License to Lead: Meet Young Agent Yuliya Karpov
Yuliya Karpov
Commercial Sales Executive
Utica, New York
Age: 32
Go-to drink order: A hot cup of Cannoli-flavored coffee from my favorite local shop, Utica Coffee Roasting Co.
Favorite movie or TV show: I don’t own a TV and don’t watch shows. I am not very good at staying still! But when I do have idle time, like when I am driving, I enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
No. 1 item on bucket list: Run an ultra-marathon.
Why insurance?
It’s an interesting and rewarding profession. It’s a relational and technical kind of a skillset and, if I can help somebody with my knowledge of insurance, that’s really fulfilling for me.
Find Your Tribe
Experience with Big I New York NextGen Committee?
NextGen is a powerful vehicle for creating a network of support and connecting professionals in our industry that are in various stages of their career. Somebody that has been in the industry for many years can get to know and support someone who’s at the beginning of their career. NextGen is also a platform for continuing education and giving back to charitable organizations. Through my engagement with NextGen, I’ve gotten to meet some really inspiring individuals that offer me amazing support and are a voice of encouragement.
Work-life balance?
It takes a lot of work to do this job. It takes time, it takes commitment, and you’ve got to be in it for real. That can raise some challenges when it comes to balancing life, but I tell myself, “What a great opportunity to figure out how to balance it all.” How do I fine-tune my processes to be effective and productive, while still being able to be out there in the community and make time for family, friends, health and hobbies? You become a master at managing your time and focusing your attention on what matters. This profession provides an opportunity to find harmony, to learn about yourself and what you need, then reflect and adjust accordingly.
How did you get into insurance?
I took a job at Utica National Insurance in their Premium Audit department while I was trying to get another job that I thought I wanted. By the second year, I realized that what I thought I wanted to do for a career wasn’t really meant for me. I loved the people I was working with, and I realized that insurance was an interesting path to take. I chose to commit myself to a career in insurance and I sought to learn as much as I could about this field. I’ve been working in the industry for over ten years. I spent seven of those years in an underwriting role at Utica National and at The Hartford, before eventually moving into my current role as an independent insurance agent at NBT.
What do you love about insurance?
It’s a tool to protect and restore livelihoods and businesses when stuff-hits-the-fan! When a catastrophic event occurs, it can be cumbersome and frustrating to navigate through an insurance claim, but that’s why it’s so important to have capable agents to help someone through all of that. Another thing I love about it is that it offers infinite opportunities to learn something new every day. You never really have the same day twice; insurance is a constantly evolving industry!
Best thing about being an independent insurance agent?
The people that I get to meet and the relationships I get to form. I’m so lucky to have met many amazing individuals from all walks of life! I learn so much when they share with me what they do and what’s important to them. I get to help my clients make important decisions about insurance that ultimately impact their bottom line. And I get to work with multiple different carriers, who offer a diverse array of products and services, and that’s a very good thing because it means I can bring my clients multiple options.
Biggest industry challenge?
The talent pipeline. We need to continue to attract talent and encourage people to step into this noble profession! Insurance is one of those careers where the more time you spend in it, the better you’ll be at it. So, the earlier you start and the longer you stick with it, you’ll become more knowledgeable and capable at your craft. Our industry has roles for all types of personalities, workstyles, and interests. There are so many opportunities for personal growth and professional development. It can be a fun career, and you can make a very good living, too, if you choose to love what you do and work hard at it!
AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.
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