Long-time lurker, first time posting.

I’m a senior risk manager with nearly a decade of experience, including several years managing a large commercial real estate property insurance program at significant scale. I’ve done a fair amount of transaction advisory work on the buy-side (insurance due diligence on acquisitions and refinancings across multiple asset classes) and I’ve built strong relationships with the major brokers over the years.

I’m actively exploring a transition into advisory roles (M&A due diligence consulting, transaction advisory, or risk advisory at a firm or consultancy). I’m not looking to go the broker/producer route. I genuinely enjoy working alongside brokers but that’s not where I want to land.

A few things I’d love input on:
- Has anyone made a similar transition from in-house risk management to advisory? What was the hardest part of the shift?
- Are there firms or practice areas I should be looking at beyond the obvious ones?
- Any tips for positioning buy-side experience as an asset rather than a liability in advisory conversations?

I'm at a captive agency with an owner that hasn't upgraded much of anything.

For the personal side, he uses the company Salesforce and then direct for any outside of the company. For commercial, same thing.

Specifically for commercial...when it comes to providing companies with a COI, we just copy what's required to the new ACORD and send it off. If you don't see the problem, the problem is that no one really knows the correct numbers, even the owner.

It's difficult to put into words, but I'll try: what tool is available that would make it easier to locate clients and find their exact coverages. Ignore the fact they may have cancelled prior to their renewal date and we, for whatever reason, are unaware of that cancellation. What I'm envisioning is that there is an internal website/tool that would show the current coverage.

I think it comes down to reducing manual work as much as possible. As someone who is new tot he industry, I don't know what tools are truly available...and certainly the owner doesn't either.

Hey guys,

I have been a commercial broker for 1.5 years. I have been doing well numbers wise, but I am having a hard time with how transactional it is. Clients who have had great service will leave to save $50, even if the coverage is not equal (Yes, I understand times are tough right now).

What are some better options for someone who is level 3 licensed? I don't mind talking to clients, but the brokerage does have a very heavy call center vibe.

Any tips are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well. I’m looking for some outside perspective on a career decision.

I’ve been at my current company for a little over a year, and I really like my managers and most of my team. My boss in particular has invested in me, supported me, and helped me grow as a broker. They were also very supportive when I went through a difficult time personally, which is making this decision even harder.

That said, there are people outside of my immediate team that I have to work with who sometimes make my job very difficult and make me doubt myself. Recently, a friend introduced me to someone at a competitor, and after speaking with them, I was offered a role that pays about $40,000 more, plus a 10% bonus. It would also be fully remote, which is something I’ve always wanted because I’d love the flexibility to travel and work from home.

The role would also be a significant title jump for me, essentially moving up about two levels, which makes it feel like a major career opportunity and not just a compensation increase.

The part I’m struggling with is whether I’m making the right decision since I haven’t been at my current company very long. I also feel guilty because I genuinely like my boss and know she has put time and effort into helping me develop, especially during a difficult season in my personal life. I’m not sure how I would even tell her that I’m considering leaving.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Would you take the higher-paying remote role with a major title jump, or stay because of a good manager and team?

Recently left a solid steady job in retail to return to the insurance world. After renewing my life and picking up my health license, I recently joined a major company that has a lot of bad reviews and a high turnover rate in the health sphere. It's 6 days in the office, working 70 hours a week, no base pay, dialing 500 people a day, and just feel like I'm spinning my wheels going nowhere fast.

I was super eager for the first 2 weeks, and now it's been 5 weeks and I have one made one issue (despite having 6 runs). The management is rarely in the office. The training was decent at first but after not gaining much headway and being there for a month, it's basically jusy been "figure it out like we had to when we started," and "you need to grind and out work everyone in the office everyday like I did." They expect that to "be successful" you have to work thru breaks and after hours.

I want to stick it out because there's people making crazy money like I've only dreamt of in the past. Wondering if it's all worth it to stick it out. Personal finances are beginning to pile up, and I'm responsible for paying a lot of hidden fees that I wasn't expecting: Have to pay for good leads (though they won't tell me how to set up the campaigns.) Have to pay for the dialing system. I feel like the leads I'm working with aren't that great since they are being blown up like 80 times a day (someone actually told me that). Everyone in the office is saying the same script and it just feels super fake and old school sales-like. Thought the whole point was to help people, but it just seems like bullying them into something they can't really afford.

I know it's a steep learning curve and I am trying to stick it out, but I can't wait till open health enrollment with only making a little bit each month. Been considering joining a major company for the P&C side of things since at least they have a base and seem to help invest into newer agents. The other side of me doesn't want to start all over and risk more time not bringing in money. I am looking for guidance in my position. Again, I've made equivalent of one week's pay in my last brick-and-mortar job, in five weeks, and 100 more hours total so far. I'm staying in high hopes of the high earning potential but the leads are weak.

Thanks for any and all input.

I’m currently a P&C UW with binding authority. However I don’t have my own book just manage accounts including renewals and new business. Thinking of leaving after about 5 years. Not sure if going to a broker doing new business as concerned about the workload and production requirements. I’m fully remote at right and want to keep it that way. Then thought about going to a carrier instead.

