Underwriter Trainee Program

Position Summary

Opportunity to join our Underwriting Trainee Program

Tentative Start June 9, 2025

Underwriting Program

Our enhanced four-month training program prepares candidates for a career in Commercial and Personal Lines Underwriting. We are currently hiring high-potential candidates to join our combined training program that will commence this summer.  Our recent graduates reported that the program successfully laid a strong foundation for their future success. Insurance underwriters are “gatekeepers” who ultimately decide which risks ERIE and its Agents should accept and retain. It’s obviously an important job and we are excited to now offer consolidated commercial and personal lines training.

Who should apply?

There is typically no straight path to becoming an underwriter. Many people aren’t even aware such a job exists, and only a handful of colleges and universities offer risk management programs. This new program gives interested individuals comprehensive training to successfully prepare them for the role. Candidates should have a college degree; a background in insurance is helpful, but not required. Good underwriters need strong decision making, communication and research skills.

How the program works

The four-month Underwriting Program is designed to give trainees a bird’s eye view of the job. It includes both classroom time and hands-on training with underwriters. Each trainee is also assigned a formal mentor to shadow. After the trainees graduate from the program, they become underwriters in commercial and/or personal lines based on workload need and will continue to help and shadow current underwriters for a few more weeks. After that, they typically receive their assigned territory and Agents with whom they will regularly service.

A rewarding path

As frontline decision makers, underwriters have significant potential to impact ERIE’s bottom line. They also have many opportunities for professional growth. You can progress from underwriter I to levels II, Senior and Consultant.  Next, you can consider supervisory or management positions or use your skills in another area of the company.

There are multiple positions for the program.

Participates in the P/C underwriting training program. Learns and performs underwriting/reunderwriting functions within level of authority, which appraise and select risks the company will insure.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of a mentor or trainer, develops the competency to analyze individual accounts, portfolio experience, and begins to apply product knowledge and acquired skills to perform various underwriting tasks. 
• Reviews risk and claim reports and determines appropriate actions, including modifying risks or terminating coverage in accordance with level of authority.
• Corresponds, develops, and maintains working relationships with Agents, ERIE sales force and other departments through meetings, phone contact and email. Travels to field offices and attends meetings as required to learn and establish rapport with agents and develop knowledge of ERIE's territories.
• Communicates with Agents and staff on a regular basis to answer questions and discuss risks. Communicates with branch staff regarding Agent issues or concerns. Advises manager of issues or concerns.
   

The first 2 duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be accomplished.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become evident.

Capabilities

Qualifications

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree required; or
• Associates degree and two years customer service, sales, insurance, management or leadership experience; or
• High school diploma, or GED, and four years related experience required; or
• High school diploma, or GED, and successful completion of CPCU, CIC, or CRM designation required

Additional Experience 

• Working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and email software required.
• Occasional travel required.

Designations and/or Licenses

• Willingness to enroll in and complete the Associates of Insurance Program (AINS) or related insurance program required.

Physical Requirements