We have nominated you for the AM Young Talent list. That was what I was told when I came back from holiday and showed up at the office again. I was surprised, but now I, together with seven others, can participate in a round table discussion to give my vision of the insurance industry.
A great honour. Naturally. And of course I immediately started preparing. What message would I like to convey? That was immediately clear to me. That working in the insurance sector is so much more fun and dynamic than you can imagine. Actually, I just want to share my own experiences. Nothing more and nothing less. Moreover, I already carry out that own experience in my work on a daily basis. How and why? I would like to tell you in this blog.
'What if I don't like it?'
First, let's go back to how it all started. When I applied for a job at the Dutch Association of Insurers, I didn't just look at the terms of employment. I also wanted to know who my future colleagues are, what my workplace looks like and perhaps most importantly: what should I do? After a nice application, I was pleasantly surprised and signed my contract full of enthusiasm. I knew for sure.
Until doubt struck. What if I don't like it after two months? Or if the content of the work disappoints me? Soon I will only be working on policies and PowerPoint. And how will that work when I leave? Will I be left with an unsellable CV?
Sleek vacancy text
All doubt has long since disappeared. The insurance sector turns out to be a lot of fun and my work very varied. I decide where and when I work. In fact, I am given plenty of space and responsibility to achieve the goals the way I want. I really can't think of any reason to want to leave.
And you know what's so remarkable, I hear this story more and more often. Other people who come from outside the industry have exactly the same experience as me. And that is the crux of our sector. I got a different picture of insurers, because I ended up in the sector by chance. Personal experience is therefore much more important than a tight vacancy text. But how do you attract young talent if the image gets in your way?
Image of the insurance sector
Research by the Association shows that young people do not exactly see the insurance sector as a popular employer. Boring, bureaucratic and hierarchical are mentioned most often. In addition, we are least likely to be in the top 3 of most attractive sectors to work in.
So there is work to be done, because without
Sufficient influx and attracting young talent with new knowledge are not only lagging behind, but we are also experiencing problems with the service to our customers in the long run. Not ideal, to say the least, because insurance has an impact on all of us. Just try to pay for a new house and new furniture out of your own pocket after a fire. Not many people can do that.
Insurance Challenges
Together with our members, we are working the image. At the Association, I am responsible for the image of the sector among young people and would like to share the experience I have had myself. I focus on two things: what is it really like to work for an insurer? And where can you get honest, clear and easy-to-find information from? According to research, there is a shortage of both.
To start with the first one. We started with Insurance Challenges. Students are invited to an insurer and, after an explanation from an expert, they are allowed to come up with a solution to an important question that insurers are struggling with. In one day, they experience how it works at an insurer. They talk to 'colleagues' on the shop floor and actually come into contact with an insurer. Contact is key.
Secure your future
For the second point, the provision of information, we have launched a new website: www.verzekerjetoekomst.nl. Colleagues talk about what it's like to work in the sector. Because what does a data analyst do? Or a procurement consultant? I like the fact that interviewees don't tell the perfect story. They are honest interviews, in which both the fun and the less fun aspects are discussed. We also provide concrete information about daily activities. What does a day in the life of a data analyst look like? And how a week?
In this way, a student (or lateral entrant) can get a nice and, above all, a realistic picture of what he/she can do for our sector.
Have I convinced you? Or not quite yet? Take a look at the website or email me. I would like to give as many students as possible the same feeling as I have experienced about the insurance sector. Just tell the honest story. Maybe then, in the long run, I can make my own position redundant!
Richard Roelevink is policy adviser Education and Labor Market at the Dutch Association of Insurers