February is not just another month on the calendar—it ushers in Insurance Careers Month, an annual celebration shining a spotlight on the wealth of diverse opportunities available within the insurance industry. Often perceived as an industry overshadowed by underwriting and actuarial roles, the reality is far richer and more multifaceted. This month we have highlighted the expansive and different career paths available in the industry.
Whether you're driven by creativity, analysis, relationship-building, technology, or leadership, there's a role in insurance that can harness your skills and ambitions. In celebration of Insurance Careers Month, let's delve into the stories of Ellie Haynes and Boro Trpkovski, two remarkable individuals who found their home in the insurance world, illuminating the industry's dynamic nature and the personal growth it can foster.
MEET ELLIE HAYNES, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
From College Student to Communications Professional – Finding My Way to the Insurance Industry
For many years, I navigated life without knowing which career path to choose. I believe this is a common occurrence for many, but I simply trusted that everything would fall into place. However, I knew I had a passion for writing and always leaned toward creativity.
Today, I am a recent college graduate from Texas A&M University, where I studied Communications and minored in Business – not your typical background for specialty insurance. Like many, I stumbled upon the insurance industry unintentionally. Like most juniors in college, I was searching for a summer internship to gain professional experience, and I found it here at Skyward Specialty.
The Company welcomed me as its first Marketing and Communications Intern in the summer of 2022, where I was first introduced to corporate communications and the challenging marketing of specialty lines. Upon graduating, I was excited to be hired full-time, where my experience kicked off at full speed.
When most people think of insurance, they don’t think of marketing and communications, but the reality is that there is a plethora of opportunities to expand a company’s presence regardless of the industry, which is something I learned very early on in this position.
I am currently the Marketing and Communications Associate here at Skyward Specialty, focusing primarily on internal communications for the Company. Our internal communications strategy is rooted in fostering effective communication within the Company and ensuring that employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with Skyward Specialty’s goals and values. I am a strategic partner for our functional business areas, business lines, employee resource groups, and beyond. As a strategic partner, my role is to foster creativity among employees by providing support to enhance their innovative thinking.
My favorite part of this job is having the privilege to collaborate with such authentic, vibrant, and dedicated individuals who showcase a passion for their careers and this Company that I have never seen before. There is so much room for creativity at Skyward Specialty, and everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
Since joining the Skyward Specialty team, I have been welcomed by a diverse culture of individuals who bring so many different talents to the table. Being so new in my career, I find every opportunity and interaction to be valuable because I believe there is something to learn from every experience. In my short time in the industry, I’ve recognized just how intricate the industry is, and specialty lines are even more complex.
Building relationships with my colleagues these past several months has enabled me to gain a better understanding of all the industry has to offer. The Company’s successful IPO in January 2023 not only strengthened our financial standing but has also cultivated a sense of unity and positive dynamics among everyone here. It is this aspect of our dynamic culture that has only deepened my appreciation for being a part of this Company and our industry.
MEET BORO TRPKOVSK - UNDERWRITER, ACCIDENT & HEALTH
My Journey from Macedonia to America: A Tale of Resilience and Success
My background is a tale of hope, perseverance, and pursuing the American Dream. I moved to the USA in 2010, landing in Atlanta, GA, from North Macedonia when I was just 20 years old. Fresh out of medical school with aspirations to become an orthodontist, my first attempt to come to the States was met with a visa denial. Not one to be easily deterred, I pivoted and began studying Business Management back in Macedonia, with my eyes still set on the U.S. horizon.
After a year of attending university at home, I applied to Georgia State University for an Intensive English Program. This two-year journey was instrumental — a gateway to potentially attending college in the States, and it was a great time in my life. However, financial constraints tightened their grip, and I had no choice but to return home.
Two years later, I applied for a visa again, and to my elation, it was approved. It felt like a fresh start, a new chapter where everything began to look up.
Landing in the insurance industry was somewhat serendipitous. As a young man, eager and motivated, I was part of a bowling league. It was there I first met of Michael Remeika, the now President of Accident & Health (A&H) at Skyward Specialty. With my immigration status sorted and work authorization in hand, I approached him for advice on job prospects. His response was immediate and life-changing, saying, "Boro, you don’t have to look anywhere else; come and work for me." Soon after, I was hired as an Underwriter Assistant. I knew nothing about the stop-loss industry, but I was given an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for.
Over the past seven years, I've grown from an Assistant to an Underwriter. Climbing through the ranks of Junior Underwriter and Underwriter Assistant I, my duties have expanded to evaluating claim payment risks and setting levels of protection for companies seeking Stop Loss Coverage insurance. My role requires me to analyze information thoroughly to set rates and factors, as well as to foster relationships with Third Party Administrators and marketing representatives for new business or renewal proposals.
Today, as an Underwriter, I play a key part in my company's success. I'm tasked with evaluating and analyzing the risks of the groups I'm assigned to, setting premium rates to help my department and company grow. Building the right relationships and continually expanding my knowledge is pivotal—it’s a work in progress, with each day providing new learning opportunities to become the best and showcase our Company in the best possible light.
What keeps me rooted in the industry, and at Skyward Specialty specifically, is more than just the years I have invested. I've received invaluable assistance from my colleagues throughout my climb up the ladder, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. I am drawn to the challenges, the number crunching, and the advanced technology that aids our decisions. The leadership and mentorship at Skyward Specialty are remarkable. But above all, it’s the people—the exceptional team spirit, and the friendships I've fostered—that make tackling the toughest cases seem surmountable. It’s this sense of camaraderie and community that not only keeps me in this industry but also makes Skyward Specialty feel like home.
As Insurance Careers Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that the insurance sector is not just about policies and claims – it's about people, innovation and a sense of community and culture that support success.
For those exploring career possibilities or looking to make an impact, the insurance industry's doors are wide open, ready to welcome the next generation of talent who will carry it forward into the future.