By Mark Berven, President and Chief Operating Officer, Property & Casualty

I’ve worked in the insurance industry for almost my entire career, so I may be a little biased about this. But working in insurance has appeals beyond the typical job-related perks, like a competitive salary and good benefits. In the insurance industry, we’re given the opportunity to help people every day.

Let me explain what I mean.

Sure, we have spreadsheets, emails and phone calls, just like any other industry. But the product we sell – protection – isn’t a tangible one that sits on a shelf or gets delivered by a truck. And that can make all the difference.

In some ways, it can be more challenging to explain what we do as an underwriter or claims adjuster or any one of thousands of jobs in our space. But, when one of our members or distribution partners need us, that’s when we really shine.

Whether it’s responding with humanitarian relief in the aftermath of a hurricane, providing the resources to restore people’s lives to the way they were before something happened, or simply making sure someone has reliable transportation while their vehicle is being repaired after an accident, it’s our job to be there. And that feels pretty good.

We also have the opportunity to help people in other ways, too. Many insurance companies offer ways for associates to give back to the communities and charities that are important to them, often on company time. We’re all passionate about something, whether it’s fighting homelessness, hunger relief or any other worthwhile cause, and companies in the insurance industry are always among the best at supporting our communities.

We help people. It’s in our DNA.

If you’re just starting out in your career or thinking about making a change, consider a career in insurance. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package along with the professional challenges that can help you develop your career, the opportunity to protect people, businesses and futures is a reward few other industries can offer.