February is Insurance Careers Month! In the next two blog posts, we're offering an inside look at the dynamic careers that keep this pivotal industry thriving. Join us as we take you through an explorative journey showcasing the distinct yet interconnected paths that make a career in insurance not only possible but also rewarding for anyone with the drive to succeed.
MEET SARAH BENNETT, SENIOR CLAIMS ADJUSTER - PROPERTY
Charting a Personal Path: My Story Navigating Career Growth & Balance in Insurance
As is the case with many insurance professionals, it was by chance that I started a career in the insurance industry. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a degree in business, I decided to apply for a job as a homeowner’s adjuster on the National Catastrophe Team. Hurricane Katrina had just made landfall along the northern Gulf Coast, and companies were searching for adjusters to assist with the large claim volume. I quickly found the work challenging and interesting and found I really enjoyed being able to help people in their time of need.
As the years went by, I decided I wanted to expand my adjuster skills and knowledge by leaving the homeowners world and taking a job in the commercial and specialty markets. It was during this time that I decided to pursue my Master of Business Administration degree at night. I worked alongside some very great people and learned a lot along the way.
But as life is ever-changing, I had children and took a part-time claims position with a Third-Party Administrator (TPA). There, I could still handle claims but with a greater work/life balance while my children were young. Working for a TPA, I could see the other side of an industry where claims handling consisted of communicating with many carriers who operated according to various best practices. I enjoyed my time at the TPA firm but knew that I eventually would like to go back to work for a single carrier. I longed for an organization with a strong vision and mission that valued innovation and employee empowerment.
As the children grew older, I transitioned to a large carrier, but realized that working in an organization with many levels and bureaucracy was not a good fit for me or my career. I was working with little autonomy and struggled to understand how I fit into the organization's success. Through this experience, I realized that I wanted to find a challenging environment where innovative people were empowered to deliver top-tier performance.
Fast forward to early 2023, when a former colleague contacted me on LinkedIn and encouraged me to apply for an open position here at Skyward Specialty. I worked with this colleague a little more than seven years prior at another organization, and he assured me that Skyward Specialty was unlike any other place he had worked. He was very happy, felt valued as an employee, and thought I would be a great fit within the claim’s organization. I researched the newly public company and quickly understood that this organization really valued and empowered their employees. It had the feel of a start-up with experienced A+ employees who genuinely enjoyed their working environment.
I have been with the Company now for nearly a year, and I can happily report that I feel grateful to work for an organization that supports and enables its employees to be the best version of themselves. They really stand out from other carriers in our industry. It is refreshing to work for an organization that fosters an all-inclusive, positive culture and attitude. I’m proud to be on this journey with Skyward Specialty and look forward to what will come.
MEET ERICK BARREAT, TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION SPECIALIST
Embracing Innovation in Insurance
From an early age, my life was steeped in problem-solving and innovation. As the go-to person for resolving any business issue requiring an English translation, website navigation, or fixing computer problems in my family’s business, I started my entrepreneurial journey at the age of 12. This experience, combined with my upbringing as an immigrant in the U.S., taught me the value of being calculated and risk-averse, laying the groundwork for my future in the insurance industry.
My academic path initially led me toward a career far removed from insurance. I spent two years studying petroleum engineering at Texas A&M, participating in the Corps of Cadets with an aspiration to become a Navy Seal. Life, however, had other plans. Following a family emergency, I shifted my focus to Computer Engineering Technology at the University of Houston, supporting my education by working full-time in the IT department of an ambulance manufacturing company. There, I honed my skills in full-stack application development, data architecture, project management, and even got hands-on experience with vehicle intelligence technology.
Even with positive career growth in technology and engineering, I found myself seeking a role that promised further development and new challenges. This quest brought me to Skyward Specialty Insurance, where I began my journey as a Technology Project Manager. My passion for technology, engineering, and solving complex problems found a new home in an industry ripe for innovation.
Today, as a Technology Innovation Specialist, my role involves assessing emerging technologies, developing strategies for their implementation, and leading the charge in transforming the Company into a leader in technological innovation. My responsibilities range from conducting feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to collaborating with senior management on technology activation strategies and managing the integration of innovative technologies to ensure they align with our business objectives.
The opportunity to update an industry with such a rich history is immensely rewarding. The challenge lies in understanding this history to develop solutions for deeply rooted problems. At Skyward Specialty, I am empowered to venture into new territories and ask hard questions, contributing to a culture that strives to be the ideal workplace.
The journey with the Company has been about more than just professional growth; it’s been about contributing to a broader transformation in the insurance industry. It’s about being part of a team that values innovation, encourages questioning, and provides the space to explore. My role allows me to significantly impact the organization, driving changes that not only improve our internal processes but enhance our services to clients.
Skyward stands out for its commitment to creating an environment where employees are encouraged to push boundaries and contribute to the Company's evolution. This culture of empowerment, innovation, and the continuous quest for improvement keeps me motivated and excited about the future.
In conclusion, my journey from being a young entrepreneur to a Technology Innovation Specialist at Skyward Specialty Insurance has been a testament to the power of innovation, problem-solving, and the drive to make a meaningful impact. It's a narrative that reflects the evolving nature of the insurance industry and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for those willing to embrace change and challenge the status quo.
The insurance industry offers many more opportunities beyond the typical, expected roles – Sarah and Erick both highlight unique paths and entry points into the industry. They share a common approach and view of the insurance industry as not only a way to really have a true impact on people but also how it offers a path to tangible success through its wide array of opportunities.
We hope you will join us next week for our next post in our Insurance Careers Month series, where we will highlight one of our rising underwriters and one of our marketing and communications team members!
