Entries by Tori Snoddy

Skip the Degree, Secure the Career: Why Insurance Trainee Programs Are a Hidden Gem

 

 

By: Amy Cooper, Founder & CEO of RISE®

As a millennial, I’ve watched our generation bear the brunt of sky-high student debt, a gig economy promising “freedom” but delivering instability, and the stigma that success only comes from a four-year degree. But here’s the truth I wish I knew earlier: the golden opportunities we’ve been chasing might not be on a college campus—they’re in industry-specific trainee programs, like those in insurance.

For decades, society pushed the same narrative: go to college, get a degree, and you’ll land a stable, high-paying job. But that path isn’t the only road to success. For those who want to skip the student debt, enter the workforce quickly, and build a meaningful, lucrative career, insurance trainee programs offer a game-changing alternative.

The insurance industry is a cornerstone of our economy, offering stability, competitive salaries, and endless opportunities for growth. Yet, it often flies under the radar as a career option. Let’s explore why this path deserves more attention—and how it can lead to financial freedom and professional fulfillment.

 

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the one everyone else is making—it’s the one that gets you where you want to be, faster.

Amy Cooper


Insurance Trainee Programs: An On-Ramp to Career Success

Insurance trainee programs are designed to take people with little or no industry experience and equip them with the knowledge and skills to thrive. One of the biggest advantages of entering the insurance field is the earning potential, even at entry-level. These programs often pay a full-time salary while providing on-the-job training and covering licensing fees.

• Entry-Level Pay: Most entry-level roles in claims, underwriting, or customer service start around $50K–$60K annually. In high-demand areas like catastrophe adjusting or specialty claims, starting salaries can push closer to $70K.

• Bonuses and Perks: Many roles also offer bonuses tied to performance, overtime pay for catastrophe response, or commissions in sales-related roles.

But the real appeal lies in the upward mobility. The insurance industry has a well-defined career ladder with opportunities for growth at every step:

• Mid-Level Earnings: After a few years of experience, professionals in roles like senior adjuster, claims examiner, or account manager can earn between $80K and $100K.

• High-Level Earnings: As you climb into management or specialized positions, six-figure salaries become the norm. Claims managers, underwriters specializing in high-risk policies, or regional directors often earn between $120K and $150K, with top executives bringing in even more.

 

Beyond the Paycheck: Why Insurance is an Ideal Career Path

What makes insurance unique is its combination of stability, variety, and purpose. It’s an industry that touches every aspect of life—home, health, business, and even travel. This diversity offers countless roles to match your interests and strengths, such as:

• Claims Adjusters: Investigate and resolve insurance claims, helping people during challenging times.

• Underwriters: Analyze risks and determine policy terms for businesses and individuals.

• Catastrophe Specialists: Respond to natural disasters, often earning significant overtime pay.

• Sales Professionals: Build relationships with clients and enjoy uncapped earning potential through commissions.

The beauty of insurance lies in its adaptability. If you start in claims but discover you love analytics, you can pivot into underwriting. If sales excites you, you can build a book of business with unlimited earning potential. The opportunities are vast, and many companies offer tuition reimbursement or advanced certifications to support your growth.

The Fast Track to Financial Freedom

Unlike traditional college pathways, insurance trainee programs allow you to skip the four-year degree and start earning immediately. Companies often prioritize transferable skills—like communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail—over formal education.

This is a major advantage:

• No Student Debt: Avoid the crushing burden of student loans, which can take decades to repay.

• Paid Training: Get paid to learn on the job, with companies covering licensing fees and providing mentorship.

• Quick Entry: In as little as six months to a year, you can go from no industry experience to a licensed professional earning a competitive salary.

For those who value financial independence and a direct route to success, it’s hard to beat this setup.

A Career for the Modern Generation

Millennials and Gen Z are redefining what it means to have a successful career. We prioritize work-life balance, meaningful work, and financial security—and insurance aligns perfectly with those values.

• Flexibility: Many roles offer hybrid or remote options, allowing for greater work-life balance.

• Stability: Insurance is recession-resistant, providing peace of mind in uncertain economic times.

• Impact: Helping people recover from losses or plan for the future brings purpose to your work.

The Smart Path Forward

The old idea that success only comes from a four-year degree is outdated. Insurance trainee programs offer a faster, more affordable way to achieve financial stability and professional growth.

