Every Day Is A Chance To Learn

These can be some tough questions, considering insurance professionals are busy people, probably busier than ever. Were working longer hours, managing costs and client responsibilities, and meeting higher expectations. Finding time for education can be a real challenge.

Nonetheless, the time spent on education is among the most important time spent during the day. Education allows you to know todays relevant issues and anticipate whats ahead tomorrow. Education makes you aware of whats happening in your local communities, in the country and around the world. It also provides knowledge and understanding of industry issuesinsurance market trends, legislation, new and old risks, and much more.

Personally, education has and always will be an important part of my professional life. The CPCU designation and the leadership skills I have developed as an active CPCU Society volunteer have greatly enhanced my career.

Ive also learned from my own struggleslike the time 15 years ago when I thought I didnt need to learn how to use a computer to get my work done, mainly because I couldnt type. Was I ever wrong! It is an indispensable part of my work life today, and it reconfirmed the rewards of learning new concepts and technologies.

I look back at the past year during my term as president of the CPCU Society, and my appreciation for education has increased dramatically. Prior to my role as president, I already knew that continuous education is an essential part of career success, but my perspective on education has broadened thanks to some very unique experiences as president.

Ive talked with new CPCU designees who beam with pride because they just earned the designation–a symbol of dedication to education and ethics. Time and time again, members share stories with me about their devotion to ongoing education and how it has enhanced their careers and provided that extra edge.

Ive also met with employers from insurance companies of all sizes and types, and they communicate the same messages about the value of educationit promotes efficient and effective workers, it facilitates a valuable perspective of the insurance industry, and it is critical to remaining competitive.

After listening to so many stories about the value of education, I cant help but urge insurance professionals throughout the industry to take advantage of the many educational opportunities that are available to them.

Traditional structured courses or seminars are an ideal option for many insurance professionals. Attending seminars in person allows for a free-flow of information between students and instructors, and the immediacy provides an opportunity to instantly apply education to daily work.

The CPCU Society and other insurance organizations offer their members numerous opportunities to participate in educational seminars throughout the year. Local technical and career development seminars are conducted throughout the country. The CPCUs National Leadership Institute, a leadership development program, is available on both a regional and national basis.

And we and other organizations host yearly conferences, with an extensive slate of professional development opportunities.

In addition to seminars and courses, pursuing the CPCU designation or any of the specialized professional designations administered by the American Institute for CPCU can give any career an extra boost.

If travel, time away from the office or expenses are an issue, many valuable educational opportunities are available through non-traditional methods. Some might be as close as your office.

Find a mentorsomeone who can provide guidance and direction based on their experience, because as the saying goes, experience can be one of the best teachers. Many successful professionals I know often talk about mentors who made a great impression on their career.

Or why not be a mentor?

In addition, I recommend networking and talking with insurance professionals. Seek out people within your company, and branch out to other industry professionals from a variety of insurance disciplines. Get a fresh perspective, discuss current industry trends and changes, share relevant articles, learn from each others successes and struggles, and explore ways to work smarter.

Dont overlook the hands-on learning experiences you reap from volunteering in a professional association. Strategic planning, coaching, public speaking, budgeting and project planning skills all can be learned and practiced as a volunteer leader. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Three to five years as an association volunteer yields management experience most companies cant provide in 20 years."

My final recommendation is that no matter what type of educational route you choose, use what youve learned, apply it to your daily work, and pass on your knowledge to others. After a seminar or industry meeting, update your colleagues or spend a few minutes talking with clients. Put your knowledge to work.

Each day is a chance to learn! Anticipate and seek out educational opportunities, because the need for education wont disappear and its benefits are critical to your success. Make education a life-long priority.

James R. Nau, CPCU, ARM, the president of the CPCU Society, is general manager, residual markets, for the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Boca Raton, Fla. Jim can be reached at jim_nau@ncci.com.

Reproduced from National Underwriter Property & Casualty/Risk & Benefits Management Edition, October 10, 2003. Copyright 2003 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.