How to secure an internship in the insurance industry

Insurance offers a dynamic and fast-paced field ideal for motivated, entrepreneurial individuals seeking rewarding careers. From insurance sales and underwriting to advanced insurance analytics, there are countless areas within this industry that aspiring professionals can pursue.

While an insurance license will open doors to many jobs in the field, competitive corporate and specialized roles require additional steps and qualifications. Many companies offer prized internships and early career programs for high-performing college students, MBA candidates, and young professionals eager to make their mark.

Participating in insurance internships provides valuable hands-on experience and deep insights into the field before navigating the insurance licensing process. These internships serve as a stepping stone toward junior and senior roles in insurance, finance, and wealth management. Completing an internship is an excellent way to discover the diverse opportunities available to you and to build a strong resume prior to pursuing full-time, entry-level positions.

To help you succeed, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to landing your ideal insurance internship. Inside, you’ll find actionable steps for insurance career training, preparing your applications, finding the best internship opportunities, and excelling throughout the hiring process. With the right planning and effort, a temporary internship can transform into a long-term, fulfilling career path.

Steps to getting an internship at an insurance company

1. Take classes in business, economics, finance, and related fields.

Insurance attracts students with many backgrounds, but aspiring professionals should have a strong foundation in accounting concepts, financial products, and insurance regulations. Taking advanced math courses demonstrates to employers that you possess the necessary background for quantitative analysis and critical thinking. Courses in financial data analysis or programming can make you a stand-out candidate and provide you with the technical skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven field. The specific coursework needed will depend on the role you plan to pursue.

2. Join student organizations for young finance professionals

Many universities host pre-professional organizations and clubs for aspiring business leaders. Some schools even offer student-management investment funds that allow students to gain experience in portfolio management. These groups provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the world of finance and insurance, tackle real-world problems, and access valuable career development resources.

3. Polish your resume

In a competitive field like insurance, even entry-level roles require a professional and informative resume. Create a compelling professional summary (a short introduction at the top of your resume demonstrating your interest) and add relevant coursework, skills, and related experiences.

You might have more applicable experience for insurance roles than you think. For example, if you have a background in retail, you can mention your experience working with customers, utilizing tracking and accounting systems, and achieving sales targets.

Tips for creating an outstanding resume

• Use a clean template for structuring: Thousands of resources are available online that provide instructions on how to format a resume. Avoid templates with excessive colors or images, as these can be distracting to recruiters. Let your experience speak for itself without the bells and whistles.
• Format correctly: Include your name and contact information at the top of the document. Add headings to each main section (Education, Work Experience, Project Experience, etc.), followed by subheadings for each related item with short bullets below. Ensure that the formatting is preserved when you export your resume to a PDF.
• Use action verbs: Effectively illustrate what you did in each role. Don’t say something general like, “As a call center representative, I was tasked with answering the phones and providing support to customers.” Instead, say something like: “Managed a volume of over 2,000 calls each day with a customer satisfaction rate of 98%.”
• Provide numbers and concrete examples: Show employers your accomplishments in a clear and quantifiable way. Published over 100 articles? Helped strategically increase revenue by 15% at a previous role? Cut the time for a lengthy process in half by implementing new technology? All of these are great to include. Don’t forget to include experience with student clubs and organizations.
• Keep it short and focused: Recruiters may spend only a few seconds looking at your resume, and many use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to quickly scan resumes and determine fit. Avoid flowery language, be specific and articulate, and include keywords or phrases from the job descriptions as they relate to your experience.
  • Pro tip: Resumes should be no longer than one page, unless you have extensive experience. In that case, avoid making your resume more than two pages long.
• Always proofread: Catch any mistakes and formatting inconsistencies before sending your resume out to employers or headhunters. If possible, have a colleague or career advisor review your work. You can also use an online service to scan your resume and receive a score based on screen readability.

Remember: A resume written to express will also impress. Along with a strong resume, you will likely need a concise but powerful cover letter that further elaborates on the experience listed in your application.

