Matthew Erskin
Managing Director
Travelers
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
High school - My parents sacrificed to send me to a private Catholic high school. They also asked me to participate in the financial contributions of the tuition. I became invested in my education.
I chose to attend the University of New Orleans after transferring my sophomore year. A natural disaster struck shortly thereafter and the road became very complicated.
It was always a lifelong goal to receive a diploma from Louisiana State University. I left my family and a good career path to attend graduate school in Baton Rouge.
I left the healthcare industry during my studies in graduate school and worked for a wine retail store while I attended class in the evening. I knew I would make another career change upon graduating.
I graduated in 2010 in a difficult job market. I wasn't turning down any interviews. I took a chance on an interview with Travelers and I met some of the most important people in my career and life.
In April 2017, I achieved a promotion to my current role and asked my best friend to marry me. I had the job I worked so hard for as well as the partner to be by my side.
In December 2017, I lost my father unexpectedly. The man who sacrificed so much for me was taken too soon. Each day now seems more precious with this a new perspective on life.
My first manager at Travelers retired March 30, 2018. She is a great mentor and a great friend. My career wouldn't be the same without her.
Education
High School
Archbishop Rummel
Archbishop Rummel
Bachelor
Physiology
University of New Orleans
Physiology
University of New Orleans
Graduate
Master of Business Administration
Louisiana State University
Master of Business Administration
Louisiana State University
Career
Managing Director
I work with a team of property and casualty underwriters to manage a portfolio of commercial accounts.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Numbers
Working with Others
Day to Day
At the core of what I, and my team do, is the evaluation of risk / reward when it comes to accepting the risk of mid to large size organizations. We work to understand the operations, exposures and controls of these risks so we may offer the most appropriate coverages for an optimal price. A typical day would consist of analytic work to complete these evaluations, as well as a mix of sales and marketing to best promote our products in the market place.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I believe in relationships and those who look for opportunities to learn. Find a way to meet people in the industry you wish to break into and ask to spend time with them. I know many people within Travelers, and the industry, who would love to share what they do. They have real passion for it. And if someone doesn't, well one should try to understand why.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Physiology
Physiology
Graduate
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You will find little satisfaction in the world of insurance. You will have to sell insurance policies to your friends and do plenty of cold-calling. Compensation is all commission-based and companies are only worried about exploiting you for quick sales."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Natural Disaster
