Why More Graduates Should Consider an Insurance Career

• July 21, 2026

By Evan Ferrari

In May 2024, I graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. As one of the select few from my class of hundreds who decided to pursue a career in commercial insurance, I felt apprehensive. But, in my experience, a career in the insurance industry has driven more professional and personal growth than I ever imagined.

I believe that the perceived lack of opportunities recent graduates face is hindered by a lack of visibility of successful insurance professionals. Upcoming and recent graduates see the driving reasons for the lack of overall opportunity as artificial intelligence (AI), ultra-competitive job markets and a lack of trust in the younger generation’s capability. Other factors may also include a massive knowledge gap about a career in insurance, career funneling and a desire to fall into a “prestige” career path.

During my four years in university, my campus received visits from major consulting and accounting firms, financial institutions and advisory agencies. When asked for insight, my professors often pushed common paths with, to my recollection, not a single mention of insurance. With the existing bias toward our industry, they urged a safe path and a seemingly risk-averse bet on the future.

Prior to joining the industry, the bias lived in me too. My personal view of a job in insurance was limited to small-scale personal lines: filing broken window claims, cold calls and paperwork. In my experience, some young people may perceive insurance as less exciting than other industries—invisible at best, and notorious at worst.

In reality, my prior bias proved incorrect on a daily basis. I’ve gained experience in account management, underwriting, accounting, negotiation, operations, sales and beyond. I am one of the few people I’ve ever heard confidently say that insurance is where I was destined to land.

Today, I know joining the industry has made me a more well-rounded and experienced employee than any other job or industry could ever offer. 

Many young professionals thrive in complex environments, and I believe there is an opportunity for the industry to better communicate its value to my cohorts. While it’s important for seasoned professionals to inform and evolve new perceptions, it’s also our responsibility as the developing generation to demonstrate our value. Young professionals are ambitious, adaptable and excellent at pivoting tasks. We strive to be challenged and perform well when given difficult work.

I discuss this with young professionals I meet—from friends to interns, current students and those seeking a change. A significant portion of the current insurance workforce is within 10 years of retirement, with many roles expected to open over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This presents a rare opportunity for graduates considering career paths.

In the future, I hope to continue encouraging young people to embrace their strengths in technology, authenticity and adaptability.

My advice to the veteran generations of insurance professionals is to build relationships with younger generations. Visit college campuses, build formal internships and job-shadowing programs. Share authentic stories on social media and introduce the next generation to the people, stories and career paths that make insurance a rewarding career. This will create the visibility we desire.

In my experience, young professionals respond to interesting yet informational approaches, passionate and open-minded individuals, and those willing to adapt. To help ensure our industry continues to grow, collaboration between generations is essential and will provide meaningful benefits.

Evan Ferrari is account manager, workers compensation insurance solutions, Acrisure.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Acrisure, LLC or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or as an endorsement of any particular course of action.