Trainings, Getting Licensed and Getting Started.

[MBurch]

I am currently trying to educate myself in getting started in the insurance business. I am wanting to make a career change. I have checked into some Ohio training programs. My goal at this time is not to be an independent agent, but to work in an office.

1. Any suggestions as to the best area to get into for a beginner. Life, health, casualty, etc.

2. Any suggestions as to reputable training to be licensed in Ohio?

3. Online self taught programs. Does anyone have any comments on these. How difficult are they compared to in class trainings.

4. How hard is it to actually get into the business after you have went thru the trainings and become licensed. How difficult is it to get a job when you are newby with no experience.

A little info on myself. I am 51. I worked for a company for 21 years, then left to start my own childcare business to which I have ran for 12 years. I have a Certificate in Office Administration from our community college. I do not have an Associates Degree. I am looking to change careers. I am a hard worker and have built myself a great childcare business, it is just time to move on. Due to my current work schedule, it is very hard for me to go back to school. I have found some online trainings and some weekend programs that could work for my schedule. I am currently considering Hond--- (not sure if I can put the school name here)for their trainings. I am not looking to get rich, I am looking for a different career, a stable career, where I can make a comfortable living. Working from home would be nice, but isn't a necessity.

Thanks for any information you can give me.

 

[Todd King]

Check out the ILIAA.org site. I think they have some discounts on this.

 

[b61mack]

i found the best on line course is, the america's professor.com. he is a professor from montana university.

 

[jhuang]

Being that your former profession is childcare, your network should be available for health and life insurance! Hit the ground running and simply pick a product (term life, family insurance plans, etc), learn it, market it and write it.

 

[MBurch]

I actually have an interview with AFLAC on Wednesday evening. I was basically only requesting information as to how to get started and education requirements, and ended up with an interview. I figured it couldn't hurt to go see what they say. Any ideas on what to expect?

 

[xrac]

Aflac is a waste of your time in my opinion. Do the online course study and get licensed while you figure it out.

 

[Kenno]

Since you have experience in starting and running a business, you should do well if you take on the challenge of this career. This is not a job - new agents are building a business from the ground up. As you know, having a job and running a business are two very separate things.

The training to get your license is nothing more than training you to pass the licensing test. It is not training that teaches you how to make the career work. The company you go to work for will (or at least, should) train you to sell and hopefully to market yourself.

Successful agents are successful because they are excellent at prospecting. Selling is the easy part of our job. As long as you can get in front of people you will sell.

Don't worry about your past education - companies are looking for people who will succeed, not due to a degree. Many companies will hire anyone who can breathe. Stay away from those, and you can tell them by the fact that they intially interview you with many other potential recruits all at the same time.
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AFLAC = cold calling small businesses, all day every day. With a limited product line.

 

[learninsurance]

If you want to get licensed, I suggest you take your insurance license exam with the top accredited online providers. You can visit insurance.ohio.gov to check authorized licensing exam providers and for more information.