KATLIN ELDERSMA LaRue-Carey Apprentice, Licensed Insurance Agent What inspired you to pursue a career in insurance? After working for Aaron LaRue and Patrick Carey for a year, I had an urge to learn more about the insurance field and turn this opportunity into a career. I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started this apprenticeship. During high school, I never imagined myself pursuing a career in insurance, but God had other plans for me that I did not even think were possible for a high school senior. Once I started to learn more about insurance and why we need it, I decided to further my education and obtain my insurance license.
What line of business interests you most? I’m working on both Personal and Commercial lines. My boss, Aaron LaRue, wanted me to dip my toes into the commercial side of the business. Once I obtained my insurance license, I didn’t have a specific line of business in mind for myself. Over time, Aaron and I began to develop a “game plan” for me. It just so happens my coworker, Caitlin Burbick Thomas, is taking maternity leave soon. I’m picking up her day-to-day tasks while she’s gone. She works in Commercial Lines. After spending two weeks with Caitlin Burbick-Thomas, I’ve grown to learn that Commercial Lines is much more complicated than Personal Lines. Yes, there is a lot I need to learn, but I know I will pick up on everything over time.
What are your career goals? I have a broad range of career goals. I want to further my insurance knowledge, learn more about the Commercial side of insurance and make this apprenticeship into a career. My coworkers have inspired me to develop good habits and a daily routine to provide my clients with quality customer service.
Do you believe other agencies could benefit from hiring an apprentice? Why? I would recommend this nationally-recognized Apprenticeship program to other agencies. The employer and the student can benefit from this opportunity in many ways. The agency owners could pick up on a few things the business could improve on. He or she may decide to update procedures and protocols to help employees respond appropriately to specific situations and improve office functionality.
In your opinion, why should other students pursue an insurance apprenticeship? If I’m honest, I did not see myself being an insurance agent right out of high school. Many students probably don’t perceive insurance as a “fun” career path. I believe it takes a special type of person to pursue a career as an independent agent. Some students may not realize how important insurance is or how they can contribute to the industry as a whole. This apprenticeship could help other students open their eyes to a career they never knew was an option. 6 | Kentucky IA - Fall 2020
