Career Theme: Enterprising

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Entrepreneur

• Necessary Education: Anyone can become an entrepreneur; it is a career that does not require specific education or geological location, particularly in today’s digital age. The most common degree in this field is a bachelor’s in business administration or entrepreneurship.
• Special Training Required: No special training required. With several years of business experience, entrepreneurs gain the knowledge needed to successfully run a business. Successful entrepreneurs seem to have certain traits in common – personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking skills and practical skills.
• Job Responsibilities: Responsibility/Daily tasks involved depend on the path an entrepreneur takes. But all entrepreneurs must work their business every day. This may mean making calls to find investors or clients, creating online marketing campaigns to generate buzz for the product, or negotiating with manufacturers to determine production costs.
• Industry Trend: A trend to look out for is “non-traditional travel” businesses such as boutique hotels, camper van rentals and “voluntourism.” Nowadays, people are turning away from mainstream hotels and opting for more niche lodging and experiences. Also, virtual reality is also a top 2018 industry trend, continuing over from the last few years.
• Typical Salary Range: Fluctuated; depend on the business

 

Car Insurance Sales Agent

• Necessary Education: Some employers will hire agents that only possess a high school diploma although those with associate or bachelor’s degree, with coursework in finance, business administration, economics and marketing may be preferred. Each state requires agents to obtain a license, although each state’s requirements are different. Many states require continuing education classes for years to come on a regular basis. Further advancement in the insurance field requires further certification.
• Special Training Required: No special training required, although being able to operate a computer proficiently, make cold calls to potential customers, answer customers’ questions about a policy, communicate well with customers, and be familiar with state insurance laws is preferred.
• Prerequisite experience needed: Previous experience in insurance is not required because most companies have programs to train their salespeople about the products.
• Job Responsibilities: Agents sell insurance coverage for vehicles, drivers and passengers and policies that protect customers from financial loss through damage, car accidents or auto theft. They also sell coverage for medical claims, property loss, natural disasters and vandalism. Agents who work as ‘brokers’ usually work on commission and will approach several insurance companies to shop around for the best deal for their clients. ‘Captive’ agents only work for one insurance company and are generally paid a salary.
• Typical Salary Range: Makes about $62,970/year (each individual agent also receives more commission depending on how much they sell)