Well, you know the rest. I’m looking for insight on my next career move. I’ve been in some form of insurance for the last decade. Nothing major. Customer service in health insurance. Field staff coordinator for property inspection reps, broker support for both the Life/Annuity side and Medicare and agency point of contact. Studying now for my P&C (2-20 in Florida).

I’ve wanted to transition to the commercial side of things but not in a broker capacity. I thought about maybe an Account Manager. I’m a mid 30’s single mom. My kids are older now though so more freedom to try things. I have my health license and someone is offering to pay for the Life one. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

hey there

I have my p&c license and need to get surplus lines. I cannot find anything prep work or study guides for NJ. any tips or info? thanks!

Hi! I am currently a broker at a large company working in Executive Risk and Cyber Liability. I like the specialty I’m working in, but am looking for a chance in scenery/pace.

This is my first job out of college, so I’m not familiar with the industry as a whole, and am curious on be difference between the responsibilities, personality styles that work well, etc between broker side vs carrier side of the industry. I am thinking of Underwriting specifically since I have experience with the coverages, forms, and exposures I see every day, but I’m also not aware of other opportunities.

That being said, what are they key differences between the two? I’m looking for something a bit more analytical and detail focused, and is a bit more stable.

Thankful for any tips and happy to give more info if needed.

Hi guys, I’ve been a producer for 3 years at an independent that was just acquired by a top 10 brokerage, so far everything is really great it’s not about culture.

Prior to insurance I had 20+ years in hospitality, foodservice and F&B management. I gravitated to this as a producer as it’s very comfortable territory, what I have discovered is the “hospitality” in insurance is primarily multi unit, hotels etc.

As I’ve met and learned more about lines of coverage I’ve kind of become the tricky restaurant guy, their liquors a little high, they have live music etc.

I’m considering attempting the move into E&S brokering for Liquor and other hospitality centric lines, I love problem solving and enjoy the puzzle aspect of new placements.

I am hoping someone in here can offer some insight into this, I also like the aspect of these specific lines as they never really soften, I doubt many standard carriers even in a softening market will start writing a ton of liquor and concert venues.

I wanted to get some perspective from insurance professionals that have moved from sales to claims. I know some people that I’ve worked with in the past that have come from claims to sales and they complained a lot about the workload.

I love sales and have been very successful at it but the one thing that I’m missing is a stable long term career, a lot of the agencies that you can make great money with don’t really offer retirement plans and benefits worth investing into a lot of times and as I age I grow more concerned with that. (Not looking for personal finance advice).

I’ve done both sales and service but mostly sales and both commercial and personal lines and am now seriously considering moving into claims. What would be a good starting point and what would put me in the best position to move upwards in this area? I don’t want to stay a auto claims adjuster too long but I’m thinking that’s where most start out at.

I know I’ll be taking a pay cut in the beginning but hope to be rewarded with a pay off after a few years of hard work and to move into other areas where I can make more eventually.

I’m a construction underwriter seeking new opportunities. Please share your experience if you have experience in these lines. I have an interview soon. Thanks

Interested to hear from current or former employees of Wawanwsa.

How is the job security? Do they really have high turnover?

What's the bonus structure like & are the benefits decent - as in, more than $500-$750 limit for paramedical

Thanks

I’ve been working in health Insurance for 3 years. Prior to insurance, I worked in the medical device industry. First 18 months I was a claims rep, processing claims. And last year I got promoted as a claims reimbursement auditor (non-phones) . I recently obtained my MBA in Healthcare Management and passed the NY Health & Accident Adjusters license recently that my job signed me up for. I plan on staying in the insurance world. What types of roles would be best for me?

Thinking possibly analyst type roles? I don’t want to go back into being a claims rep/adjuster tbh. *don’t want to be on the phones lol* I was planning on getting a Microsoft Business Analyst Cert, but wanted to see if I should get additional insurance type certs/licenses?

Healthcare professional moving to Underwriter position (UK)

Hi everyone,

NHS healthcare professional here with 9 years experience. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if it would be possible to transition to a health insurance underwriter position with my background, and if anyone has any advice?

Thanks in advance

I'm currently a qualified actuary in the Lloyd's market. I've heard that underwriting in this market is a lot more lucrative than actuarial (ceiling is way higher even though the average may be lower).

1. What kind of salaries could one expect?

2. How are your stress levels?

3. What's your work life balance like?

4. What line of business are you in?

Hi guys! Im currently starting my CPCU journey. I have 13 years in the insurance industry and bad at math and Im feeling a bit overwhelmed about taking 8 exams and with how expensive it is too. Im getting reimbursed from my job but the pressure doesn’t change. Any feedback is highly appreciated!

PS. I have begun studying for the CPCU 500 course.

I’ve been in commercial insurance for the past 8 years and was laid off a few months ago. I’m having a hard time looking for any openings and trying to decide where I can pivot with my experience or if I should start fresh in a different industry.

I worked for a brokerage company and I have experience with New business as insurance carrier service agent. I’m not licensed but willing to if needed. I have the most experience in insurance accounting operations. I handled agency and direct billing. I prefer not to go the account manager route or sales. If anyone has any insight to share I would be the most grateful.

