Considering a career change can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of the direction you want to take. Like many, I found myself at this crossroads approximately seven years ago. The turning point came through a conversation with my brother-in-law, Jake Vetter, a Casualty Claim Manager at American Family Insurance. He introduced me to an opening in their Claims Customer Care Center, highlighting it as a customer-facing role that he believed would be an excellent fit for my skills.
My background was rooted in the hospitality industry, where direct customer interaction was central. This aspect of the role resonated with me, yet I hesitated due to my limited understanding of insurance. The insurance world seemed complex and unfamiliar.
Despite my apprehension, I decided to seize the opportunity, apply, and was fortunate enough to be offered the position. My initial days at American Family Insurance involved an intensive training program, immersing me in insurance terminology and the company’s acronyms. Overwhelmed would be an understatement to describe my first impressions. However, looking back seven years later, I can confidently say that taking that leap of faith was the best decision I made. I came seeking a job but ultimately discovered a fulfilling career with an outstanding organization – American Family Insurance.
My career at AmFam has been a dynamic journey, characterized by promotions, strategic lateral moves, and even instances where I wasn’t selected for roles I pursued. These experiences have taught me that career progression is more akin to navigating a jungle gym than ascending a straight ladder – a valuable lesson and a positive perspective. The diverse roles I’ve held within claims have provided me with a comprehensive view of how American Family Insurance consistently works to protect and restore our customers’ dreams on a daily basis. This purpose-driven work is a significant aspect of American Family Insurance Careers.
Crucially, I have benefited immensely from leaders who challenged my perspectives and fostered my professional growth through encouragement and accountability. These leaders actively supported my development by encouraging job shadowing across different departments, involving me in pilot programs, and pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Furthermore, my peers have played a vital role, acting as mentors and demonstrating patience as I navigated the initial insurance learning curve. This supportive environment is a hallmark of American Family Insurance careers.
American Family Insurance’s commitment to employee development is evident in the numerous opportunities available. I’ve taken advantage of a wide array of resources, including industry-specific insurance courses, tuition reimbursement programs for further education, and leadership development coursework provided by the company’s Talent Development department. These investments in my professional growth have been instrumental in shaping me into the employee I am today, contributing to my expertise within American Family Insurance careers.
For the past two and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a leadership capacity, working alongside exceptional team members, managers, and peers. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness our collective ability to rise to challenges, whether navigating claim volume surges or adapting to system changes, while consistently maintaining our customer focus and commitment to restoring their dreams. These dedicated employees continually inspire me to enhance my own skills and leadership to better serve the company and achieve our shared corporate objectives within American Family Insurance careers.
Reflecting on my journey at AmFam, I am profoundly grateful to be part of a company that has invested in my growth and potential far beyond my initial expectations seven years ago. Embarking on any new adventure requires taking that first step, and I am immensely thankful that I took that step into the rewarding and dynamic world of insurance with American Family Insurance. If you are seeking a fulfilling career path with ample opportunities for growth and development, consider exploring American Family Insurance careers and discover where your journey might lead.
