| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Interview prospective clients to obtain data about their financial resources and needs, the physical condition of the person or property to be insured, and to discuss any existing coverage. |
| Importance: 93 (%) | Description: Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Sell various types of insurance policies to businesses and individuals on behalf of insurance companies, including automobile, fire, life, property, medical and dental insurance, or specialized policies, such as marine, farm/crop, and medical malpractice. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Calculate premiums and establish payment method. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms. |
Bachelor Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor Degree, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Bachelor's Degree, and % with 1 year experience (or less).
These entry-level roles are designed for new bachelor's degree graduates ready to start their first professional position. For recent graduates who want realistic starting points that match their degree and experience level. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, to find entry level Bachelor degree jobs and careers: (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 97 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Insurance Sales Agents.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Insurance Sales Agents" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Insurance Sales Agents
Description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Insurance Sales Agents":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
507,200U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
542,700
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
35,500 (7%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
50,400
Core Duties
Supplemental Duties
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer. |
| Importance: 46 (%) | Description: Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk. |
| Importance: 40 (%) | Description: Explain necessary bookkeeping requirements for customer to implement and provide group insurance program. |
| Importance: 36 (%) | Description: Plan and oversee incorporation of insurance program into bookkeeping system of company. |
| Importance: 31 (%) | Description: Install bookkeeping systems and resolve system problems. |
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Attend events to develop professional knowledge. | |
| Calculate costs of goods or services. | |
| Customize financial products or services to meet customer needs. | |
| Develop marketing plans or strategies. | |
| Develop professional relationships or networks. | |
| Examine condition of property or products. | |
| Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements. | |
| Explain financial information to customers. | |
| Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs. | |
| Identify potential customers. | |
| Install computer software. | |
| Maintain records of sales or other business transactions. | |
| Manage information technology projects or system activities. | |
| Prepare sales or other contracts. | |
| Process sales or other transactions. | |
| Resolve computer software problems. | |
| Review accuracy of sales or other transactions. | |
| Sell products or services. | |
| Study product information to acquire professional knowledge. | |
| Take product orders from customers. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Collect data about consumer needs or opinions. |
| Activity: Determine values or prices of goods or services. |
| Activity: Develop business or marketing plans. |
| Activity: Develop professional relationships or networks. |
| Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities. |
| Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data. |
| Activity: Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance. |
| Activity: Execute financial transactions. |
| Activity: Explain financial information. |
| Activity: Identify business or organizational opportunities. |
| Activity: Inspect characteristics or conditions of materials or products. |
| Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise. |
| Activity: Maintain sales or financial records. |
| Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits. |
| Activity: Resolve computer problems. |
| Activity: Sell products or services. |
| Activity: Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating system software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Windows | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Video conferencing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Zoom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Video creation and editing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adobe After Effects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Calendar and scheduling software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Scheduling software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationship management CRM software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance Technology Consultants WOW | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allstar Software Systems Kofax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Financial analysis software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cygnus Software IncomeMax Insurance analysis software Insurance rating software Underwriting software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Instant messaging software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GroupMe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internet browser software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Web browser software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medical software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS Medical procedure coding software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Video conferencing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LogMeIn GoToMeeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Video creation and editing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple Final Cut Pro YouTube | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 39.5 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 15.8 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.8 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.5 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.1 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 7.4 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 43.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month |
| Frequency of Attainment: 14.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.5 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding
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Associate in General Insurance
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Associate in Insurance Services
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Certified Insurance Counselors
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Certified Insurance Service Representatives
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Fellow, Life Management Institute
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Professional Associations
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI)
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Forum 400
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Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA)
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Insurance Information Institute
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International Association of Insurance Professionals
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National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
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National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC)
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National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)
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National Insurance Recruiters Association (NIRA)
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The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB)
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The Institutes
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Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA)
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Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Insurance Sales Agents". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Insurance Sales Agents
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page
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