Insurance Industry is information intensive 8,000 Companies 3 Million People Employed State Farm has over 5,000 IS employees
Insurance IS Positions Business Analysts Systems Analysts Project Managers Project Planners Testing Coordinators Training Analysts Object Developers Hardware Specialists Interface Design Specialists Systems Designers Security Analysts Database Administrators
Business Analyst = Internal Consultant Solve business problems through technology Research, define and document business requirements Understand current and future processes Liaison between the business users and technical developers
Business Analyst = Leader High level of responsibility Facilitate meetings Research existing processes Explore new technologies Document solutions Test and Train users Have a party once project is implemented
Systems Analyst Coding/Training in the following: – Cobol / PL 1 / C++ – Java / Visual Basic – Mainframe/Windows based applications – Web development (XML,ASP) – E-Commerce
Advantages of Working In Corporate IT Shop Change careers within the same company Flexible travel opportunities
One Day at Work 8 – 8:15 Stop at Company Bank to refinance my car. 9 – 9:30Meet internal client (claim dept) 9:30 – 9:45Submit the select-a-gift request (finally) 10 – 11:15New project kick-off meeting 11:30 –12Lunch & Learn speaker Asian Cultures 12 – 12:10Return books ( overdue ) to SF Library 12:10 – 12:30 Walk Around the Lake (Daily Relaxation ) 12:30 - 1Have internal client review my 2 nd draft of a memo 1 – 1:15 Enroll in Dale Carnegie success class ($1245) 1:15– 2 Meet manager – performance review 2:15 – 2:30 Call Chinese co-workers about cheap air tickets 2:30 - 3:00 Confirm project tasks with internal client 3 – 4:00 Write Charter, Requirements -- (Hide in a room) 4:15 Go home – ( Leave lights on! ) 4:30 Stop at Wal-Mart and buy a cement mixer (toy) for my 5 year-old son (tomorrow is his birthday) 6:00Attend picnic at State Farm Park
Job Training Formal Training for entry-level employees Business Analyst System Education (BASE) – 4 weeks Customized Systems Analyst Training (CSAT) – length varies based on the system analyst skill level On the Job Training – In-house classes – Actual work Mentoring – Knowledge Mentorship – Career Mentorship – Informal Mentoring
Commitment to Excellence 25th in Fortune 500 2nd in top 100 IT Shops Top 50 companies for Diversity (DiversityInc.com) Insurance and Banking #1 Auto Insurer #1 Homeowners Insurer Top 10 Life Insurer To be # 1 Financial Services Training and work satisfaction COMPUTERWORLD 2002
Common Misconceptions I will sell insurance I must have an insurance background I cant move up in a large company
Systems Professionals Enthusiasm - Can Do Attitude Problem Solving Skills Technical Skills Communication Skills Organizational Skills Work in a Changing Environment
Who Should I Contact? State Farm Insurance Companies Human Resources Recruiting 3 State Farm Plaza, K-1 Bloomington, IL Need more information? Visit our web site!