Let me start by saying that I wasn’t the typical candidate for a career in insurance. After 30 rewarding years in law enforcement, I found myself ready for a new chapter. Don’t get me wrong—I loved being a police officer. But like many people, I reached a point where I was ready for a change. A career shift can be invigorating, offering a fresh start and renewed motivation.
Table of Contents:
- How I became interested in insurance:
- Finding the right fit:
- Choosing your path in insurance:
- Having transferable skills:
- How to become licensed in insurance:
- A career worth pursuing:
How I became interested in insurance:
My interest in the insurance industry began while taking a personal finance course, where I came to understand how crucial insurance is in building a solid financial plan. I realized it’s not just important—it’s often essential. That sparked my curiosity, and I dove into researching the field, learning everything I could about working in the industry.
If you share this curiosity, I encourage you to do your due diligence. Speak with people already in the field, ask plenty of questions, and explore whether it’s the right fit for you. That’s exactly what I did.
Finding the right fit:
I was fortunate to already know Kaitlyn and Chris Pintarich, the owners of Berry Insurance, through past business dealings and the great relationship we had built. When I expressed my interest in making a career change and exploring insurance, they were incredibly supportive and eager to help.
After just a few conversations, I felt confident that this was the path I wanted to pursue. More importantly, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to work for them and join the Berry team.
Choosing your path in insurance:
Not everyone is ready for a career change, but if you’re considering one—and specifically looking at the insurance industry—it’s important to think about where your interests lie. Are you drawn to property and casualty insurance, personal or commercial lines, life insurance, claims, or health insurance? The industry offers many paths, so narrowing down your focus is key.
Once you’ve identified your area of interest, the next step is finding the right agency or company for you.
Having transferable skills:
I found that many of the skills I developed in my previous career transferred seamlessly into the insurance industry—and the same could likely be true for you. You probably already possess several transferable skills that can help make your transition into this field smoother.
To succeed as an insurance professional, strong communication skills are essential for delivering excellent customer service and building meaningful relationships with clients. Problem-solving abilities are also invaluable, especially when combined with empathy and a genuine understanding of client concerns.
Other helpful skills include time management, attention to detail, and staying organized. The ability to connect with people from all walks of life is particularly important, as it contributes to your effectiveness in building trust and addressing clients’ needs.
Even if you feel you might be lacking in some of these areas, you might be surprised by how much you’ve already mastered through your experiences—whether in past jobs, volunteer work, or simply managing life’s challenges.
How to become licensed in insurance:
Preparing for the necessary insurance exams is an important step in starting your career, and the specific exam you take will depend on the license you’re pursuing. For example, I took the producer’s exam for property and casualty insurance, as I was aiming for a position in commercial lines. If you’re pursuing a different area of insurance, your exam may vary, but the general process is similar.
Exams and licensing requirements differ by state, but they typically consist of multiple-choice questions and are administered by a state-contracted testing company. To prepare effectively, it’s important to choose a study method that works best for you. Many people find preparatory courses extremely helpful in increasing their chances of passing.
Personally, I attended a two-day course tailored to the exam I was preparing for, and I spent about three months studying before the test. My study plan included reviewing course materials, creating flashcards, and even recording voice notes to reinforce key concepts. The key is to find what works for your learning style and to stay consistent.
It’s also important to keep a positive mindset. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged—this happens to many people. Insurance exams can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the industry and unfamiliar with the terminology. With persistence and preparation, you’ll eventually succeed.
Passing the exam is a rewarding milestone that will give you the confidence to move forward in your new career. Stick with it—you’ve got this!
A career worth pursuing:
There are plenty of excellent insurance agencies out there, but finding the right fit is crucial. For me, that fit was Berry Insurance. For you, it might be somewhere else, based on your own priorities and goals.
Wherever you land, I hope you find the same fulfillment I have. Making this move was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I haven’t looked back since.
If, like me, you’re interested in a career with Berry Insurance, check out our Career Page!