4. Have career chats with insurance professionals

An informal coffee chat with a local agent, a meeting with an alumnus who’s now a full-time analyst, or a discussion with a family member in the field can provide valuable insights into career responsibilities and prospects. These conversations can also help inform you about a specific company’s culture and practices, build your network, and lead you to the right direction for your internship.

5. Research insurance companies and local agencies

Scope out local opportunities by finding out what the top insurance companies and agencies are in your area. A top company’s corporate headquarters may be right in your backyard.

6. Look for and apply to openings

Many insurance companies will list information about their internship offerings on their website. You can also use Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other job boards to find local internships. If possible, utilize your college or other resources to discover internship programs and placement opportunities that leverage established connections.

Job hunting can be a lengthy process, even for internships, so be sure to start your search well in advance. Hoping to score an internship in the summer? Start by looking for and applying to opportunities as early as the summer before the application period opens. Many application cycles for student internships open in the fall before the internship begins.

7. Ask for references in advance

Most jobs require at least two to three professional contacts that recruiters can reach out to verify an applicant’s identity and abilities. Choose references who can speak highly of you on your behalf, whether it’s a former boss, teacher, or other person who knows you and your work well.

8. Make sure you have all of your documents

Read each requirement in the job description carefully. Ensure that your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other relevant documents are up to date.

9. Practice interview questions

Interviews can be one of the most nerve-racking aspects of any hiring process, especially when they involve multiple rounds. To avoid hiccups, practice answering interview questions before your scheduled meeting, either alone or with a friend. Use realistic questions, such as “Why are you interested in this job?” and ensure that you tailor each response to the role and your unique background.

10. Stay on top of key deadlines and dates

Limited-run internships typically have a set deadline for applicants as opposed to rolling applications, and the full process may involve several steps. Keep your calendar updated with application deadlines, due dates for take-home assignments, and interview dates so you stay prepared.

Landing an insurance internship takes some grit, networking, and a little bit of luck, but it’s well within your reach if you put in the effort. Have your standard materials ready and ensure that you modify each one based on the role you’re applying for. Always remember to review the requirements for each internship listing to ensure you don’t overlook a key component of your application.

Top insurance companies with internship programs

Combing through insurance internships and job listings can often feel overwhelming, so we’ve streamlined your search by compiling top opportunities with reputable insurance companies. Insurance internships can take many forms, but they are often open to college students, are full-time and paid, and usually occur during the summer break. Many internships require in-office work, though some companies offer flexible or hybrid work arrangements.

Nationwide

• Description: The Nationwide internship program offers students the chance to take on meaningful business assignments at one of the largest and well-known insurance companies in the country.
• Dates and duration: 12 weeks over the summer.
• Who can apply? Undergraduate students with demonstrated interest in insurance markets.
• Compensation: Full-time and fully paid.
• Location: Columbus, Ohio, with hybrid and remote opportunities available.

Prudential Financial

• Description: Prudential, a leading insurance company, offers hands-on insurance internships across multiple departments, including finance, accounting, actuarial science, marketing and communications, investment management, and sales.
• Dates and duration: Programs run from June to August, lasting approximately 10 weeks.
• Who can apply? Undergraduate and graduate students seeking a dynamic entry point into insurance and financial services.
• Compensation: All internships are paid, reflecting industry standards for brand and investment roles.
• Location: Most positions are at Prudential’s Newark, NJ headquarters.

Progressive Insurance

• Description: Progressive provides three specialized internship tracks for college students in accounting, data and analytics, and technology, delivering valuable experience to those interested in technical insurance internships. Notably, 80% of interns are hired for full-time roles after graduating.
• Dates and duration: Summer and winter sessions, with summer programs running full-time for approximately 12 weeks.
• Who can apply?: Open to undergraduate students eager to start their careers in insurance and technology.
• Compensation: All internship opportunities are paid, and full-time positions are available.
• Location: Based primarily at Progressive’s corporate campus in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

State Farm

• Description: State Farm’s strategically designed insurance internships offer hands-on experiences, including mentorship, networking, and real work projects in areas such as claims, underwriting, technology, finance, and marketing.
• Dates and duration: Programs last 10 - 12 weeks during the summer, with interns working full-time hours.
• Who can apply? Undergraduate students looking for relevant industry experience.
• Compensation: State Farm offers competitive pay and a range of valuable employee benefits to its interns.
• Location: Opportunities are available at corporate sites nationwide. Internships follow a hybrid schedule.