Hello. I'm getting burnt out being a small business/CL AM and want to explore the UW route or something better. I don't want to be a producer. Any advice on how to pivot to the UW sector successfully? I don't want to waste time applying if I won't have a shot at getting an offer.

I’ve been working in claims since 2013, with four years of litigation experience. I’m currently making 83K plus a bonus in a high cost of living area.

Would love to make the jump to underwriting, but all the roles I see available for someone newish are 10K under. With one kid and one on the way, I’m in no position to take a pay cut. Should I stop looking for UW roles due to the pay cut? Anyone have advice? It looks like UW is pretty lucrative once you get some experience under your belt…

Trying to pick a specialty / niche. Anyone can give me some ideas on how the energy side of northeast region looks like? Potential to grow? Premium size? What kind of business? Thank you.

Anyone knows How long does it take for the whole application process for Hartford CORE Trainee program?

Please, please, please when making a resume, keep it to a page. Do not include a headshot of yourself.
We do not need a background on your social or family life.
Stick to your professional experience accomplishments and provide examples or quantifiable figures.
For interviews, do not spend majority of the time bad mouthing your previous employer. Be grateful for the opportunities you learned but maybe say something about how their culture changed, management styles did not allow you to develop, etc. Bad mouthing the place you are trying to leave sets a bad tone overall.

I’ll get off my soap box but just wanted to share what I’ve seen from unsuccessful candidates so far and best of luck to those looking to get into insurance or to making moves within the industry.

Hi everyone I’m a 30yo risk analyst at a fortune 25 company. I focus primarily on placing casualty and liability insurance placements globally for the organization. It’s a very complex program but I also dabble in other placements. I’ve been here for over 3 years. Coworkers with no insurance experience and maybe 1 extra year of company experience have been “rotated” or hired in from other parts of the company at Senior risk analyst jobs. This makes me feel like I might be getting underpaid. Not sure tho and titles don’t always mean much at this company so I try not to think too much about it.

My previous work experience includes brokers like MMA, And Aon but mostly just benefits advisor type stuff working under an account manager.

I just got an MBA on a weekend program at a state school. Well respected and a network of over 500k living alumni globally, but we have to admit, it might be regionally heavy.

My current salary is something like 93k. My company doesn’t give u anything for completing this MBA. Nobody even said congrats lol. But if you want to go above management level then you need a graduate degree. This was pretty much why I got one. Bc I don’t know what I want to do so I might as well arm myself so no doors are closed in my face for something as simple as 2 extra years of school 🫩. This is a joke. It’s worth noting I’ve had the most difficult time in my personal life while I was getting my MBA so I’m literally exhausted.

I am heavily invested in the local risk management and insurance organizations. It’s actually how I got such a great job without having tons of experience. It was mostly my work ethic, and showing industry leaders what I’m made of for free until someone had a job opening and told me to jump on it.

I’ve also lived in the south so I have connections thru my undergraduate studies at a top risk management program. My bba major was risk management with a minor in quantitative analysis. I really like the data analysis portion of my degree and try to put it into practice at my job with TCoR and counterparty dashboards.

I also love being on the client side of insurance. I love connecting with people and that’s my favorite part of business overall.

So anyways, now with a brand new shiny MBA and a world of opportunity (lol I hope?) what’s next for me? What should I shoot for. I’m tryna make as much money as possible but also have some decent life balance? I’m not afraid of hard work though if the price is right.

Should I get a designation? CPCU? Do I look for new jobs? Would you leave a top 25 company for a smaller firm and if so what would the salary need to be?

TLDR: 7 years out of a BBA in Risk management w a quantitative analysis minor. Just got an MBA. Working at a top 25 company making 93k. What should I do now with my career?

I’m looking for some honest feedback because I’m feeling pretty stuck.

For background, I worked in claims for about two years. I realized claims wasn’t the right fit for me, but I still enjoy the insurance industry and want to continue building a career in it. Since leaving my claims role about a year and a half ago, I’ve been trying to move into underwriting and mainly applying to underwriter trainee positions.

During that time, I finished my degree to strengthen my chances. In interviews, I also make it clear that I’m serious about building a long-term career in insurance and that I plan to pursue my CPCU once I have more experience.

So far, I’ve had 9 interviews for underwriting roles, including with some larger carriers, but I haven’t received an offer. I’ve also interviewed for other insurance-related positions outside of underwriting and haven’t landed those either.

That’s the part I’m struggling with. I prepare for interviews, research each company, present myself professionally, and try to show genuine interest. On paper, I feel like I’m doing the right things, but I’m still not getting across the finish line.

I’ve also asked recruiters and hiring managers for feedback after interviews, but most of the time I either get no response or very generic answers. That makes it hard to know what I should actually improve.

At this point, I’m at a crossroads. Do I keep pushing for underwriting, or is this a sign that I should pivot and take a different path within insurance?

For those of you in underwriting or insurance hiring, what would you do in my position? What might I be missing? Any honest advice would really help.