Years at company: 4years
College: Olivet College '12

Have you ever experienced any “generation gap” issueswith your carriers?
Yes, a little bit. That isexpected because I grew up in a different time than people 50 or 60years old. I'll be honest, at times I do prefer to talk to youngerpeople working for our carriers because it is easier to relate tothem. That also works the opposite way when I need to speak withsomeone who has a very deep knowledge and experience about aspecific product and/or industry.

What advice do you have for millennials struggling inthis industry?
Learn to deal with rejection. We are the first wave of peopleentering the workforce who grew up receiving a participation medaland the idea that no one loses, everyone is a winner. The result isthat later in life, when we are not selected for a job orpromotion, or lose a big account, we don't know how to deal withthe rejection. I quickly learned that it can really slow you downand prevent you from reaching your goals. My advice to other GenYs: Don't let rejection or losing slow you down. Instead, use theexperience as a learning tool that fuels you to become better,because you will have another opportunity that you'll need to beprepared for.

How can employers retain young talent?
Make opportunities to move up in the company and offer aperformance bonus/pay increase schedule. Knowing that their voicesare heard and their ideas are considered boosts young employees'confidence. It makes them feel appreciated. In return you have aloyal, hardworking young employee who actually cares about theagency/business succeeding.

What are some of your career highlights?
Landing my first big account. It wasn't an easy-to-place risk.Throw in high-liability limits required, and I was placing multiplelines of coverage with multiple carriers. In the end I was able toget the whole account placed with great carriers with greatcoverage at a good price.

How does social marketing make you a more productiveemployee?
Social marketing makes me a productive employee because I'm theonly one in the office who uses it to bring in new business andretain current customers. It's something where my age is a strengthfor the agency.

How did you determine that insurance was a viable careerchoice?
The insurance program at Olivet College had 100 percent jobplacement upon graduation. My freshman year in college I took aPrinciples of Insurance & Risk Management class taught by ClairStevens. That was in 2008, when jobs were very hard to find. Afterlearning more about the industry, it was a no-brainer decision tome.