As insurance professionals, we often hear about the issues surrounding the recruitment of younger professionals. We're allegedly part of a "graying" industry, with a huge gap in the available talent between generations. It's clear that there is an issue, stemming in part from a lack of awareness.

But how do we do it? How can insurance agents, carriers and other related professionals promote our industry to the best and brightest young minds of tomorrow? There's no panacea, but I have a few ideas that you may want to consider:

o Be savvy. Does your agency have a web presence? Do you post job opportunities there? Are you leveraging internet job sites? Without making potential career opportunities known to young professionals, they will never even have the opportunity to seek them out. Furthermore, take advantage of social media tools for reaching out--social media is one of the hot topics du jour in the insurance community and with good reason. It's becoming an increasingly more common way for individuals to obtain news and information, and even look for jobs. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.--make your presence known and position yourself as an organization that stays on the leading edge.
o Educate. The biggest challenge facing efforts in the insurance industry to recruit younger professionals is pure ignorance--oftentimes, cohorts in my generation simply are unaware of the industry and never have considered the possibilities that exist within it. Start with your local schools--both high schools and colleges--and see if you can get involved in career days or even speak to a class of students about the career opportunities available in insurance. Most teachers and professors are thrilled to have professionals come in and provide career insights to their students.
o Get involved. You're not the only one thinking about the lack of young professionals in the industry--multiple industry associations are working on developing future insurance leaders. Take Project Y, the initiative launched by the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals to build awareness of careers. Also interesting is the Professional Insurance Agents of Ohio's internship program, which places college students in both agency and company work experiences. By supporting these organizations, whether through sponsorships or taking on interns (in the case of PIA Ohio), you are helping to promote insurance as a viable profession.