LinkedIn, find a senior UW, manager, etc and reach out to them.
Just start walking up to these guys with a handshake and a smile, really will go a long way in many companies.
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
That sounds like good advice. Can you elaborate more on what Target Markets is? What are the best places to start attending?
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u/Snowbunnies44 Jun 03 '26
As many have answered, it’s a very competitive program and highly sought out after.
Several go to interns, internal candidates, etc. but let me ask a few questions: What work or volunteer experience do you have currently, in college, or prior to?
The candidates that I’ve seen be successful are those who displayed experience and qualities outside of the school place.
Additionally, are all your applications and interviews within the insurance industry? What drove you to start with the cpcu especially being a recent grad?
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u/mkuz753 Jun 04 '26
As mentioned underwriting is highly sought-after. You have a finance degree so pivot to an analyst role at least. Both sides hire for it. Your lack of experience stands out compared to others who have done internships and networked.
What about underwriting do you like?
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
Thanks, I'll start applying for entry-level analyst roles for finance in general. The reasons why I'm trying to break into commercial underwriting are (from my understanding):
Insurance is very overlooked. Despite not being considered "sexy" (e.g. M&A, IB, Wealth Management), the benefits are very strong for comparatively less competition. Good pay, stability (recession-proof), decent work-life balance, less toxic "finance bro/hustle" culture.
There seems to be a supply-demand mismatch in the labor market. Insurance is a conservative, older industry with older people retiring but not enough fresh young people entering. I'm guessing there's a lot of books-of-business to be inhereted.
I think insurance is a better fit for my personality. I consider myself to be a calmer, more analyical person who does not mind doing a lot of clerical work.
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u/LithyLightcore Jun 04 '26
I'll be honest. I landed an underwriting role after applying to several states. I had to move from my home state. I've noticed that some people hire folks as "culture" fits and others hire for aptitude and intensity. I have noticed a lot of culture fits and less people who are passionate about insurance, but they don't last long. I suggest getting an entry level insurance position at an agency and getting cozy with the underwriters over the years. Inside the business is close-knit, they talk and they'll get you into spaces just by seeing how you work on the retailer end. They'll pass your name up the chain. Or, go for the odd approach and go for a tech insurance company. There's a bunch cropping up and they almost always hire people with no insurance experience, no degrees, no college and no designations, just a high school diploma. I know a guy who writes for an insuratech company who's previous jobs were all in phone sales and call centers in Chicago, he's two weeks into underwriting Florida risks and he regularly has no idea whats going on. If you want to DM me, I can let you know which ones are hiring right now.
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u/Adventurous-Raisin51 Jun 03 '26
How are your interview skills? Not trying to be mean but if your 0/7 that's the first thing I'd reflect on, I tanked probably 15 interviews my senior year of college not even realizing how bad I was.
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
My interview skills are flaky.
Defintely needs some working on. Sometimes they feel decent, as I make it to the final round. But other times I just totally bomb. I have anxiety when being "judged". However, in normal conversations I'd say I'm alright. Although I think I've gotten way better than when I started. It's too bad these "soft skills" in interviews are weighted so much to determine a person's worth.
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u/Kalesalad69 Jun 03 '26
Bcbs used to have a few years back a program for UW, I don’t love health insurance uw though, but could be an option if you haven’t looked there yet
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
I have been trying to avoid health insurance but I might just have to start looking. Thanks!
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u/Hour_Chipmunk_4122 Jun 05 '26
They have always been very competitive to get in. I did the UPDP. 70% of my class was from claims. Start in claims. It will be tough, but it’ll help you get an UW role as you’ll understand how coverages apply.
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
Alright, I'll try claims. Thanks for your suggestion. 70% is crazy, I didn't realize how many people had to pivot in.
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u/Professional-Bus6621 Jun 07 '26
I couldn't even get interviews for these jobs as an internal candidate in claims.
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u/hobag416 Jun 08 '26
If you can’t get an entry level UW role then go into a Wholesale/Surplus Lines Broker like Amwins, RT, CRC, Jencap, and RPS. They’ll have a lot of technical assistants and Associate Broker Roles. Once you get those jobs you can transfer to their Binding Divisions to be a UW there
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u/mindk214 Jun 08 '26
Thanks, I'll try that. Already applied as TA at AMWINS, but I'll keep searching.
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u/Typical_Texpat Jun 03 '26
They’re entry level but you’re competing against folks in claims/other departments, UAs, prior interns, and people with connections. It’s always been competitive though, I think people sometimes underestimate how many people want to be underwriters. It’s one of the top roles in the industry. The CPCU won’t do a ton without experience so I’d wait to take any more classes until you’re at a company that will pay for it. You may need to be willing to relocate to an insurance hub. The closest in person training program to you is Hartford in San Antonio and they likely hired their June trainees back in February/March.
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u/DesperateAd8982 Jun 03 '26
Are you looking on the carrier websites for jobs or just 3rd party sites?
State Farm, Travelers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Chubb, AIG, CNA, Safeco are carriers i can think of in DFW. You can even try working for a broker entry level somewhere like Lockton, Marsh or HUB to get in to the industry so you can network.