If you’re looking for a career path that combines competitive pay, stability, and endless opportunities for advancement, it’s time to consider insurance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, this industry offers a clear and rewarding path to success—no degree required.

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the one everyone else is making—it’s the one that gets you where you want to be, faster.

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RISE Announces 2025 Strategic Planning Board

Dania Beach, FL, Nov. 14, 2024– RISE®, a leading insurance community dedicated to empowering early–career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources, is proud to announce the members of the 2025 Strategic Planning Board.

The Strategic Planning Board is the driving force behind RISE’s long-term vision. Comprising of dedicated RISE members who have been handpicked for their exceptional talents and unwavering commitment, this impressive group of individuals will collaborate closely with RISE’s leadership team and Advisory Board to spearhead initiatives and turn our long-term aspirations into reality.

This year’s board members will have the unique opportunity to:

  • Collaborate with RISE’s Leadership Team: They will work hand in hand with RISE’s visionary leadership, bringing fresh ideas, strategic insights, and their exceptional talents to the table.
  • Transform Vision into Reality: Members will take part in crafting and executing initiatives that align with RISE’s long-term goals, helping to turn aspirations into accomplishments.
  • Network with Purpose: The Strategic Planning Board offers a valuable network of like-minded, high-achieving individuals, fostering new connections, partnerships, and opportunities.
  • Shape Their Leadership Path: Board members will enhance their skills, refine their strategic thinking, and elevate their leadership style through hands-on experience.

The chosen members were selected after rigorous evaluation and represent a cross-section of expertise, passion, and dedication that epitomizes RISE’s values. This opportunity promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey of these high-achieving individuals, and we are thrilled to be a part of that journey.

Meet the 2024 Strategic Planning Board:

Awais Farooq

SVP, Strategy & Transformation, Crawford & Company

Bri Allen

Casualty Broker, McGill and Partners

Chelsey Boyle

Associate Claims Specialist, Tokio Marine HCC

Chris Cutrer

SIU Field Supervisor, GEICO

Dr. Claire Muselman

Director of the MS in Leadership Program, Drake University

Cody Pavlat

Manager, Content Design & Knowledge Management, AF Group

DJ Gargano

Senior Client Services Manager, CNA

Ema Roloff

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Roloff Consulting

Gracemarie Mende

Director of Auto, Claims, Arch Insurance Group

Jenna Contreras

National Market Relations Manager, Risk Placement Services

Kaitlyn Dudzinski

Vice President - Environmental, Westfield Specialty

Kayla Pigeon

AVP, MSP Compliance, Sanderson Firm PLLC

Krista Scott

AVP Territory Leader, Zurich North America

Kyle Matthews

Managing Director, The Hartford

Lael Chappell

COO, Stealth Startup

Lindsay Tanner

Auto Unit Manager, Westfield Insurance

Pamela Goerlich Findley

Sr Product Manager, RLI

Quron Berry

General Liability Claims Supervisor, Utica National Insurance Group

Rachel Jenkins

Chief Operating Officer, XN Captial

Ryann Foelker

Strategy Design Director, American Family Insurance

Tania Sanfiel

Director, P&C Claims, Assurant

Walter Davenport II

SPB Advisor

Scott Francis

SPB Advisor

Awais Farooq – Crawford & Company 
Bri Allen – McGill and Partners 
Chelsey Boyle – Tokio Marine HCC 
Chris Cutrer – GEICO 
Dr. Claire Muselman – Drake University 
Cody Pavlat – AF Group 
DJ Gargano – CNA
Ema Roloff – Roloff Consulting
Gracemarie Mende – Arch Insurance Group 
Jenna Contreras – Risk Placement Services
Kaitlyn Dudzinski – Westfield Specialty 

Kayla Pigeon – Sanderson Firm PLLC 
Krista Scott – Zurich North America 
Kyle Matthews – The Hartford 
Lael Chappell – Stealth Startup
Lindsay Tanner – Westfield Insurance 
Pam Goerlich Findley – RLI Insurance Company
Quron Berry – Utica National Insurance Group 
Rachel Jenkins – XN Captive 
Ryann Foelker – American Family Insurance 
Tania Sanfield – Assurant

"Big cheers to our 2024 Strategic Planning Board members! We're excited to dive into a new year of fresh ideas, bold moves, and real impact. Together, we'll keep pushing RISE forward, building on our mission of growth, connection, and leadership."

Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations

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RISE Announces 2024 Impact Award Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Dania Beach, FL, May 1, 2024 – RISE is proud to announce the winner of the all new Impact Award! The Impact Award recognizes those who have significantly impacted the insurance industry for the better. It celebrates individuals, groups, or causes that have demonstrated a commitment to improving the insurance landscape for everyone. This award acknowledges the power of positive change within the industry and honors those who strive to make a meaningful difference.

Congratulations to the 2024 Impact Award Recipient: Girls Give Back

The story of Girls Give Back exemplifies the transformative power of Friendship, shared vision, and unwavering determination that brought Michelle and Jessica together. Both women are exceptional professionals in the insurance industry, and they became close friends through their shared desire to empower women. Together, they embarked on a mission to make a positive impact on the lives of many people in the insurance industry and beyond. They proved that with passion and perseverance, they could overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams together.

In 2022, driven by their shared determination, Michelle and Jessica, along with their dedicated teams, initiated the Women’s Walk event. Starting with only 21 participants, the event began a movement that showcased the collective impact of unified action. The following year saw remarkable growth, with over 189 women participating, a testament to their commitment, starting as early as 6:00 am.

Beyond the event itself, the focus was on creating a culture of empowerment and networking. They aimed to amplify the support found within their industry and extend it further to drive and embrace change together. Rooted in personal experiences and an acute awareness of the challenges women face, particularly in their field, Michelle and Jessica were motivated by a deep desire to effect meaningful change.

Their journey highlights the immense impact two determined individuals can have when united by a shared vision of empowerment. From humble beginnings to a flourishing organization, Girls Give Back demonstrates how friendship, determination, and a commitment to positive change can ignite a movement that shapes a brighter future for future generations.

We are recognizing Girls Give Back as this year’s Impact Award recipient in tribute to their remarkable 2024 Women’s Walk at PLRB.

 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to share with you the amazing success of our 3rd annual Women in Insurance Walk in Boston, which took place during the PLRB National Conference. We had an incredible turnout this year, with 507 wonderful walkers of all genders that supported the cause. 

Together, we raised an impressive $17,000 to support the incredible work of the Spencer Educational Foundation. 

Our achievements are a true testament to the power of unity and collective action. We are proud to showcase our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry. Witnessing what can be accomplished when we come together for a greater cause is truly inspiring. We firmly believe that by working together, we can drive the necessary change in our industry.

Insurance is not just any job, it is a field that is constantly evolving and has always supported individuals and families financially. It also offers numerous opportunities for career growth. We are committed to raising awareness among young individuals who seek a supportive, inclusive, stable, innovative, and socially responsible industry. Therefore, we proudly affirm that “Insurance is a dynamic industry that disrupts, innovates, and has never been more exciting”.

We’re embracing the spirit of collaboration and rallying behind the #bettertogether mantra, because we truly believe that together, we can shape a future where our industry thrives, and everyone finds opportunity and fulfillment. We invite you to continue supporting our cause and participating in future events, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in making this year’s Women in Insurance Walk such a resounding success!”

-Michelle Licht & Jessica Hamilton, Girls Give Back

Girls Give Back will be honored as the Impact Award Recipient at the 2024 RISE Awards Gala, taking place on June 18-20th in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

This prestigious event celebrates excellence in the insurance sector and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

For more information about the 2024 RISE Awards Gala and to reserve your tickets, visit the event site

About RISE:

RISE® is a vibrant insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources. 

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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Insurance Cares Awards Spring 2024 ‘DEI on the RISE’ Scholarships

Insurance Cares, a nonprofit organization born out of RISE’s DEI committee that is dedicated to providing equal access to insurance education through scholarships and free educational resources, is proud to announce the recipients of its second round of DEI on the RISE scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support diverse students pursuing careers in insurance by providing funds for tuition, books, and general day-to-day financial needs, as well as mentorship opportunities and access to the insurance community.

The DEI on the RISE scholarship recipients will be paired with mentors who will provide guidance and support as they navigate their careers in the insurance industry. Additionally, the recipients will gain valuable access to the insurance community through networking opportunities, paid internship opportunities within the insurance industry, attendance at industry events, and learning the fundamentals of insurance.

“Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to continue my educational pursuits and achieve my career goals. Financial constraints often pose a major challenge for students, limiting their access to necessary resources and sometimes forcing them to compromise on their educational aspirations. This scholarship would alleviate some of these financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries. Ultimately, the support provided by this scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve my ambition of making a meaningful impact in the risk management and insurance industry,” says Kenisha Davis, student at Georgia State University.

The insurance industry provides prime career opportunities for students right out of school. It’s no longer for people who love pocket protectors and corny coffee mugs. Careers in insurance are stable, rewarding, limitless, dynamic and offer work-life balance, and we are so excited to provide the funds, tools, and mentorship for rising diverse talent to become the insurance stars of the future!

Mileinie Sanchez, student at Bentley University shared, “Bentley University has provided excellent opportunities through its Actuarial Science major and industry networks. However, I am aware that many individuals from lower-income neighborhoods lack access to such resources. This lack of access often prevents minorities from considering Actuarial Science or the insurance industry as career options. I’m committed to representing minorities by volunteering and speaking at community events attended by high schoolers, particularly those with a variety of diverse backgrounds.”

Insurance Cares is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance industry by providing support and opportunities to underrepresented communities. Through the DEI on the RISE scholarships, Insurance Cares aims to empower and uplift diverse students to excel in their insurance careers, contribute to the industry, and help create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.insurancecares.org

 

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The Balance Between Setting Business Goals and Personal Development Goals

Charlotte Rheingold

Instructional Designer, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

When thinking about career development, striking a balance between your company’s objectives and your own professional growth can be challenging. However, prioritizing both can help you achieve happiness and success at work. I found myself in this exact situation about a year ago. I had just joined a new company and was tasked with outlining my business goals while also trying to determine my overall career path. Since then, I’ve reworked my business and personal goals, and here are a few things that helped me.

Creating Business Goals

When crafting business goals, start by understanding the “why” of the company – what is the main purpose? What are the top objectives? Why is this what we’re all striving to achieve? Then, think about how your team or department goals contribute to the overall company vision. (If you are ever unsure about what these goals are, ask your leader!)

Once the larger goals are clear, then think about your role and why it matters to the business. Even if your impact isn’t immediately obvious, every individual contributes to the company’s broader objectives. Begin with the big picture, and then zoom in to your specific role and what you do daily. This approach can help connect the dots to how your regular work duties actively contribute to the overall success of the business.

Utilize SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria to track progress effectively. When it comes to making your goals measurable, think about metrics that are important to your team. Do you have sales numbers, service level agreements, customer portfolios, satisfaction surveys, etc.? Is there a metric that you are looking to increase (e.g. number of claims handled per month) or decrease (e.g. employee turnover)? Think about which goals can be achieved through your regular work and how you can measure them through key metrics.

For my project-based role as an Instructional Designer on a Learning & Development team, this meant thinking about how each of my training projects related to larger department and company strategic goals. My team has our goals posted in a centralized location, and anytime I start a new project, I ask myself how it aligns with them. If it doesn’t support these goals, I recognize that I either need to realign the project objectives or it’s likely not something I should prioritize.

To share a personal example, last year one of our main team goals was to increase the value of the new employee experience to build a strong culture of inclusivity to retain top talent and drive business performance. I contributed to this goal by working on various new hire training programs. It can be easy to send a new employee some documents and consider their onboarding complete, but I pushed beyond that to create a well-rounded, welcoming, and structured experience for our new hires. I wanted to make sure they felt that they belong here, were set up for success in their role, and would be supported throughout their tenure.

Creating Personal Development Goals

While business goals are important, your personal growth also matters. Development goals can be anything you want them to be: skill development, a promotion, creating an entire new role, becoming a leader of an employee network – the sky is the limit! They can be directly related to your current role or focused on growing into something totally different. This is both exciting and challenging because you have to decide for yourself what you want. Take time to reflect on the skills, knowledge, experiences, and type of work-life balance you want to acquire.

I started my reflection by identifying my values, and I was surprised by how deep and introspective an experience it was. Defining my values helped me better recognize and make the most of situations where I can embody these values in my work. By further thinking about what these opportunities looked like, I was then able to determine what skills I need to execute on them. This helped me develop a roadmap of the skills I want to learn, which I can apply to both personal development and business goals.

