Insurance Broker
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Insurance agents and brokers sell life, automobile, property, health and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses and public institutions. Insurance agents are employed by individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers are employed by brokerage firms, or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship. Supervisors of insurance agents are included in this unit group. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*Net Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu - occupational info and videos (U.S.)
- Career Connections - career awareness initiative from Insurance Brokers of Canada
- Career Profile: Broker - incl. video
- Post-Secondary Students & Grads - profiles, quiz, education and interest connection to roles and pathways
- Financial Services Career Map and Job Finder Tool - Canadian Securities Institute
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer specialized education leading to a career as an Insurance Broker. Most employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma; however, the insurance business is competitive and many agents and brokers have post-secondary education (ALIS). On-the-job training and insurance industry courses, and licensure by provincial governing bodies is also usually required (NOC). Students who wish to complete a degree related to this field may consider the departments and programs listed below.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepages to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities. The following faculties offer courses that may be relevant for this profession.
- Asper School of Business - Faculty of Management
- Department of Economics - Faculty of Arts
- Agribusiness & Agricultural Economics - Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences
Exploring Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis - Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Insurance Institute of Canada: Industry Insights & Research - studies, reports and articles
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Insurance Brokers of Manitoba
- Insurance Brokers of Canada
- Insurance Council of Manitoba - regulator & licensing body for agents, brokers and adjusters
- Insurance Institute of Canada
- Manitoba Branch
- National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (U.S.)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Insurance Broker's of Canada - "Find a Broker"
- Directory: Life Insurance Brokers & Companies - from Life Cover
- InsuranceDirectory.ca - Canada's Insurance Broker listing
- Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies - member directory
- Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association - company members
- Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) - Insurance Company Members - Canada’s industry association of property and casualty insurers, brokers and software providers
- Canadian Association of Financial Institutions in Insurance (CAFII)
- Insurance Bureau of Canada
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Insurance Information Institute
- International Insurance Society- forum for industry stakeholders
- Canadian Association of Insurance Women
- Canadian Broker Network - network of independent insurance brokers
- Insurance-Canada - directory of information on insurance services and providers
- Insurance & Investment Journal - Canada's insurance and investment industry news
- Insurance Career Guide - industry facts and articles from JobPostings magazine
- Insurance Career Guide - employer and industry information from TalentEgg.ca
- Article: Common Myths about a Career in Insurance