Working with a property and casualty (P&C) insurance agency is rewarding. Our founder, Duke Baldridge, used to present annually to Virginia Tech finance majors about careers in the insurance industry. As he shared then, there is a job in the insurance business for any personality, skillset, or temperament. What makes the career so satisfying is the opportunity for growth and the chance to protect the most precious assets of families and businesses. Here are some common questions about our industry:
What exactly is property and casualty insurance?
Property and casualty insurance protects individuals and businesses against losses to their assets (like homes, cars, and businesses) and liability for accidents or injuries. Agencies, like Dominion Risk Advisors, provide clients with advice to manage the risks families and businesses face and to purchase the proper insurance to protect them.
Why is this a great career choice?
- Job Stability: Insurance is essential in every economy, meaning demand for professionals remains strong. No loan gets made; no building gets built; no worker shows up without the proper insurance being in place.
- Growth Opportunities: Agencies offer clear career paths—from customer service to sales to claims to management.
- Financial Rewards: The industry offers competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity to accelerate your pay.
- Personal Fulfillment: Helping protect people feels great. At the greatest moment of need, following a claim, we help our clients recover with empathy and energy. As noted above, it feels great to be a key component in making our economy run.
What skills do I need to succeed?
- A great attitude and a desire to work as a core part of a dynamic team
- Strong communication skills – both written and spoken
- Critical thinking skills – you should have a desire to find creative ways to resolve problems and challenges
- A great work ethic with a desire for a long-term career
- Flexibility – you need the ability to prioritize, to adapt, and to be self-motivated
What makes working in an agency environment special?
- Team Collaboration: Good agencies are like a family where colleagues support each other.
- Client Connections: You build long-term relationships with families and businesses in your community. Some of our best friends are our customers.
- Variety of Work: Every day brings new challenges, because no two clients’ needs are the same.
- Learning about how businesses operate- Our employees are engaged in civic and industry associations. We do this for two reasons – service and education. To protect a business, you need to understand how they get better in all aspects, the struggles their industry is facing, and how you can be a partner in providing industry solutions. That is fun work.
Is there room for advancement?
Absolutely! Like most agencies, Dominion Risk Advisors can help employees start at an entry level and watch them grow to be insurance superstars. Good agencies will invest in your insurance education, industry certifications, and specialized training. At Dominion Risk Advisors, we will help you open doors to greater responsibility and income.
How does this career impact the community?
Check out the agency to which you are applying. If you do not notice their civic engagement, you might want to keep looking. Effective agencies are pillars of the community. At Dominion Risk Advisors, we view the community as our fourth stakeholder – community, employees, clients, and our carrier partners. In addition, our work protects our clients so they can continue to prosper. With all humility aside, we have an incredible impact on the community.
What is the best part of the job?
This is a tough question. It depends on what part of a job brings you joy. We are firmly committed to the concept that the agency needs to help you find joy in your work. Some of the things that bring our employees joy are –
- Serving and deepening relationships with our clients and your colleagues,
- Outstanding compensation and benefits,
- Security, growth, and a sense of value and purpose. You are not just selling policies, you are protecting dreams, livelihoods, and futures. That is a career worth celebrating.
- Living out a Vision of Impact – At Dominion Risk Advisors, our Vision is
- We will serve our clients and each other with enthusiasm, superior advice, and the highest standards.
- We will build a regional firm that reinvests in the community in life-changing ways.
- A career in property and casualty insurance offers more than just a paycheck—it is a chance to grow professionally, have an influence, and enjoy long-term stability.
If you are interested in a career with Dominion Risk Advisors or the insurance industry, please contact our founder, Duke Baldridge, at 540-366-7475. He has 35 years of experience and loves the industry more each year. There are careers with insurance companies, too, that Duke can share with you.