The OIA summer internship program continues to build momentum into our fourth summer. Last year, thirteen agencies hosted nineteen interns for the summer, marking our largest program since we reignited the internship efforts in 2022.  

Since the program was launched, four interns accepted full-time jobs at their agency, four participated in the program for two years, and we anticipate that number to grow as interns graduate this spring. In fact, many of the interns continued to work part time for their agencies while returning to school. Interns have helped agencies improve their website, build social media marketing campaigns, solicit new business, and even enhance their IT capabilities.  

Check out this video testimonial from Knight Insurance on the impact an internship can have for the agency and the intern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeLB-1ZRZW4 

Here are a few quotes from interns on how their perceptions changed about the industry because of interning in an agency: 

• “The insurance industry is a great industry to have a career in because it is something that will always be relevant and needed. I originally thought producers may be like some salespeople who are manipulative, pushy, and only trying to benefit themselves. I have learned that the producers at my agency actually care about their clients and try to give them the best deal and treatment, so they will renew with them in the future.” 

• “I think the insurance industry overall gets a bad rap, but after taking the time to work within it, I have seen it is actually a very essential and helpful industry for many people …  It is obviously not a perfect mechanism all the time, but being able to educate people about it and understand their needs is a crucial role that I was happy to fill during my time as an intern. I hope to continue this role as I move forward as an agent and account coordinator.” 

• “The insurance industry is something that is very unique. I think a lot of people overlook how difficult it truly is to work within the industry…. With that being said,  the people who work in the industry inspire me. For someone like myself, graduating next year and looking for a job right after, this is definitely a place one would want to work at.” 

The results of the OIA internship program so far have been truly inspiring. Participating interns, while getting hands-on experience within agencies, also have the opportunity to network with other students and visit with carriers and state-level bodies. This past summer, interns visited with Central Insurance, Encova Insurance, the Ohio Department of Insurance, and the Ohio Statehouse. It’s become an excellent way for students to gain broader exposure to key industry players, but also to expand their professional development skills. Interns even had the opportunity to take part in an AI hackathon at Platinum Partner Westfield Insurance, building custom GPTs using OpenAI’s platform.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits for agencies to consider when investing in a summer intern:  

Strategic Talent Pipeline 

• Internships serve as a recruitment tool: Agencies can identify motivated, capable individuals who may become full-time employees after graduation. 

• Interns often stay with the agency they interned with, reducing future hiring costs and onboarding time. 

Increased Productivity 

• Interns can tackle back-burner projects: From organizing client files to assisting with marketing campaigns, interns help complete tasks that full-time staff may not have time for. 

• Fresh perspectives and enthusiasm: Interns bring new ideas and energy, which can invigorate the team and spark innovation. 

Cost-Effective Support 

• Due to the short timeline and level of experience interns are budget-friendly way to expand capacity. 

Industry Exposure and Education 

• Promotes the insurance industry to younger generations:  

• Builds goodwill with local universities and communities:  

Low-Risk Evaluation 

• Try-before-you-hire model: Internships allow agencies to assess a candidate’s fit without committing to a long-term hire. 

• Training investment is minimal compared to onboarding a full-time employee, and the agency can decide whether to extend a job offer based on performance. 

If you’re considering launching an internship program, it helps to define clear goals, assign a mentor, and create a structured experience that benefits both the intern and the agency. Want help designing a summer internship plan tailored to your agency’s needs? I’d be happy to help you build one. 

To learn more about the OIA internship program, visit our website or reach out to Brian Lawrence, Sr. Director Agency Talent Development, via email at brian@ohioinsuranceagents.com. 

About the Author

Brian Lawrence is the Sr. Director of Agency Talent Development for Ohio Insurance Agents. He is responsible for providing HR support and resources for the membership. His HR career spans 25 years across Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Association Management.

Much of his experience includes 20 years at Nationwide, where he spent seven years as an HR Director/HR Business Partner providing strategic support to executive leadership teams across P&C, Commercial and Non-Standard Customer Service Operations, Life Insurance and Annuity Operations, & Nationwide Pet Insurance.