School Leavers
Finished school and not sure what comes next? We have all the information you need.
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What does a broker do?
An insurance broker is a licensed professional who helps individuals or businesses find and purchase the most suitable insurance policies for their needs. They work on behalf of their client to match them with the best insurance company, and offer unbiased advice by comparing products from multiple insurers. As a broker, you're not just providing advice on risks; you're helping people find tailored safety nets that empower them to thrive, no matter what challenges come their way.
Want to learn more about insurance broking?
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Turn your passion into your profession
From satellites, to submarines, animals, crypto and collectables - everything carries risk and needs insurance. Insurance brokers work across a wide range of industries and whatever you’re interested in can become your career.
“You can work with whoever you want to work with. If you’re really passionate about sport, you can be an insurance broker for sport. If you’re really passionate about the financial sector, you can work in the finance business or with banks. You can choose whatever avenue you want to work within, you’re not limited to a certain field or area.”
Taylor Burstow
Broker Manager, McLardy McShane
Find your pathway
Your career in broking is ready when you are
Embarking on your career journey straight out of school can be both exciting and daunting. If you're intrigued by the dynamic world of insurance broking and aspire to make a meaningful impact, you're in the right place.
There are a number of pathways that can lead you to becoming a broker and having a successful career in the industry. Whether you're eyeing university studies, traineeships, or entry-level roles, we've got you covered.
University Studies
Many successful insurance brokers have carved their path by obtaining degrees in related fields such as finance, business, economics, or risk management. These programs provide a solid foundation in essential skills like analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving – all crucial in the world of insurance broking.
Learn about the potential pathways into insurance broking after you graduate university.
Traineeships & Entry-level Roles
For those eager to enter the workforce right away, traineeships and entry-level roles provide a fantastic foundation for a long and rewarding career in the insurance broking industry.
Traineeships allow you to complete a Certificate III or IV in Insurance Broking while gaining valuable practical experience in an insurance broking company. This qualification will provide you with the building blocks to start your broking career by giving you a thorough understanding of the insurance market, setting the stage for a successful career in insurance broking.
Consider applying for an entry-level role at an insurance broking company. These roles often involve administrative tasks, client support, and exposure to different facets of the insurance business. As you grow within the organisation, you'll have the chance to explore specialised areas, hone your skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
As part of these roles, many employers also provide comprehensive training opportunities, paving the way for you to progress and eventually attain the qualifications needed to become a qualified insurance broker.
TAFE or Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
These institutions offer nationally recognised qualifications including: Certificate III or IV in Insurance and Diploma of Insurance Broking.
These courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an entry-level broking role. Some students also complete these qualifications while working in the industry, making it a great option whether you're just starting out or upskilling on the job.
Hear from Real Brokers
“There's always something to learn in insurance. So the possibility to keep learning everyday is exciting and there's opportunities to take your career wherever you want to take it. There's such a diverse number of things that you can do in the industry that really the world is your oyster."
Olivia Hancock
“The global opportunities is what interested me the most, the possibilities of working overseas, whether that's in the UK, Asia or New Zealand.“
Tom Wheeler
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance can often seem confusing for those outside the industry but at its core insurance is simply about helping those in need.
Let’s use an analogy: you and your neighbours contribute money on a regular basis (called premiums) to build up a pool of money far larger than you would be able to build up alone.
Then, if something happens to your car, your house or even your phone you can use some of the money from the pool to repair it instead of being hit with a big bill unexpectedly.
This is the essence of insurance: a group of people coming together to help prepare and shield each other from unexpected risks.
Insurance companies act like the coordinators of these groups by collecting the premiums. They then use these to help people cover costs when something unexpected occurs.
Insurance policies can cover everything from houses, cars, and businesses to cargo ships, wind turbines and even space shuttles.
An insurance broker is a licensed professional who helps individuals or businesses find and purchase the most suitable insurance policies for their needs. They work on behalf of their client to match them with the best insurance company, and offer unbiased advice by comparing products from multiple insurers. As a broker, you're not just providing advice on risks; you're helping people find tailored safety nets that empower them to thrive, no matter what challenges come their way.
Picture this: You're a financial matchmaker, a risk navigator, and a guardian of dreams all rolled into one. As an insurance broker, your mission is to connect businesses and individuals with the insurance solutions that fit their unique needs, crafting tailored safety nets that empower people to thrive, no matter what challenges come their way.
Earn while you learn
In the dynamic field of insurance broking, seize the opportunity to earn your qualifications while actively shaping your career. Work and learn concurrently, gaining practical insights that make your journey both educational and professionally rewarding.
A global industry
Enter a world without borders. Insurance broking transcends geographical boundaries, making it a global industry that offers a diverse and dynamic landscape. Navigate through international markets, engage with a variety of clients, and broaden your horizons.
Meaningful impact
The insurance broking profession provides you with an opportunity to have a genuine, positive impact on your client's lives. As an insurance broker your role is to help your client safeguard what matters most to them and be there to help support their recovery when things go wrong.
Flexibility and Work-life balance
In today's fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is paramount. Many brokers have the autonomy to set their own schedules. This flexibility enables you to prioritize both your career and personal life, fostering a sense of control and well-being.
Degree: You do not require a specific degree to be an insurance broker but this doesn't mean pursuing a university education isn't a viable option. Many successful insurance brokers have carved their path by obtaining degrees in related fields such as finance, business, economics, or risk management
Qualification: You will need to complete a Tier 2 accredited qualification. The Tier 2 can be completed as part of your employee training or graduate program with an insurance broking company.
- Communication skills - Explaining complex policies and listening to clients
- Problem solving skills - Assessing client risks and understanding policies
- Relationship management - Building long-term relationships and support
- An eye for detail - Reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance
- Analytical - Interpreting data, market trends, and client needs
All of these skills are essential in laying the foundation for a successful career in insurance broking. Whether you’re building relationships with clients, negotiating with insurers, or navigating complex risk scenarios, being a broker means wearing many hats.
Many insurance brokers choose to specialise in a specific industry or type of risk, allowing them to become trusted experts in that niche. This is where following your passion comes in!
Insurance broking is a stable profession that plays a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses manage risk. As long as people face uncertainty, from natural disasters to cyber threats, there will be a need for expert insurance advice.
A retail broker works directly with customers. Retail brokers are the “face” of insurance broking and they help individuals and businesses find the right insurance for everyday needs, for example, home & car insurance or small business insurance.
A wholesale broker works with other brokers, not the general public. Wholesale brokers are the behind-the-scenes experts. They help retail brokers find insurance for complex or unusual risks that aren’t easy to place with mainstream insurers. This could include anything from high-risk industries like mining or aviation to unusual or niche risks.
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