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So I'm 28, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences (kinda useless, I know). I've been working full time for little over 5 years now in the insurance industry (underwriting and claims). As I'm not a newbie anymore, companies want continued education certifications to show you are invested and committed. I tried a class, read the entire book and straight up failed the test. I'm an audio learner and reading a book as the only source is extremely difficult for me. I've never been a reader, always a lecture type of student. They don't offer classes and the online stuff from what I've been told is useless and not worth the extra money.
More importantly, I feel like I'm dumbing myself down to fit in. I'm always way faster than everyone else and able to interpret work much easier. With all three jobs I've had, my training was about half as long as everyone elses since I didn't need as much time. Plus, insurance is really boring and I'd like to see how a different industry goes.
I want to do something where I don't need to dumb myself down and/or stay under the radar so I don't get the wrong type of attention. I've been thinking sales (not sure what type) is a good route. I figure telling people you don't have coverage and/or you are at fault for accident then arguing with them about it is probably harder than giving a hard sell.
I'm also thinking of getting a Masters degree, probably a MPA. I rather not go back to school, just thinking about the 20k+ that will cost makes me sick.
Have any of you switched careers and what did you do to get there?
So I'm 28, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences (kinda useless, I know). I've been working full time for little over 5 years now in the insurance industry (underwriting and claims). As I'm not a newbie anymore, companies want continued education certifications to show you are invested and committed. I tried a class, read the entire book and straight up failed the test. I'm an audio learner and reading a book as the only source is extremely difficult for me. I've never been a reader, always a lecture type of student. They don't offer classes and the online stuff from what I've been told is useless and not worth the extra money.
More importantly, I feel like I'm dumbing myself down to fit in. I'm always way faster than everyone else and able to interpret work much easier. With all three jobs I've had, my training was about half as long as everyone elses since I didn't need as much time. Plus, insurance is really boring and I'd like to see how a different industry goes.
I want to do something where I don't need to dumb myself down and/or stay under the radar so I don't get the wrong type of attention. I've been thinking sales (not sure what type) is a good route. I figure telling people you don't have coverage and/or you are at fault for accident then arguing with them about it is probably harder than giving a hard sell.
I'm also thinking of getting a Masters degree, probably a MPA. I rather not go back to school, just thinking about the 20k+ that will cost makes me sick.
Have any of you switched careers and what did you do to get there?
I am a salesman and business owner. If you're serious about getting into sales "in general" don't throw anymore money at a graduate degree, ESPECIALLY an MBA (THE most watered down graduate major that exists nowadays). I don't see any correlation between getting an MPA either with the sales profession. For many sales jobs having a bachelors degree from a known university (ie brick & morter, NOT some matchbook university) is sufficient for getting your foot in the door. Look towards your own interests for direction. Are you interested in healthcare, agriculture, automotive, technology, etc? Use this as your focus. Try to direct yourself towards products that get used up requiring reorders or additional service down the road. Big ticket, high pressure one time selling will burn anyone out after a while. You want customers that you can build a relationship with.
If you're quick to pick things up, can think on your feet, AND enjoy meeting and conversing with people, this might be your calling.
One thing you won't get on this particular forum are a lot of people suggesting that you go into the teaching profession.
So I'm 28, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences (kinda useless, I know). I've been working full time for little over 5 years now in the insurance industry (underwriting and claims). As I'm not a newbie anymore, companies want continued education certifications to show you are invested and committed. I tried a class, read the entire book and straight up failed the test. I'm an audio learner and reading a book as the only source is extremely difficult for me. I've never been a reader, always a lecture type of student. They don't offer classes and the online stuff from what I've been told is useless and not worth the extra money.
More importantly, I feel like I'm dumbing myself down to fit in. I'm always way faster than everyone else and able to interpret work much easier. With all three jobs I've had, my training was about half as long as everyone elses since I didn't need as much time. Plus, insurance is really boring and I'd like to see how a different industry goes.
I want to do something where I don't need to dumb myself down and/or stay under the radar so I don't get the wrong type of attention. I've been thinking sales (not sure what type) is a good route. I figure telling people you don't have coverage and/or you are at fault for accident then arguing with them about it is probably harder than giving a hard sell.
I'm also thinking of getting a Masters degree, probably a MPA. I rather not go back to school, just thinking about the 20k+ that will cost makes me sick.
Have any of you switched careers and what did you do to get there?
OK. First off, you say that you are smarter and sharper than everybody else, then you go and fail a required test for advancement. That kind of attitude is going to get you nowhere fast in the world of work.
If you want to switch careers, now is definitely the right age to do it, but you probably need another degree to get anything decent.
Also, insurance sounds way better than sales to me. Claims and underwriting seems like a decent gig. You need the personality to do sales.
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