1. CSUN - Professor for a Day
October 11, 2017
William Blake, Southwest Executive
The Truth About Insurance

2. A little bit about me
I was tricked into joining the insurance industry
I have worked for The Hartford, General Reinsurance Corp (now a Berkshire company) and Zurich.
I have lived in NYC, SF, LA and Chicago
I have, at times, wondered if I made the right choice.
I have had way more fun than I thought, traveled to (mostly) terrific places and have done things I never thought I would do
I have had 14 or 15 different jobs – mostly up, but some lateral.
I have made some life long friends – some co-workers, some brokers & some customers
I won $10 from Tim Noonan, once, playing golf.

3. Complex and Changing Industry
Facing the industry
Emerging Risks
Globalization
Pace of Change
Data Availability & Quality
Climate Change
Creating opportunities for people
Dynamics above are changing & creating roles (Data Scientists, Cyber Underwriters, etc)
Shrinking labor pool & aging workforce

4. What jobs exist in the Insurance Industry?
Insurance Company
Underwriting
Claims
Risk Engineering
Premium Audit
Data Science/Actuarial
Real Estate Management
Legal
Management/Operations
Finance
Investment
Accounting IT
Marketing HR
Brokerage
Producer
Account Executive
Risk Engineering
Claims
Data Science/Actuarial
Real Estate Management
Legal
Management/Operations
Finance
Investment
Accounting IT
Marketing HR

5. What pays off regardless of the industry/career you choose?
Advice
What pays off regardless of the industry/career you choose?
Pick a company that suits your personality & your skill set.
Look for the Culture of the company (or the division you would be working in).
Who you work with/for may be more important than the company that you work for.
Find a work life balance that suits you, but remember that work is important.
Self awareness is key to success
Ask for & listen to feedback (from qualified people) and adjust.
Getting paid is important
BUT don’t take a job just to get paid.