Novices get to know industry before joining

Uncertainty over her career direction led Danielle Polk to learn about an apprenticeship with Zurich American Insurance.

“I learned that I was able to get my associate’s degree while working full time and learning more about the insurance business,” said Ms. Polk, an international services specialist with Zurich. 

She started the apprenticeship in 2019. After two years, she was able to apply for different positions at Zurich and landed a role. 

Ms. Polk credits the program with familiarizing candidates, especially women and minorities — of which she is both — with job opportunities in the insurance industry. 

“People don’t really understand insurance,” she said. “That kind of deters them from applying to these positions.” 

Ray Ripplinger, an associate with M3 Insurance Inc. in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, has been employed full time at the brokerage since February. He came to M3 following a post-college internship last summer. 

“I absolutely loved it,” Mr. Ripplinger said. “M3 gives you the tools and the techniques to really succeed in the roles that they put you in and the roles that you want to achieve in your career.”