"As far as Gen Z stereotypes, which is the category I’m in, I don’t agree with the thought that we all rely on technology to answer all our questions," says young agent Seth McCallum. "I believe in talking to experienced people or picking up a book."
Seth McCallum
Risk Advisor
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Age: 24
Go-to drink order: Tequila on the rocks with lime
Desired superpower: Flying
Favorite candy: Pop rocks
Biggest benefit of participating in Gamma Iota Sigma?
All the industry exposure I was able to get by attending their conferences. I was able to learn about job opportunities and the industry, and it's how I found the company I work for. Getting involved with GIS helped me find a job right out of college. GIS put on conferences that dozens of companies within the insurance industry attend. When you go to these, GIS is educating students on the industry by simply letting them talk to different carriers, brokers, and agencies which shed light on all of the different directions you can go in this industry. That's how I decided that I wanted to begin my career on the broker/agency side.
Industry challenges?
The property market is very challenging. In the past three years, the losses for insurance carriers on the property side have increased dramatically, as well as construction costs increasing more than 30% in that same period. It's made affordable coverage very hard to get, especially on coastal-exposed properties.
Millennial and Gen Z stereotypes?
I'm not a millennial, but I know that a lot of people say they're lazy. I've worked with tons of people from that generation, and they're hard workers who strive to get out and make a difference every day. And then as far as Gen Z stereotypes, which is the category I'm in, I don't agree with the thought that we all rely on technology to answer all our questions. I believe in talking to experienced people or picking up a book. The internet can steer you in the wrong direction without you even realizing it.
Future of the insurance industry?
I see the industry becoming more automated. This is good because it leaves less room for human error, but it also has its downsides. This is a relationship-driven business, and sometimes less is more when it comes to technology.
Pros and cons of multiple generations in the workplace?
Having ideas from both older, more experienced people and younger people with new perspectives is a pro. Older people have seen the industry go through so many cycles of hard and soft markets, and they tend to be your mentor base. Sometimes communication can be difficult with a multi-generational gap, but it's up to us to break down that barrier and figure out how to solve problems together.
AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.