One goal that I have been consistently working on is developing self-promotion and networking skills, which supports my long-term aspiration of becoming a Learning and Development (L&D) team leader. I want to promote our training programs and highlighting the value of continued learning to the business. Additionally, having a strong network is beneficial to tune into business needs and create impactful training. One thing I am doing to build these skills is serving as the co-chair of one of our internal employee networks for young professionals. This is helping me to develop my voice, executive presence, and build key relationships across the company. Plus, it gives me a platform to share all the great work our L&D team does and help others benefit from these programs.

Even with a well-defined plan for my personal development, I am open to changes along the way. I know that my professional priorities will evolve and when I achieve one goal, I will replace it with a new one. If I find that one of my goals no longer works as intended, I’ll reevaluate it. This is why having clearly defined values helps inform the adjustments to my plan over time.

Finding a Balance

Your business and personal development goals don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, the more they can complement each other, the better. If you notice a large gap between the two, maybe that’s a sign that you need to consider a role where they can be more aligned, which is absolutely okay. We all start somewhere.

We all come to work to do a job that supports the success of the company. But we should also prioritize work that supports our own personal success.

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RISE Announces 2024 ’35 Under 35′

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dania Beach, FL, April 2, 2024 – RISE is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 “35 Under 35” award, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional rising talent in the insurance industry.

The RISE Awards “35 Under 35” celebrates rising stars who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions to their companies, communities, and the insurance sector as a whole. This year, we received a significant number of nominations from across the industry, highlighting the wealth of talent and innovation present among young professionals.

 

The 2024 “35 Under 35” recipients are:

  • Andrew Adams – President, River Valley Underwriters Inc
  • Aqil Kurji – Founding Associate & Actuary, Zoë Foundry
  • Ashley Walker – Director, Aon
  • Breck Seitz – Healthcare Broker, Risk Placement Services
  • Chris Gutierrez – CEO, Stryke National Investigations
  • Cody Pavlat – Manager, Content Design & Knowledge Management, AF Group
  • Colleen O’Brien – Director of National Accounts, Partner Relationships, SageSure
  • Connor James Thomson, CPCU – Law Clerk, Stickley Law, LLC
  • Daniel Osei-Agyemang – Head of Claims, Prime Insurance Company Limited
  • Don Mahone – RVP, Commercial Surety, Allianz Trade
  • Gracemarie Mende – Director – Auto Claims, Arch Insurance Group
  • Jake Doman – Consulting Director, Axion
  • Jeff Weber – Executive General Adjuster, PURE Insurance
  • Jessica Lei – Casualty Litigation Specialist III, Cincinnati Insurance Company
  • Jessica Rosenow – Director, Data and Analytics, Coterie Insurance
  • Jose Hernandez – Senior Unit Manager, NARS
  • Joshua Williams – Campus Recruiting & Program Lead Manager, TruStage
  • Kayla Pigeon, Esq. – Assistant Vice President, MSP Compliance, Sanderson Firm
  • Krista Scott – Senior Underwriter, The Hartford
  • Marques Brown – Senior Director of Membership Experience, GradGuard
  • Mercedes Peil – Director, Strategy, Selective Insurance
  • Molly Niswander – Medicare Compliance Unit Manager, Westfield
  • Paria Esmaeelzadeh – Associate Director, Carrier Relations, Willis Towers Watson
  • Quron Berry – Claims Supervisor, Utica National Insurance Group
  • Rakesh Kumar Dhawan – Founder & CEO, DHA-1, Inc
  • Rick Holtz – Chief Technology Officer, Seek Now
  • Rocio Luna – Insurance Producer, Modern Reign Insurance Brokers
  • Ryan Brichetto – Senior Property Claims Representative, Westfield
  • Salena Chaudhry – Claim Technical Consultant, The Auto Club Group
  • Sara Cummings – Accounting Manager, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
  • Shante Delgado – Operations Manager/Agent, American Benefits Specialists
  • Taylor Nelson – Business Generation Consultant II, AmTrust Financial Services Inc
  • Thomas Lynch – Senior Vice President, Jencap Group
  • Tony Petrucci – Claims Specialist, Amerisure
  • Tyler Ross Gehbauer – AVP, Commercial Officer, CNA Financial Corporation

The winners will be honored at the 2024 RISE Awards Gala, taking place on June 18-20th in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

This prestigious event celebrates excellence in the insurance sector and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

For more information about the 2024 RISE Awards Gala and to reserve your tickets, visit the event site

 

About RISE:

RISE® is a vibrant insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources. 

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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