Destination – Insurance Marketing and Communications

February is Insurance Careers Month. And as insurance marketing and communications professionals, many of us can agree that though we didn’t anticipate joining the hidden gem that is insurance, we’re glad we found our way here.

My journey started three and a half years ago working as a PR and social media executive for a local ad agency. Hungry for a change and eager to dive deep into one brand, I was drawn to apply for a role at IAT Insurance and haven’t looked back since.

Read on for first-hand testimonials from your peers on what inspired them to choose a career in insurance and how being in this industry has helped with their professional development:

Valerie Foster, Former IMCA Board Chair
“It’s complicated—insurance is. Fifteen years ago, I was looking for a challenge, one in an industry where I could both grow my skills and grow professionally. I found that and more in insurance marketing communications and have stayed for the same reason—that and the amazing people I have met who support me.”

Mindi Zissman, President of Zissman Media 
“A healthcare client moved into commercial brokerage and brought me with her seven years ago. I stayed in risk and insurance because I love how interconnected this industry is with the news cycle. I’m always writing about the most relevant topics in business.”

Megan Bell, Director of Marketing at Falvey Insurance Group
“I found the insurance industry by physically bumping into it. I worked in the same building as Falvey in a previous role, and always heard great things about working there from employees I passed in the parking lot. When I discovered they were hiring for a marketing role, I jumped on it.” 

Caryn Best, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IAT Insurance Group
“My sister inspired me to try [a career in] insurance. I graduated with a Mass Communications degree and went to work for a PR firm, then on to a creative agency early in my career. Meanwhile she graduated with a Risk Management & Insurance degree and loved her career in insurance. Ten years later, when I became a mom and left New York City, I wanted an opportunity that provided more balance in my life. Creative agencies are incredibly fast paced—great training grounds for marketing communications but you can miss the bonds and rewards that come from exclusively working to develop a brand with a company and team you care about. She actually found the first job I took in insurance—communications manager—and insisted I apply because ‘they need you.’ She was right and I found I loved the people and the opportunities. My sister is now a partner at a successful agency, and I am leading a talented MarComm team at an insurance company that truly cares about its employees. I’m still grateful for her push and I’m still trying to convince my now-adult kids to consider careers in insurance.” 

Valerie Kalsched, Director of Sales and Marketing at IAT Insurance Group 
“I was 20 years old, recently engaged and had moved into an apartment on my own when I realized I’d better get serious about finding a job. Like many insurance professionals during that time, I found my first job through the classified ads section of the newspaper. My position entailed answering the phone in a small independent agency along with selling and servicing auto insurance. I loved the challenge and the opportunity to learn about so many different segments of the industry, as well as learning about businesses and their unique characteristics. The positions I’ve held throughout 40 years in the industry include office manager, premium audit manager, independent agent, regional customer service manager,  and AVP commercial division with HRH. I have been mentored throughout my journey by bright, visionary, and talented insurance professionals who encouraged me to obtain the CPCU designation. I’m now the director of Sales & Marketing for IAT Insurance Group and am pleased to be part of the MarComm team and enjoy working with such talented professionals.”

Interested in learning more about marketing opportunities in the insurance industry, or the IMCA? Contact us