As we kick off the 10th Annual Insurance Careers Month, The Jacobson Group is reflecting on the remarkable journey of the Insurance Careers Movement (ICM) – which has grown from a shared vision among its founding organizations to a global grassroots initiative. Since its inception, ICM has united insurance organizations worldwide, providing a platform for collaboration and storytelling to collectively inspire others to pursue a career in insurance.
As a founding organization of ICM, our team at Jacobson is humbled by the passion and commitment with which the industry embraced this movement and the remarkable milestones that have been achieved. During the past nine Insurance Careers Month campaigns, more than 1,000 companies across more than 20 countries have participated, showcasing the innovation, diversity and resilience of our industry. Additionally, six Emerging Leaders Conferences have brought together nearly 800 rising stars and featured insights from more than 100 C-suite executives.
We are thankful for everyone who has supported ICM throughout the years. However, our work is not done. Attracting and retaining talent remains a top priority for the industry.
How ICM is Making a Difference
Bridging the Talent Gap
With 52% of companies planning to increase staff in the next year, according to Jacobson and Aon’s Q3 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study, the need for insurance professionals continues to grow. Unemployment within the industry remains significantly lower than that of the overall U.S. economy, with limited professionals available to fill open roles. Technology, underwriting and claims positions are especially in high demand as organizations evolve to remain competitive in today’s dynamic business climate.
Compounding this issue is the aging workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median age in the industry is 44; and a quarter of insurance professionals are at or near retirement age, which will only further intensify the industry’s talent gap in coming years.
As the industry expands and transforms, ensuring a steady pipeline of diverse, skilled talent is essential to its long-term success. ICM plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge by uniting the industry under the common goal of attracting the next generation of professionals.
Telling Stories That Inspire
Central to ICM’s success is the power of storytelling. Authentic narratives have the power to connect, inspire and motivate individuals at all stages of their careers. When insurance professionals share their authentic career journeys, they bring the vast opportunities within the industry to life.
From the seasoned CEO reflecting on decades of industry evolution to the early-career professional sharing fresh perspectives and experiences, each story contributes to a dynamic and inclusive narrative. These voices collectively highlight insurance as a career that combines stability, purpose and growth, while also underscoring the industry’s profound impact on communities and individuals worldwide.
Your voice matters, and we invite you to share your experiences, help shift perceptions and build the insurance talent pipeline.
How to Become an ICM Champion
As we celebrate 10 years of ICM, we are energized by an expanding network of CEOs, emerging leaders and supporting organizations, who are united in our mission. Together, we’ll continue to amplify the message that insurance is an incredible career destination – offering stable, rewarding and limitless opportunities – and we hope you will join us.
Share your insurance career story: Whether you’re a seasoned executive, emerging leader, or new to the industry yourself, your personal journey in insurance can inspire others. Share a video or write a social media post about your career path, why you love working in the industry or what makes insurance an incredible career choice.
Highlight the industry’s impact and opportunities: Share the positive impact of the insurance industry and the meaningful work we do every day, while showcasing the limitless possibilities a career in insurance provides. For inspiration and ideas for crafting engaging content this February, view ICM’s social media calendar and social planning guide.
Join the conversation: Search hashtags like #InsuranceCareersMonth, #ICM2025 and #ICMchampion to engage with your industry colleagues. Amplify their stories by sharing, commenting and liking posts.
Engage your organization: Encourage your colleagues – no matter their level or tenure – to also share their career experiences and join in ICM’s social campaigns.
Support the movement: Bring ICM into focus by mentioning it in your conversations or public speaking engagements. Highlight the strategic importance of attracting and retaining talent to secure the industry’s future.
Host or attend events: From job fairs to networking events, February is the perfect time for you and your organization to connect with emerging talent and showcase all the industry has to offer.
At Jacobson, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with ICM and remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the insurance industry’s talent priorities. As we look to the next decade, we are inspired by the industry’s ongoing collaboration. This 10th anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to our shared dedication to the future of insurance talent.
Personally, as one of the industry professionals around the table at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association’s offices when the vision for ICM took shape over a decade ago, I’m still in awe of all that we’ve accomplished and deeply thankful for all who helped shaped the movement into what it is today.
Here’s to another ten years of collaboration, inspiration and progress. Together, we can ensure a bright future for insurance talent.