Customer Service Fundamentals - Insurance CSI

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Business Studies or Business and Technological Communication would be beneficial. Good written and verbal skills and advanced reading comprehension.

Math Grade 12 high school Math would be beneficial, but grade 11 Math is accepted. Applicants who do not have a math background should consider the one-year Business Fundamentals program.  This program is recommended for students who require or desire academic upgrading, particularly in Mathematics and English, before pursuing a business diploma program.  Students who successfully complete the Business Fundamentals program may be eligible for admission to Level 2 of any two-year business diploma program at Fanshawe College.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• A genuine interest in helping people
• Ability to explain difficult concepts in simple terms to ensure client understanding
• A willingness to pay attention to the details that satisfy client needs
• Objective and able to make sound decisions
• Ability to recognize, assess and analyze exposures to risk
• Excellent  oral and written communication skills
• Good listening skills
• The ability to remain calm and impartial when dealing with people in stressful situations
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people
• Self-motivated
• Excellent time management skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

Experience in a secondary school business club or Junior Achievement.

What kind of could will I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Customer service representative, broker or agent, direct writer, or claims call centre.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• May work alone
• Work primarily in an office environment
• Spend a lot of time on the phone
• May need to travel

Places you may find yourself employed include 

Insurance companies, insurance agency offices, brokerages, direct insurance writer companies, or call centres.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Servicing the needs of a diverse client base
• Providing advice on product offerings to meet client’s needs
• Taking information regarding changes to their insurance needs
• Advising clients in claims situations

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• General Insurance Essentials certificate
• Graduates may attempt their broker’s or agent’s licensing exams
• Insurance Institute of Canada
• Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO)
• Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
• Gamma Iota Sigma International Fraternity

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may apply to transfer into second year of Fanshawe's Business Insurance diploma program.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024