Career Roadmap
Rick's work combines: Numbers, Technology, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Freeport High School
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration and Management, General
Nassau Community College
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Insurance Underwriters:
Bachelor's Degree: Business Administration and Management, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
After working in the restaurant and retail industry, I applied to a tiny newspaper ad for a data clerk, which ended up being an insurance agency.
2.
After a few years and various roles in the same agency, I wanted to try the insurance company side and took a lateral role.
3.
After working hard for a year, I wanted to try to apply for a Middle Market underwriter, however was turned down as I did not have a bachelor's degree.
4.
For the next few months I worked close with my manager to show him I can be a successful Middle Market Underwriter. Three months later, applied for another Middle Market underwriting position.
5.
In less than two years with the company I was promoted to Middle Market Underwriter with a territory in NYC.
6.
Needing a bit more flexibility, I applied, for an Account Executive role at Travelers. Fast forward three years and a few months later. I was promoted to an Underwriting Director in MS/AL.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Don't become a manager or leader, you will be stressed all the time and face disappointment, plus, without a bachelor's degree your chances of achieving your aspiration are slim to none.
How I responded:
Being first generation in the USA was tough. Not having a college degree does not mean you can't make it in insurance. A college education is extremely important; however, there are various insurance courses you can take while attaining your degree, such as CPCU, CIC, CISR or even courses in risk management. Not having a bachelor's degree is a roadblock; however, acting with integrity, hard work, and the desire to help people is my passion. I follow that passion everyday I walk into Travelers.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents came to the USA for a better life, and they wanted the best for our family. College was extremely important to my parents however money was tight. I worked since I was 14 and was the first to get a college education in my family.