Farmers Insurance

• Description: Farmers provides students with career-building experience and personalized mentorship through their internship program. Interns can develop marketable skills within their area of interest, whether it’s claims, sales, or IT.
• Dates and duration: Internships last 10-12 weeks during the summer, and most are full-time.
• Who can apply?: Undergraduate students or graduate students with a graduation date within 12 months.
• Compensation: All internships are paid.
• Location: Multiple locations.

The Hartford

• Description: The Hartford delivers diverse insurance internship options to college students of all years and apprenticeships for young professionals. Internships can cover a range of areas, including risk management, product management, actuarial services, finance, and more.
• Dates and duration: Varies by program. Some options, such as the Early Immersion Program for sophomores, last a few days, while others span several weeks.
• Who can apply? Undergraduate students are eligible for internships; recent graduates or non-degree holders can pursue the Claims Apprenticeship Program.
• Compensation: Paid hourly for both extended internships and apprenticeship programs.
• Location: Various U.S. locations depending on the specific program. Hybrid and remote options available.

AIG

• Description: AIG offers robust summer insurance internships for high-achieving college and graduate students wanting to strengthen their business acumen. Their specialized Insurance Academy and underwriting training programs cultivate early-career talent.
• Dates and duration: Summer internships last 10 weeks; early career development programs run 2 years.
• Who can apply? Undergraduates for summer internships; recent graduates or transitioning professionals for career development programs.
• Compensation: All internships and apprenticeships are paid, full-time roles.
• Location: Multiple sites across the U.S.

Fidelity

• Description: Fidelity’s attractive insurance and asset management internships are open to students from diverse backgrounds. Each program fosters mentorship, networking, and tangible support for ongoing career growth in the financial services industry.
• Dates and duration: Summer internships extend over 10 weeks.
• Who can apply?: College sophomores or juniors interested in gaining meaningful experience with an established insurance company.
• Compensation: Internships are paid on a full-time basis.
• Location: Multiple U.S. locations and select international offices.

Many of the programs above involve interns and young professionals in meaningful work experience, practical workshops, teach-ins, and volunteer opportunities. If you’re selected for any of these programs, there will be many professional development activities to take advantage of beyond your day-to-day duties.

In addition to insurance internships, many large insurance companies offer structured early-career or placement programs. Fidelity’s LEAP Program, designed for entry-level engineers, or AIG’s analyst track, can help lay the foundation for a lasting career. Be sure to review each company’s careers page to find the most recent opportunities that align with your education and professional goals.

How to start a career in insurance

An internship in the insurance industry is an excellent starting point for launching a successful career; however, it’s also helpful to know the additional steps required for future advancement. Many positions in insurance require you to secure a state-specific insurance license or finance certifications in order to sell insurance policies and products legally.

The process of earning an insurance license involves several important steps. These start with meeting basic education requirements, preparing thoroughly through insurance career training, and developing crucial professional skills needed within the insurance sector. A central part of insurance career training includes passing the insurance license exam required in your particular state.

For those planning to specialize further in the industry, acquiring FINRA licenses such as the Series 7 is necessary to sell advanced financial products like variable annuities. Completion of foundational exams, such as the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, is also required before pursuing these advanced certifications.

Participating in an insurance internship is a valuable form of insurance career training, as it connects you with professionals who have firsthand experience navigating licensing processes. Their guidance can ease your path and help you achieve the qualifications needed for a thriving insurance career.

Wrapping up

An insurance internship offers exceptional career preparation, providing the core foundation you need for long-term success in the industry. By completing an internship, you demonstrate to future employers your commitment to professional development and your genuine interest in building a career in insurance. An experience at a well-established company gives you the chance to work with seasoned professionals and build significant connections early on. Participating in hands-on insurance career training not only equips you with practical skills but also makes you a more competitive candidate as you advance within the field.