This fall the Insurance Institute produced a series of articles to highlight the benefits of becoming a CIP and hiring an insurance professional with a CIP designation. These articles are appearing in community papers across Canada throughout the fall.

Here is the first article in a series of five:

Michael Kristolaitis is one of the many new recruits into Canada’s property and casualty insurance industry.

Michael was laid off from a security installation business four years ago and sought employment using his transferable skills. He always had an interest in the insurance industry and decided to enroll in Mohawk College’s Insurance Diploma program. Through his study, Michael was introduced to the Insurance Institute’s chartered insurance professional (CIP) designation.

Fast-forward to two years later: Michael was hired as a claims advisor at Aviva Canada before he graduated and had only one course remaining in his CIP designation. Now Michael has completed his CIP and Canadian risk management (CRM) designations, furthering his opportunities in the insurance industry.

Many other future success stories in the insurance industry are promised to be just like Michael’s. According to a recent demographics study conducted by The Insurance Institute, 20 property and casualty insurance companies increased the number of their employees by 40% between 2007 and 2012. And 82% of the industry’s human resource professionals say that they intend to hire over the next two years. There’s a good chance that there may be a career for you in insurance.

“Working for an industry that places emphasis on professional development was a real draw for me,” said Kristolaitis, a claims advisor. “I found that I was able to draw from previous experience and apply it to my studies and career. Now, as a graduate of the CIP program, I have the education and knowledge that has not only helped me to excel in my current role, but has provided me with the basis to excel in almost every facet of the industry.”

Whether you have a previous background in security installation, mining or hospitality, a career in insurance offers a wide variety of job opportunities that value the previous experiences you bring to the industry. Ask any insurance professional: It’s easier to teach someone insurance than to teach in-the-field expertise.

You can visit the career opportunities section for more information.