There are several different ways to become an underwriter, and the most successful route is to obtain a college degree. Some people choose to work in a field that provides them with the experience needed to gradually become an underwriter. This may take relatively more time than going to college and entering the profession after graduation. Careers in underwriting fall into several fields, including security, commercial, and insurance companies. The field that you choose may effect the type coursework that you need to fulfill, and you may need to choose a specific field before entering an undergraduate underwriting program.
Some companies are not particular about the area of your degree, but may prefer that it is at least in a related field. A bachelor's of science (B.S.) business program is one of the most common degree plans for students who intend to enter this profession. You may also want to consider finance or accounting depending on the field that you intend to enter. Many schools offer coursework in underwriting, and you will need to complete most of your general coursework before entering advanced classes. These courses could include rental housing or loan underwriting, principles and properties of commercial underwriting, business economics, investment management, and fundamentals of risk and insurance.
Regardless of the field that you choose, you will need to have an enhanced understanding of mathematics, principles of accounting, and finance in order to successfully become an underwriter. In addition to coursework, you may benefit greatly from an internship with a firm that has a department that interests you. The opportunity to observe an underwriting environment and assist a professional will help you gain the additional skills needed to become an underwriter, and most future employers will be equally interested in your experience as they are in your education.
After graduation, you should search for an employment opportunity that offers on-the-job training in order to familiarize yourself with the industry. Although you may have gained general experience while in college, most companies function differently and it will be easier to become an underwriter if you have a diversified set of skills. Some students choose to apply for an assistant underwriting position before becoming an underwriter, which offers a similar hands-on experience. Those who work towards this career without a degree begin in a lower level job, and after years of excellent performance with a company they may be promoted and become an underwriter.