There are several requirements necessary to become a commercial underwriter, including acquiring the correct education, choosing to become certified, and continuing training and education for advancement. Most commercial underwriters work within insurance companies to assess property risks, compile other important data, and effectively communicate their findings. There is a growing trend for these professionals within the investment field as well as in other business and finance industries. Commercial underwriting is considered to be a fairly competitive field, and it is not unusual for potential candidates to be asked to start their careers as assistants. In most situations, these arrangements are ideal for preparing the candidate for future positions.
The most important step to become a commercial underwriter is to obtain the right educational experience. Most career experts strongly suggest acquiring a bachelor's degree in one of the business related fields, such as finance or business marketing. The student should choose courses with a heavy emphasis on mathematics, statistics, and communications. Most commercial underwriters discover that excellent written and verbal communication skills are vital to excelling at their profession and obtaining promotions and other perks. You may also wish to focus your education on current technologies because computer software is often used by employers for risk analysis.
While it is not strictly necessary to become a commercial underwriter, many industry experts suggest obtaining certification from a private, national, or local underwriters' association. You can often prepare for and take these exams through an online course or by attending seminars. The course studies typically focus on more advanced analysis of policy risks and other pertinent information. This certification lets your prospective employer, co-workers, and the general public know that you are considered up-to-date on the latest industry changes, possess an excellent work ethic in practice, and are experienced in the field.
It is not uncommon for underwriting employers to require further education after hire. In many cases, the additional training may be on-the-job and provided during your normal working hours. Some companies require candidates to work as trainees or assistants in order to become a commercial underwriter, and their duties often include assisting in collecting relevant data for their superiors. Once you have achieved the underwriter position, you may choose to continue your education with courses and programs designed to teach students about current technologies, tax changes, and new or modified laws. Ethics and business practice courses are also suggested.
