Driving My Own Career: Munich Re in the Passenger Seat

I graduated college with a degree in Physical Education and ultimately ended up becoming a Broker Relationship Leader for Munich Re Specialty Insurance. That’s quite the jump, and you may be wondering how that happened: My first “real job” out of college was working at an after-school program for at-risk youth. My office was located in a psychiatry practice associated with a local healthcare system. Pharmaceutical reps would bring lunch and other goodies to the office to help promote their products to the healthcare providers. After a conversation with one of the reps about the job, and doing some additional research on the industry, I decided I was interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales. After interviewing with a number of companies, I finally landed my first pharmaceutical rep job, which ultimately launched my sales career. After several years in the pharmaceutical industry, I pivoted once again and became a wholesaler in the group benefits industry. It was at that moment I questioned: Is this what I’m meant to do?

After several years in the insurance industry, I eventually made it to American Modern, where I was a Senior Territory Sales Manager responsible for managing relationships with Independent Agents across NY and CT. One of the first things I noticed at American Modern was the abundance of personal and professional growth opportunities available to me, including a generous Tuition Assistance Program, which allowed me to obtain my AAI, CIC, and MBA. In every corner, the company provided ample opportunities for me to work with colleagues across the organization through Employee Resource Groups, the BOOST Mentoring Program, and The Project Board. I took full advantage of all opportunities available to me to help build my personal brand and gain experience beyond the scope of my day-to-day responsibilities. I joined the Munich Re Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council, expanded my regional network, and empowered my own career by proactively forging intentional connections across the organization.

I stayed at American Modern for 11 years and really enjoyed my time there. As I stated previously, the opportunities were endless – but that doesn’t mean they were handed to me. I felt empowered to drive my own career and American Modern allowed me to be a leader, despite not yet being in an official leadership position. In November 2022 I decided it was time to expand my horizons once again by applying for a Broker Relationship Leader position at Munich Re Specialty Insurance. I didn’t necessarily have the commercial lines or wholesale brokerage experience MRSI was looking for, but the credibility I had built across the organization gave me the opportunity to compete for the role. I was fortunate enough to have landed the BRL position, which has forced me to grow outside of my comfort zone with the support of an amazing boss and team. I’m so thankful for this position because it has contributed immensely to not only my career growth but also my personal growth. I went from driving around New York and Connecticut to flying around the country. In line with its flexible nature, Munich Re allows me to work remotely from my home just outside of Rochester, NY. I always felt like my career was self-driven, but with a little push in the right direction, American Modern and Munich Re helped me become the best version of my career self. I have always believed that your own voice matters and often, it is the major catalyst for your ambitions. Earn the right to ask for the opportunity and it will most likely be yours (with a little drive).