James Jenkins
Director - Property Claim Management
Travelers
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
In 2009, I completed my bachelor's degree at San Diego State University with a focus in Business, Finance. I worked full time through college selling cell phones for T-Mobile.
In 2010, I completed the Oxnard College Fire Academy with aspirations of joining the fire service. Budget cuts cancelled a job offer that was received in Southern CA.
I started to explore careers in insurance and obtained an entry-level position with Workmen's Auto Insurance in Los Angeles in 2010.
In 2011, I was hired as an outside property claim professional for Travelers in Southern California. My territory was primarily LA and Orange County, but was willing to assist wherever needed.
Through hard work and continued development I was promoted to a property unit manager in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013. Time spent there was one of great growth and personal development.
In 2014, I transitioned back to LA and eventually made my way to the Denver, CO, office in 2016 as a unit manager. While there I assisted with Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada.
In 2018, I was promoted to a director in Dallas, which is where I currently call home. My position and location changes have brought knowledge gains and challenges, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Education
High School
Thousand Oaks High School
Thousand Oaks High School
Bachelor
Business - Finance
San Diego State University
Business - Finance
San Diego State University
Graduate
MBA
Villanova University
MBA
Villanova University
Career
Director - Property Claim Management
I coach, develop and lead property claim professionals and unit managers in order to reach optimal outcomes.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Law
Problem Solving
Day to Day
I support the Dallas Claim Center with Commercial and Personal Insurance property damage claims. Our unit supports north Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. My team works together on a daily basis to strategize and implement new initiatives, develop talent and further their claims knowledge, all while providing an exceptional customer experience.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Do your research. If you will be meeting with an organization, find out as much detail as you can about that organization. Remember - an interview is also an opportunity to find out if you think the culture is a fit for you, as the employee.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Business - Finance
Business - Finance
Graduate
MBA
MBA
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Claims can be a stressful and challenging career."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
