Insurance Studies Internships & Co-ops: Students
Al Berryman, CPCU, CLU; Program Director
Introduction
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of internship opportunities.
The NMSU College of Business recognizes that students who can relate principles learned in class to real-world business situations ultimately develop a richer understanding of the world of insurance. Internships take place in both company and agency organizations.
The majority of internships are in New Mexico and are usually for 10-week periods during the summer. Internships may also be done during the regular semesters.
College of Business Internships
Students who are interested in these internships should complete the Insurance Studies Student Internship Request Form and return it to Al Berryman (Guthrie, Room 409; phone 575.6465195) or the Finance Department, Business Complex Room 222.
External Internships
Students interested in external internships should apply directly to the employer.
- Allstate Insurance.
- All Risks (surplus and specialty lines).
- Hartford Insurance.
- International Insurance Group (specialty personal lines).
- Will consider bilingual interns for next summer, send resume to NATE.WATSON@IIGINS.com.
- Go to www.IIGINS.com for information on the company.
- Intermediaries and Reinsurance Underwriters Association (IRU) Summer Internship Program: Application deadline usually February 1.
- Award: Paid summer internships.
- Liberty Mutual (including Colorado Casualty).
- State Farm Insurance.
- National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. (NAPSLO) Internship Program: Application deadline usually December 1.
- Award: Paid summer internships.
- Risk Placement Services, Inc.: Summer Internships. Applications normally accepted between Oct. 1 and March 1 for the following summer.
- Travelers Insurance.
Internship Guidelines
To have a successful internship you must take the initiative. Based on interviews with past interns we have some ideas on how to make the most of your internship.
- Make a good first impression. Dress professionally, listen, and show interest by asking questions about the employer’s company.
- Be patient with your employer and their staff, especially small business employers.
- Internships are challenging to manage and many times you will become a lower priority due to a more pressing issue.
- Align yourself with the staff, learn from them and offer your help.
- Ask how you can be helpful. Even if you are just an observer at a sales meeting ask if there is any way that you can help get ready for the meeting, or evaluate how the meeting went.
- When attending meetings with company clients, listen and learn. Ask questions after the meeting on what happened and why.
- Find creative ways to be helpful. When you are asked to attend a meeting or training session ask how you can help.
- Let the employer and their staff know about your interests. They want you to have a positive experience. If you tell them what you like you may get more interesting assignments.
- Be professional. Keep a professional appearance. It is better to be slightly overdressed when you start.
- Be organized and always be on time. It may help to get an appointment book and start filling it in.
- At the end of the internship be sure and thank the employer and the staff for their help.
- Leave a good impression. Whatever you do, do it the best that you can. It is important not only for you but for the interns who come after you.