Build Your Career Brick by Brick

A Long Career Gave This Employee a Strong Foundation for Success

Each phase of your career journey is important. Even when you start small, every step in your growth helps you become a better leader.

Clarence joined NJM in 2004 as an entry–level File Clerk after receiving a recommendation from someone who already worked for the Company. Technological advancements would mean that the File Clerk position would no longer exist in a few years, but Clarence was quick to adapt and move into other essential business units.

Within the first year of working for NJM, Clarence moved into the Commercial Lines Department. He was still in an entry level role, handling renewals and processing physical files. Gradually, he started taking on increasing responsibilities for the commercial auto line of business.

“Throughout my entire career, I’ve worked for or with leaders who always took the time to explain things to me,” Clarence said. “At that point in my career, I was the person asking questions and trying to learn as much as possible through experience. I’ve worked every stage in the process, and now, I’m the person who can answer those questions.”

By 2008, Clarence had an itch for expanding his knowledge base. He enrolled in the University of Phoenix, working at NJM during business hours and attending classes nights and weekends, and he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2010.

“Once I found where I wanted to go in my career, I was able to focus on my educational goals,” Clarence said. “I wanted to build my confidence and become better at what I was doing.”

From there, Clarence’s career path took an upward trajectory. He joined the team that transitioned NJM to a more modern policy management system. He became a Data Analyst and then a Technical Analyst.

He also pursued some of NJM’s educational benefits, obtaining the insurance designations of Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He made use of the Company’s tuition reimbursement program to obtain a Master of Science in Insurance and Insurance Management from Boston University. During this time, he continued climbing the corporate ladder, becoming a supervisor, then an administrator, and most recently a manager.

“You don’t need to follow the traditional path to become a leader in your organization,” Clarence said. “Jump into things and take the opportunities that are there. Go out, take classes at night. Ask questions.”

In fact, this career journey is not unique to Clarence. Many of his peers who started in entry–level positions have also become senior leaders, administrators, managers, supervisors, and project managers.

“I’m glad that I started where I did. I got to see how everything moves. When you take an entry–level position, you’re gaining a deep understanding of how things are done, which will only benefit you in the long run.”

Gaining a strong understanding of how the business operates is just as important as pursuing professional development opportunities. Clarence’s knowledge of NJM’s core systems, relationships with other experts in the Company, and technical skills all contribute to his success in his current role.

“There’s always something new coming out, new perspectives and technologies changing the workplace. We try to learn from each other, listen to what’s going on elsewhere in the company and the industry, and apply it to the issues we might face on any given day.”

Are you considering a career move? Join us!

NJM Talent Acquisition Team
NJM Insurance Group
Careers@njm.com

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