Four professionals from Progressive Insurance discuss the value of a liberal arts education in the business sector. Insurance, in particular, has a wealth of untapped opportunities.

Natalie Stoner - Claims College Recruiter-West Region
Brett Baumoel - Claims College Recruiting Manager
Hellen Greenway - Regional Claims Manager-SF Bay Area
Barbara Carlsen - Northern California Claims Recruiter

Career Center (CC): How does a liberal arts student fit in with a company like Progressive Insurance?

Progressive Insurance (PI): You can study anything (the sciences, history, political science, etc.) and fit in with Progressive Insurance. There is some element of every major that can fit with this position/industry. For example, history majors learn to understand why things happen and how to explain them, not just to memorize dates. This applies to us because in our industry you have to be able to "connect the dots"…what each individual does has an effect on everyone else.

We don't hire majors; we hire individuals. It doesn't matter what your degree is in…it's about the person. We look for personal characteristics: interpersonal skills, multi-tasking capabilities, time management skills, and analytical/critical thinking abilities. We also want people who are curious and want to learn continuously.

CC: What is a Claims Representative position like? What do you look for in a candidate?

PI: A claims position is not about sitting behind a desk and answering phones. You go out and meet people. You see their injuries and know you can help them. In California especially, people depend on their cars and not having one often disrupts their lives significantly. As a claims representative you help facilitate getting them back on track with their normal life routines. Our goal is to empower our employees to help others. A claims representative is a generalist position. You are always learning and aren't funneled into a certain career path. You choose how to specialize. Because of this and the fact that we promote from within 90% of the time, it's easy to make career changes.

A day in the life of a claims representative might look like this: you get in to the office, check your voicemail, and have 3 accidents reported, 2 including injuries. You arrange to meet with individuals in person; our standard is to contact individuals filing claims within 2 hours. We meet with clients in their homes, a public place, or wherever they choose. We want to make it the most convenient for them; their lives have already been disrupted enough. Your goal is to try to figure out as much as you can before talking with them…do your homework to see the big picture. Assess the situation fully. Through all this, you are really helping them through the healing process and moving on with their lives.

This position is full of variety and you learn a lot in the first year. Keep in mind that you will make mistakes; accept that and learn from them. You have to be able to take feedback. Our training prepares you for this. And, keep in mind you will always have a lot of support from your supervisors and peers.

Competitiveness and sportsmanship are also key elements. We like to see people who are passionate about what they do and uphold the golden rule while striving for their goals. Working for Progressive is a continuous learning experience. We want people who are motivated about their own development, leaders in the making.

CC: What is the company culture like at Progressive? What are the company's values?

PI: We have a very collegial environment and promote a work-life balance. We go by the golden rule-treat others how you want to be treated. Even when we deal with people making fraudulent claims, we still treat them with respect and dignity. We don't subscribe to a "cut-throat" approach. Integrity and excellence are also part of our core values. Overall, upholding these values becomes a part of how you do everything you do in this company.

In addition, we are constantly working to improve and change things; our name, Progressive, is certainly appropriate. Being successful in this company includes being flexible and willing to change.

CC: What are the top 3 myths about working in the insurance industry?

PI:

1. You sit inside at a desk all day.
2. It's a dead end job -- no career advancement.
3. There is no thinking involved.

These things couldn't be further from the truth! Working in insurance is very different than what most people perceive.