View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2009/07/07/102017.htm

More Students Showing Interest in Insurance Careers, Say N.J. Agents

More than ever before, recent graduates are expressing interest in the insurance industry, according to the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals.

The associations’ joint recruitment campaign at local colleges has collected more than 350 resumes to date to the Project Y/Agency Staffing Assistance Program student-resume database.

“Students realize that the insurance industry is a smart career choice, particularly in the current economy, as the field is recession resistant— people always need insurance,” said Willaim R. Vowteras, PIANJ president.

Vowteras said the joint PIANJ/NJYIP effort is working to “eliminate misconceptions about the industry and help the next generation understand what insurance really entails: counseling people, protecting their assets and helping them when they need it most.”

The database is comprised of resumes from students who have no experience in the New Jersey insurance marketplace, but who have expressed an interest in an insurance career. It is part of PIA’s ongoing campaign to address the difficulty independent agencies face in finding new talent. These efforts include an outreach program, dubbed Project Y, featuring a designated Web site and marketing materials to encourage young people to consider careers in insurance, as well as college visits and participation in job fairs by PIANJ and NJYIP volunteers.

Resumes in the database include those interested in sales, marketing and claims. A number of students also expressed an interest in participating in internships.

“It’s both encouraging and exciting to see the success of the resume database,” said NJYIP President Danielle Priori. “This new wave of interest in an insurance career is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of both NJYIP and PIANJ volunteers.”

PIA members can find the database on the ASAP section of the PIA Web site. The association recommends checking the site regularly as new candidates are added often.