The Council partnered with the University of Mississippi and member firms to develop a pipeline of talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) into commercial insurance brokerage careers. The initiative addresses the longstanding diversity gap in the commercial insurance industry by building relationships with HBCU programs and connecting students with internship and employment opportunities at member firms. The partnership represents a meaningful commitment to expanding access and representation in the industry.
The Council is excited to announce that we have entered into a partnership with The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and several member firms to pilot a new insurance certificate program designed for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The program, which is set to launch in fall 2023, will provide HBCU students with training, networking opportunities and the experience needed to enter a field with ample job opportunities and room for advancement.
Also partnering with Ole Miss and acting as the “Founding Partners” of the program are Council member firms Brown & Riding Insurance Services Co. of Dallas, Texas; Cadence Insurance of Tupelo, Mississippi; Gallagher of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; and Truist Insurance of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The goal of the 10-week online insurance certificate program, facilitated by The University’s School of Business Administration, is to attract and retain a more diverse workforce and spur meaningful change across the insurance industry. This pilot will run every fall for the next three years, funding education for a total of approximately 60 students. This opportunity will lead to a paid summer internship, allowing students to increase their exposure within the industry and sharpen the skills they’ve worked to develop throughout the program. During their internship, they’ll be paired with a mentor who will help support them in their professional development. Should students be offered and accept a position with one of the Founding Partners, they are guaranteed a scholarship and enrollment in The Council’s Insurance Professional School, a best-in-industry nine-month curriculum which can lead to the Accredited Professional in Risk & Insurance (APRI®) early career designation.
“To cover the talent gap, we need to hire three young insurance professionals for each one that is currently employed, but only 4% of millennials have an interest in working in our industry,” said Ken Crerar, President/CEO of The Council. “Internships are a vital recruitment tool and we’re honored to be a part of an initiative that will clear obstacles for students at HBCUs and give them the well-deserved opportunity to pursue insurance careers.”
By supporting the insurance certificate program, The Council hopes to grow awareness of insurance careers and increase access across the board to young professionals at HBCUs.
