How to Become an Insurance Lobbyist
If you are passionate about issues related to insurance, and you want to make a difference in the way the government regulates and promotes the insurance industry, being an insurance lobbyist could be the ideal career for you.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start your journey toward becoming an insurance lobbyist while you are still in high school. Many lobbying firms want entry-level lobbyists to have political experience working as an intern or volunteer. Apply for an internship in the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program (see Resources). Applicants are required to be a junior in high school and at least 16 years old, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their coursework.
-
2
Earn a bachelor's degree in an area that is beneficial to an insurance lobbyist career, such as political science, communications, journalism or government. Many lobbyists further their education by pursuing an advanced degree in law, which increases their marketability as potential lobbyists.
-
-
3
Apply for positions that will develop your knowledge of the insurance industry. If you plan to work as an insurance lobbyist, employers will not only expect you to have a political background, but also a working knowledge of the insurance industry. In addition to working in the insurance field, research and learn everything you can about insurance---the bills and laws that affect the insurance industry and how Congress views the importance of insurance.
-
4
Work as a staff member in the political realm to gain political experience. Although there is no specific test or list of requirements to become an insurance lobbyist, employers will not hire you without political experience. Apply for any congressional job, even if you are only answering phones or delivering mail. Even with such administrative work, you are still gaining knowledge of the daily processes in Congress.
-
5
Research firms that lobby for the insurance industry. You should also consider the type of insurance lobbying you want to do, whether for the life and health, property and casualty, or other types of insurance business. Insurance is a very broad field, so the more you know about the different types of insurance, the better chance you'll have of becoming an insurance lobbyist.
-
6
Network every connection you have related to the world of politics. Having contacts in political life will improve your chances at obtaining a position as an insurance lobbyist. These contacts will also be beneficial when you are working as a employed lobbyist when you need specific information or resources related to your job and duties.
-
7
Perfect your persuasion and communication skills. Insurance lobbyists are expected to be able to communicate effectively and influence members of the legislature in favor of their employers' desires for the passage of certain bills and laws. Being able to persuade individuals is the backbone of a career as an insurance lobbyist.
-
8
Brush up on your party-planning skills and social-event planning knowledge. Insurance lobbyists may be required to plan and host social events, such as cocktail parties, special political events, dinners and galas, as well as partake in activities that members of the legislature enjoy, such as sporting events. You should also be prepared to travel to other destinations in order to communicate in a less formal atmosphere.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you become a lobbyist, prepare to work long hours keeping up-to-date with daily political events, meeting with members of Congress, researching which bills will be appearing before congressional committees, analyzing political ideas and proposals, and contacting legislators and staff members to set up meetings.
Resources
- Photo Credit Stock.Xchng
