Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career in the insurance industry, having a solid career plan is essential. The insurance sector offers diverse opportunities across underwriting, claims, risk management, broking, operations, and more.
However, navigating career progression requires strategic planning, upskilling, and networking. This guide breaks it down into actionable steps with practical resources.
Assess Your Current Position & Goals
Before making any career moves, take time to reflect on your strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Ask yourself:
- What aspects of my current role do I enjoy?
- Where do I see myself in the next 3-5 years?
- Do I want to specialise in a niche area or broaden my expertise?
- What skills or qualifications do I need to get there?
Resources:
- Career Explorer by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) – Find career pathways in insurance.
- Prospects Career Planner – Helps assess your strengths and career fit.
- Personality Assessments – Understand how your personality aligns with different roles.
- CII Professional Map – A structured framework for professional development in insurance.
Identify Key Skills & Qualifications
The insurance industry values a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills. Depending on your role, consider developing:
- Technical skills: Insurance underwriting, claims management, actuarial analysis, data analytics, regulatory compliance.
- Soft skills: Negotiation, communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability.
- Digital skills: AI in insurance, automation tools, data visualisation, digital transformation.
Resources:
- CII Qualifications – Professional insurance certifications.
- Lloyd’s Future Brokers Programme – Training for future insurance professionals.
- LinkedIn Learning – Courses on leadership, insurance, and digital skills.
Gain Industry Experience & Exposure
Hands-on experience and networking are key in insurance. Look for ways to deepen your exposure:
- Shadow professionals in different areas like underwriting, broking, claims, or risk management.
- Join industry networks and events to connect with professionals.
- Seek out mentorship from experienced professionals through structured programs.
Resources:
- Dive In Festival – Diversity & inclusion events in insurance.
- Insurance Times Events – Industry conferences and networking.
- Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Mentoring – Connect with mentors.
- iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) – A network supporting multicultural inclusion in insurance, offering mentoring and career development opportunities.
Explore Career Progression Paths
Insurance careers are dynamic, with opportunities to pivot or progress. Common pathways include:
- Underwriting → Senior Underwriter → Underwriting Manager → Chief Underwriting Officer
- Claims Handler → Claims Manager → Head of Claims → Director of Claims
- Broker → Senior Broker → Client Director → Managing Director
- Risk Analyst → Risk Manager → Chief Risk Officer
- Operations → Transformation Lead → COO
Consider lateral moves into roles like digital transformation, DEI, or organisational design to broaden your impact.
Resources:
- Insurance Careers Paths – CII – Explore structured career ladders.
- Job Boards: Insurance Jobs UK & Chartered Insurance Institute Jobs.
- Actuarial Careers – Focus on actuarial and risk careers.
Build Your Personal Brand & Network
A strong personal brand helps attract opportunities. Showcase your expertise by:
- Updating your LinkedIn profile with key skills, certifications, and a compelling summary.
- Engaging in industry discussions by commenting on trends and insights.
- Attending and speaking at events to establish credibility.
Resources:
- LinkedIn Personal Branding Guide – Enhance your professional presence.
- Insurance Networking Groups – Find relevant LinkedIn groups to join.
- Women in Insurance Networks – Connect with professionals in the industry.
Stay Future-Ready with Continuous Learning
The insurance industry is evolving with AI, automation, and regulatory shifts. Stay ahead by continuously learning about:
- AI in insurance – Risk modelling, fraud detection, chatbots.
- Regulatory changes – ESG regulations, Solvency II, consumer duty.
- New business models – Embedded insurance, parametric insurance.
Resources:
- InsTech London – Learn about insurtech and innovations.
- Future of Insurance Reports – McKinsey – Read in-depth industry insights.
- Harvard Business Review – Develop business and leadership skills.
Career planning in insurance is about being intentional with your growth. Set clear goals, gain experience, upskill, and build your network to stay competitive. Whether you’re aiming for leadership, switching specialisms, or entering a new domain, these steps will help you navigate the journey successfully.
Need help with your career strategy? Join professional networks, speak with mentors, and stay proactive in learning and engagement!
Ready to explore new opportunities? Visit the iCAN Apply Jobs Board to see the latest insurance industry roles and take your next step forward.