Not only is the future of insurance sitting in today’s classrooms; students are setting themselves apart and getting workforce ready by pursuing designations – before they graduate!
As Insurance Careers Month continues, one thing is clear: our industry’s future depends on how we show up for students today. Industry education and local engagement opportunities are the lifeblood of a vibrant talent pipeline, fueling exposure and access. With the proverbial doors flung open, students are leveling-up by recognizing the value of industry designations.
Through the Emerging Talent Program, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is committed to engaging and educating the future workforce and inspiring students to CHOOSE careers in insurance. Beyond building technical industry knowledge, students in the CISR High School and University Associate (UA) Programs are earning the UACIC and UACRM micro-credentials and the CISR, CIC, and CRM designations – and recognizing the value.
Designations aren’t just about letters after your name; they’re about confidence, clarity, and credibility.
They make the industry less intimidating
Insurance can feel complex fast. Designation coursework breaks it into practical, real-world pieces: how coverage works, why it matters, and how people actually use it.
They help you stand out early
Many students graduate with similar resumes. Pursuit of a designation signals:
- They are serious about learning
- They understand the business, not just the theory
- They are fast tracking their career readiness
They connect school to real world scenarios
Designations build context and focus on applied knowledge – considerations that may come up in meetings, client conversations, claims scenarios.
They open doors to mentors and networks
Both the pathway to and culmination in a designation connect students with professionals who want to develop talent. Dynamic networks are huge early into a career.
Help Students Stand Out – Earlier!
Industry engagement is the link to tie it all together – building context and networks and providing the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in real-world settings.
The Emerging Talent Program, made possible by a dedicated network of Emerging Talent Partners, is igniting potential and building a workforce equipped for an evolving industry. The opportunities are endless, from local engagement in the CISR High School Program through expanded programming like the Virtual Career Connections – now in its 2nd year with session planning underway! – and the new Virtual Cohort for the CISR High School Program launching this summer. Diversified access points help both students and professionals plug in and shine, and perpetuate our great industry. NOW is the time to be a part of it!
