MetLife

Job Location: Aurora, IL. Alternate Job Location: Kansas City, MO (Hybrid – 2 days in office; days are determined by the business)

Job Details: Full-time, salaried training program leading to a full-time position. The Underwriting Academy Program is an early talent opportunity open to recent college graduates with limited work experience in related field. The program is designed to train and transition early talent into an Underwriter position, providing underwriting support for MetLife’s new and existing employer group business. Positions are available in the 2 office hubs: Aurora, IL and Kansas City, MO.

Role Value Proposition: 

As an Underwriting Trainee, you will complete a 3-month training program, which includes a combination of structured and on-the-job learning with a focus on building an understanding of the employee benefits industry, MetLife’s group benefits portfolio, group product risk assessment, underwriting systems, and product pricing.  The trainee will graduate with a level of credibility and competency to successfully support pricing business in regional group benefits.

An academy trainee’s journey is comprised of personalized training based on career track, ample networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and social philanthropic activities.

The combination of relevant training, meaningful work, skilled coaching & mentoring, along with a supportive MetLife work culture that aligns to the needs of the business, provides a strong initial framework designed to drive early-in-career success. Upon graduation from the academy, you will transition to a full-time Underwriter supporting Regional Group Benefits.

Our Regional & Small Business Solutions team is responsible for strategy, sales, underwriting, account management and overall profitability.  The Underwriter will provide group underwriting services for new business and renewals opportunities for group ancillary (non-medical) insurance for customers generally having 2-5,000 eligible employees.  The primary responsibilities of the underwriter include the following: risk evaluation, determination of appropriate plan design, and the determination of the rate by product line.

Key Responsibilities as an Underwriting Trainee: 

• Complete and participate in all required MetLife learning and training – including successful completion of the Underwriting Academy Program
• Work effectively with a seasoned underwriting professional who serves as a mentor in educating the trainee to the various products, processes, systems, and strategies used by MetLife. This will involve meetings with the mentor and his/her sales partners
• Develop an understanding of MetLife’s Group Benefits products, processes, systems, and strategies
• Build upon competencies – including critical thinking and analysis, attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication
• Participate in audits and strategic planning process

Key Responsibilities as an Underwriter: 

• Analyze risk by evaluating received customer information including demographics and contractual plan design to ensure meeting both legal and financial requirements for MetLife
• Establish required insurance premium by running manual rate calculations and/or preparing experience-rated quotes; partners with Sales team and other internal partners to ensure the final proposal will meet the needs of the group customer
• Engages in active negotiation with sales team to establish acceptable product and premium for new customers including plan changes, produces experience analysis, and responds to inquiries from the Sales team, broker, customer, and other partners
• Works proactively and collaboratively with internal and external partners to make sound decisions that will continue to build MetLife’s book of group insurance business
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills: 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, listening)
• Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to adapt to change
• Strong customer service skills
• High level of organizational skill and the ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Team player: effectively works to accomplish both individual and team goals
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft products such as Excel and Word

 Preferred:

• 1+years of underwriting experience or related course work
• Working knowledge of insurance and underwriting
• College degree in Math, Business, Finance, or the Financial Services industry