Every time I meet someone new, the inevitable question arises: “So, what do you do for a living?” When I share that I work in the insurance industry, I receive a handful of typical follow-up questions: “Isn't that boring?”, “So you're really good with numbers?”, “Aren't insurance companies evil?” and, my personal favorite, “Can you make my insurance cheaper?”

It's not surprising. The stereotype of a career in insurance is on par with that of a used car salesman–a slick-talking professional looking to make a buck any way he or she can. There's a huge lack of knowledge among the general public about insurance and how it works. We know insurance isn't just about making a sale; it's about helping clients adapt to changing life circumstances, nurturing relationships and protecting their assets.

Before serving this industry, the only time I thought about insurance was when the bill came in the mail for my car insurance premium, or when my mother–a long-time veteran in the insurance industry and current commercial lines marketing director–would discuss her work day at the dinner table. As an undergraduate, I studied criminal justice and believed a career in law enforcement was in the cards for me. I couldn't imagine crunching numbers, sitting in a cubicle and cold calling all day to try and make a living as an insurance agent.