If you’re in the insurance field or looking to advance your career, insurance training programs are the best way to make sure you are successful in achieving these goals. Whether you’re training to pass an exam and receive your certification or simply keeping up to date with your continuing education (CE), training programs are a critical component of success in the industry. However, it’s important to approach the enrollment process carefully and be aware of some common mistakes that can derail your career goals.
Top Mistakes to Watch Out For
Mistake #1: Having Unclear Goals
Before enrolling in an insurance training program, it’s important to make sure that your goals are clearly laid out and defined. Without defining your goals, you might end up wasting time and money on courses that do not accurately align with your objectives, so always take the time to first reflect on your career goals and what you hope to achieve through the training.
For example, which insurance field would you like to specialize in? Have you decided if you want to be an underwriter, claims adjuster, agent, or some combination of these? If you are already in the insurance field, what continuing education do you need specifically to make sure your career keeps moving forward and your license stays current?
Taking the time to make sure that the training you choose will meet these goals is the first step towards making sure that the time you spend is well worth it.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Program
Before completing the enrollment procedure, it’s important to examine the program carefully and make sure that it not only meets your goals and career objectives but is also an objectively good program that is conducted by qualified and capable individuals. Try to look for programs that are accredited by industry associations, have a good reputation in the industry, have positive reviews, and offer the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
It’s also smart to make sure that the program fits into your schedule and budget before enrolling. Programs that offer online exams and classes will fit into more schedules and can be overall more convenient. Make sure that the format, cost, and duration of the program will work for you before enrolling.
Mistake #3: Choosing an Unqualified Instructor
Part of making sure that you choose the best program is making sure that the instructor is qualified and capable of teaching it. The quality of the instructor can make a major difference in the quality of education you receive, whether you truly understand the continuing education, and whether you pass your exams. Make sure that they offer effective exam prep courses and possess all the necessary state licensing and qualifications to be teaching insurance courses.
Some other factors to check out before completing the enrollment process are their relevant experience, the reviews of others who have completed the courses, and what experience they have in the field. Ideally, the best instructor will have a relevant degree and many years of experience working in the insurance field and learning all the ins and outs you will need to know to succeed.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Networking
Like many other professional industries, networking is one of the most important aspects of success in the insurance field. While you are in the program, even if you’re just completing your continuing education as a matter of necessity, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of people that can advance your career and offer potentially valuable connections.
When enrolling, try to make sure the program will offer networking opportunities, whether it’s in-person or online. Find out what type of setting it will be in, and if it’s a group setting then take full advantage of that.
However, when building your network, it can be helpful to focus not on the quantity of people you know, and building up as huge of a network as possible, but rather on the quality of the network. Sometimes, a smaller network can be more helpful, as long as it’s composed of more tightly-knit connections with a stronger connection and focus on helping each other.
So, when enrolling in the program, try and make sure it is somewhere where you can potentially meet people you can build strong friendships and relationships with. When in the program, try to be personable, outgoing, and friendly, and be sure to try and get people’s contact information. Do a professional favor for them when possible and they will likely reciprocate it, which can lead to advantages down the line.
If you’re planning on taking insurance training program classes, you’re already on the right track to success. Nothing is more important than acquiring the knowledge you need, and training programs are the best way to go about doing that. When enrolling, avoid these simple mistakes and watch your career blossom and grow in ways you didn’t even expect!