INDIANAPOLIS — This pandemic has caused unemployment to skyrocket, but one program takes Hoosiers from the campus to a career in the insurance industry.
Ivy Tech’s offering a two-year Insurance Certificate Program. Jayme Gee is currently participating in the program. She said she’s making the career change for personal reasons.
"I am a mom, I have children, and I am married. So, now that they are getting a little bit older, I am able to still be involved, but at the same time still have the career which is wonderful,” said Gee.
She said, "Being able to know that I have a career. This isn't just OK I'm getting more certifications, more experience, more education. I'm able to take a skill and automatically apply them to the new career I'm going to have.”
Even though classes are virtual, she said other students in the program share a similar sentiment.
"Like-minded, wherein somebody's not working currently because of Covid, or somebody is not working because they have their own sicknesses are illness. Or hey, they just want to career change. So yeah, it's definitely a great opportunity for everybody."
Nicole Bradberry is the Business Programs Chair with Ivy Tech. She said the two-year Insurance Certificate program has more than 200 students that enrolled in October.
"Going into insurance, sales, marketing. There are a lot of positions available in this industry."
She attributes the growth in part to this pandemic.
“Even through the pandemic, you know, we offer additional support to those students regarding if they need additional materials, resources, computers and so forth… we are there for them,” said Bradberry.
Anne Duncan is an insurance industry liaison for the program. She brings about 40 years of experience in the business.
"I think it's great for the community and it also helps those insurance industries perpetuate their business,” said Duncan.
Duncan estimates that in the next 10 years there will be a 50% turnover in the insurance industry.
"The insurance industry is a very stable and quite flexible industry,” said Duncan.
That's part of the reason, Jayme Gee wanted to go through the program. It's an opportunity she encourages others to be bold and try.
"You're going to get the support you need. Don't feel intimidated,” said Gee.
Currently, the insurance certificate at Ivy Tech is a 21-credit-hour program, but the College is currently working on a 9-credit-hour version that will start for the Fall 2021 semester.
Bradberry said graduates from the program can go further with their certificate and use it towards attending a four-year institution, like Indiana State or Butler.
Ivy Tech offers classes everyeight weeks, so the next set of classes starts in March, but you can apply to enroll now. Here’s a link to do so.
For costs, Ivy Tech Tuition rates are $149.55 per credit hour for Indiana residents and by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students will be able to see what federal and state aid they may qualify for. In addition, Ivy Tech offers $6 million in scholarship opportunities each year.
