Independent Insurance Agency Intern - Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Hickory, Winston-Salem areas

The Charlotte Branch of Erie Insurance Company is recruiting paid interns for placement within our independent agency force of more than 120 local independent insurance agencies throughout western and central North Carolina, including the greater Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem areas. This is an opportunity to work in the front lines of a growing industry that adds value to individual lives and the community daily; as well as to work with and experience the entrepreneurial realities of small business ownership in local communities. 

Ideal intern candidates are energetic, emerging professionals with a passion for helping people and displaying good interpersonal communication skills. They will demonstrate a teamwork mentality, the ability to think independently, effective time management, act with the highest level of ethical standards, are eager to learn, and strive for excellence. Successful internships should have the potential to result in future employment opportunities!

Working as an Insurance Agency Intern at one of our Independent Agencies you will:

Basic Functions

• Work with experienced small business owners assisting with office management, customer service and agency growth
• Support sales efforts including inquiry generation, engaging with clients on inbound/outbound calls, qualifying prospective clients
• Work directly with clients to assess and service day-to-day insurance issues while demonstrating excellent customer care
• Support agency re-underwriting programs
• Develop, implement, and monitor creative small business marketing programs
• Assist small businesses in managing a social media and online presence

Skills and Abilities:

• Articulate in written, verbal and electronic communication
• Excellent project management skills
• Display a team attitude with the ability to also work independently
• Polished interpersonal skills, including the ability to make effective presentations
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and various social media platforms (Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)

Qualifications:

• College or university students actively enrolled in a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school (taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• Ability to provide own travel to/from local independent agency
• Candidates in their final year of undergraduate study or pursuing graduate studies should also consider applying
• Please note: We are only considering US workers for this role, and we are unable to offer this position to individuals who will require current or future immigration sponsorship for employment.

Special consideration may be given to individuals that hold a property and casualty insurance license. Such license is NOT required prior to employment, but obtaining a property and casualty insurance license may be required as part of the paid internship; licensure is sponsored by ERIE and the independent agency, at no cost to the applicant.

Compensation & Schedule

Wages and schedule vary by agency as the contract is between the applicant and the independent insurance agency.

• Compensation: Pay is hourly and is based on experience and geography; most positions average $17-$22/hour
• Weekly Schedule: Variable/Flexible; most paid positions require approximately 25-30 hours/week
• Employment Period: Paid internships in conjunction with ERIE's paid internship partner program begin May 2024 and end Aug 2024, with a case-by-case potential to extend internship.
• Successful internships may result in recurring internships and/or part- or full-time employment opportunities.

Physical Qualifications (% of Time):

• Lifting: 0-20 lbs. Occasional (<20%); 20-50 lbs. Rarely; Over 50 lbs. Rarely
• Driving: Rarely
• Pushing/Pulling: Rarely (<20%)
• Manual Keying/Data Entry: Often (20-50%)

About Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company committed to employee development, professional excellence and career success. We view a diverse workforce as a competitive advantage and are committed to attracting and retaining the best people in the industry, and are rated one of the 2023 Best Places to Work. Between our Home Office in Erie, Pa., and our 24 field sales and claims offices, we employ more than 5,700 people. ERIE’s territory includes 12 states in the eastern/midwestern U.S. and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.erieinsurance.com/careers.

Disclaimer: This position is with an independently owned and operated agency, not with Erie Insurance. Erie agents are independent contractors who hire their own employees. Erie agents’ employees are not employees of Erie Insurance.