Name, Chapter, Pledge Class: Jatnna Amador, Alpha Iota, Spring 2008
Company you work for: Travelers Insurance in Boston, MA
What is your position?
I am an Underwriting Intern. As an intern, I am learning all about the insurance business (trust me, there is a lot to learn), and the responsibility of underwriters which include acquiring new businesses, networking with potential clients, assessing risks on property, determining a proper premium for the insured, travelling,
trainings, and much more.
How did you land this gig?
I found out and applied to Travelers Insurance through my scholarship program, the Posse Foundation. The Posse Foundation has many career partners that they provide their scholars with. Posse has its own page on www.experience.com where every scholar can apply to the jobs that interest them. Then if the company likes you and believes that you are qualified to work for them, you move on to their interview process. My interview for Travelers was a four hour long interview with four different current employees. I ascertained that I had received the job mid-February and was really excited for the opportunity.
How has your internship/job impacted you?
Being an intern at Travelers is great because of the hands on experience that I obtained; my managers and mentors here expect me to figure out how to write an account by trial and error. I make sure to ask questions that further my learning and I am provided with concise training. Because the structure of my internship I feel comfortable because I can engage in independent learning and do not have someone constantly hovering over my shoulder holding my hand through the entire process.
Any tips for other interns/working professionals?
Always be professional. Be on time because no one wants to hire someone who is unreliable. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions or even ask for more work when you have nothing else to do. Obviously, work hard and come in with a positive attitude, build relationships, but most importantly, ask for feedback throughout your internship (asking for feedback at the end of your internship is too late). This is the only way that you can continue to improve. Finally, at the end of your internship do not forget to thank your bosses and coworkers for the opportunity that they have provided you with.
