Wanting to expand his knowledge regarding the insurance industry, Jonathan Thomas earned his CISR designation this year while attending the University of Georgia (UGA). Regarding his new designation, Jonathan said, “It just gave me a vast knowledge about the insurance industry, and a better understanding of topics that I previously did not understand.”
His favorite course in working toward the designation was Agency Operations, because the course showed him how an insurance agency functioned. Jonathan believes his CISR designation will be beneficial to him as he enters the insurance industry and seeks leadership roles. Jonathan plans to pursue additional insurance education and designations, but he also wants to be defined by his work ethic and work history.
“I met Jonathan on the UGA campus and was incredibly impressed. After only a few minutes, Jonathan conveyed that he had what it takes to be successful. He continues to show that today.”
Jack Elliott, CISR, CIC, SOTP, CBCP, MPM, CFE
CRC Group
Chief Administrative Officer
After graduating from UGA this past summer, Jonathan virtually interned with CUNA Mutual Group Claims. here, he worked in claims with credit unions the company serves, including disability, voluntary unemployment, and life claims. During his internship, Jonathan said, “I am absolutely loving my internship experience. I am getting exposure within the claims department. I’m a getting lending underwriting exposure.” He believes his internship provided him with a 360 degree view of the insurance industry.
After his internship, Jonathan is looking for a career in the insurance industry. The top benefit he is looking for is a pathway for his passion for growth and development. He would like to work for an organization which pushes its employees to strive for greatness. Jonathan states that he believes such a passion is critical for driving growth, expansion, and remaining relevant in a competitive industry like the insurance industry. He is particularly interested in insuretech and its application within the insurance industry. Jonathan says, “What excites me most about the industry is you have the opportunity to help individuals and businesses actually achieve their financial goals, and have a sort of sense of peace of mind that they won’t have a total loss; they can focus on their core business operations without the added worry of there being a loss that they can’t cover, or that would eventually put them out of business.”
Before he went to the University of Georgia, he did not know what the insurance industry had to offer. Jonathan knew about auto insurance and health insurance. He did not know about educational institutions like The National Alliance. Now, he thinks the insurance industry has a great opportunity to try to tap into high schools and college students. He believes there are a great careers within the insurance industry, whether you’re working in claims, underwriting, or are a managing general agent, retail broker, or agent. Jonathan states, “There’s something in insurance for everyone. No matter what your skill set is, there’s something you can do and be successful at.”
Jonathan is now an Account Executive with CRC in Atlanta, Georgia.
Learn more about the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) program.
