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Industry Insights Panel: Strategies for Getting Hired in the Insurance Sector

Recorded September 21, 2010
At this panel, representatives from insurance firms offered insight into the field and gave strategies and tips on the kinds of positions and roles available in insurance firms, the kinds of skills/knowledge they're looking for, what the recruitment process is like, how to make connections within the field, what to expect during the interview and how to succeed on the job.

Getting Hired in the Insurance Sector: Full Session

Audio (MP3)

Video (MP4)

Video (WMV)

Panelist Introductions

Yvonne Brady
Consultant, Johnson Inc.
After graduating from a business and marketing program, I had no idea where 'this' career path was going to lead me. No one ever considers a career in insurance but it has been an exceptionally rewarding career. My journey through the industry has enabled me to gain the insight to be successful in my current role in business development. I've travelled, met some incredible people and enjoyed the benefits of success. It truly is my passion!

Joe Cuscianna
Recruitment Manager, Aon
 Alumnus: Bachelors of Arts, Psychology (1999)
It can be difficult deciding what direction to take in your career after graduation. With a B.A. in Psychology I knew that I loved working with people, building relationships and being a leader, but just didn't know where I should focus my efforts. After doing some research I realized that HR was the career for me. More specifically, recruitment and selection. Now, I'm a leader in Recruitment for Canada's largest Insurance Brokerage & Risk Management firm, and there's nothing I'd rather be doing. Figure out what you enjoy doing first, and it all comes together.

Balu Naidu
Branch Manager, Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc
I enjoy working as an Independent Adjuster with Crawford & Company for the past 10 years and I have been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I love my job, helping people on a daily basis and teaching younger graduates who are looking to get into the insurance field.

Cecelia Subryan
Underwriting Manager, TD Insurance
Decades ago I came to Canada with a plan to study Nursing. I needed an income, as our savings would last only so long. I was hired at the most junior level in an Insurance Company. Then 6 weeks later, I found the job to be limited, and asked my supervisor to have the afternoon off to attend a job interview with more potential. I was promoted that day, and that is how I started my insurance career. I struggled raising my family, completing my CIP (12 subjects then) and my FCIP. I have taught the CIP courses over the past decade to new incoming insurance professionals and I am so proud to see them develop into future leadership roles. The business has changed dramatically but personal values such as integrity, professionalism and hard work are still the champions of success.

Questions & Answers