How a Career in Insurance Added Up

After graduating high school, Jennifer aimed to become a certified public accountant (CPA). However, being a CPA was much more than she had calculated.

“I learned that while I was a numbers person, accounting wasn’t for me,” she said.

Around the same time, Jennifer’s plans for college also changed.

“I enrolled at college in 2006 after high school,” she said. “But then I started a family, so school took a back seat to raising my children.”

For the next six years, she worked as a legal assistant and then as a manager in a real estate office.

“I began at entry-level positions in those roles but was able to progress rather quickly,” she said. “I realized I was a quick learner and wanted to succeed and fully understand my jobs.”

Also, Jennifer decided to give college another try.

“I wanted to finish school,” she said. “l enrolled in Thomas Edison State University because it gave me the flexibility to raise my family and work while completing my courses online.”

In 2013, caring for young children and with her husband out of work, medical benefits became essential to Jennifer. As an NJM auto and homeowners policyholder, she knew the company had a great reputation. She applied and was hired in the Personal Lines Department to process auto renewals and endorsements.

“I knew almost nothing about insurance when I started,” she said. “But I quickly learned the insurance basics and backend processes and advanced to a supervisory position.”

Motivated, she pursued her Insurance Producer’s License, enabling her to discuss and sell insurance products. She then moved to the Customer Contact Center as a supervisor.

“My leaders, my department, and the company have supported my development,” she said. “They’ve constantly challenged me to take on stretch assignments, are open to questions, and offer constructive feedback.

“The people who trained me took their time explaining things and providing me with the needed resources. I was fortunate to have a leader who saw my potential and was willing to work with me, allowing me to grow in my career.”

Recently, Jennifer transferred to the Workforce Management Team as a supervisor to continue to broaden her skill set and knowledge.

“I enjoy working with the teams I lead, helping them achieve their professional growth and development goals, much like others helped me,” she said.

Her own experience has made her an NJM advocate for potential employees.

“NJM offers positions — entry-level and above — where you can succeed and grow in your career,” she said. “Just look at me. Our company provides plenty of support and a willingness to train and develop each person to realize their potential.”