How to Become a Personal Lines Analyst

A personal lines analyst has the technological expertise to oversee changes and maintenance for information systems within an insurance company. Most analysts develop and manage systems that are used by underwriters, claims analysts, agents and other insurance professionals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Become competent in your interpersonal and communication skills, which are required to work closely with the system users. You will need to communicate effectively through verbal and written channels.

2. Work on your problem solving and analytical skills. Much of the personal lines analyst's job is to identify and reconcile problems within the software system.

3. Practice public speaking skills whenever possible. You should be able to present information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

4. Seek opportunities to learn and practice your training skills. A personal lines analyst needs to assemble instructional materials in ways that system users can understand and implement them.

5. Learn and become accomplished at using word processing and spreadsheet software.

6. Learn the ins and outs of the underwriting, claims, analysis and other related aspects of the insurance industry. Knowledge of these topics is essential in developing and managing systems for users who specialize in these fields.

7. Obtain a bachelor's degree in a business, management information systems or relevant field.

8. Acquire relevant job experience with an internship or a job as an assistant personal lines analyst. This usually includes between 2 and 7 years of experience in the insurance industry.

9. Contact your state's department of insurance to find out if you will be required to have certification in this industry.

Tips & Warnings

• Mastery of time management is essential to a personal lines analyst. He has to maintain systems in such a way as to meet the time-sensitive needs of several key players in the company.
• Work to increase your work experience, as many companies will desire prior experience as a personal lines analyst.
• The job of a personal lines analyst requires a long-term commitment to many ongoing projects. If you're not the kind of person who can see a project through from start to finish, you may not thrive in this career.
• The tendency to come to quick or hasty decisions is not ideal to become a personal lines analyst. This job requires the ability to gather information and background on problems before implementing solutions.
• Not all personal lines analyst jobs are entry-level positions. Many require managerial competencies, as well as prior experience within this career track.

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