Insurance internships include positions in sales, marketing, information technology, and creative departments. They are usually open primarily to college students, although some firms or agencies may accept high school students and people who are not currently in school. Students can choose between full and part time internships and may receive compensation from some firms. Other firms may offer food, housing, and various benefits to their interns.
In insurance sales, insurance interns learn more about the process of developing and selling insurance products. They can work in different departments and may have an opportunity to work at regional offices and with field agents. The work can include travel and long hours. Other interns focus on topics like claims adjustment and processing and provide administrative support while getting training in these areas of the insurance industry.
Information technology is another potential internship opportunity. Insurance companies rely heavily on information technology, and some insurance internships are open to people with training and experience in this area. This includes computer science students studying network security, systems administration, and related topics. An internship can provide an opportunity to put training into real-world practice under mentoring from experienced professionals.
Creative internships are also available in marketing and communications departments. These departments need interns to assist with marketing campaigns and public outreach. Insurance internships for people interested in communications, advertising, and related topics can be open to advertising majors and students with an interest in graphic design and public relations. On the other side of marketing and communications, some interns work in the development department to cultivate public relations. They may assist with grant programs, community outreach, and related topics.
Insurance internships are also available to law students with an interest in the insurance industry. Firms rely on attorneys to help them develop products and process claims. This law can become very complex. Interns may assist with research, civil cases in court, and related matters. The experience may develop into a job offer later, for interns who enjoy the practice of insurance law.
Applicants for insurance internships generally need an excellent academic record. Letters of recommendation may be required, and it may also be necessary to travel for an interview. Students with good community service records and extracurricular activities may be viewed preferentially. Because insurance interns can work with confidential material, it may also be necessary to have a clean criminal record and be able to pass a background check.
