Summer Internship Program

Recruit New Talent with OIA’s Summer Internship Program

The purpose of the internship program is to expose students (particularly business, marketing and entrepreneurial business majors in their junior or senior years of college) to careers in independent insurance agencies. The program will also include students at community colleges interested in exploring IA careers.

Our goal is to raise visibility of the insurance industry and independent agency system among college students and to create interest in the industry as a career option for young professionals. 

Download Our 2025 Internship Guide

Agency Commitments

Budget to pay intern $17-18/hr. (Student will be placed on agency payroll). At ten weeks at $18/hr, that equals $7,200 before payroll taxes.
Budget for intern to travel and spend one night in Columbus to participate in learning and social event
Participate in the interview and selection of the intern for your agency
Provide day to day oversight & management of the intern
Provide equipment needed for intern to perform work (computer, systems access, desk etc.)
Provide meaningful learning opportunities during the internship that provide a realistic and positive overview of careers within the Independent Agencies. Opportunities should include marketing efforts, non-licensed customer service work, exposure to personal/commercial lines, interactions/observations with carriers and clients
Assign an internship host/mentor who will ensure a great experience for the intern
If mutually beneficial, consider offering the intern a part-time work extension, additional internship next summer, or a full-time job offer

OIA Commitments

Provide overall organization and direction of the program
Help agencies find interns by marketing internship opportunity and participating in college career fairs
Coordinate internship interviews and program offers
Be a resource to agencies for questions, concerns, and general support during the internship
Be a resource to interns to provide mentorship and general support during the program
Host educational and social activities to connect interns
Provide a $500 Foundation scholarship for students upon successful completion of the program

Intern Commitments

To have a sincere interest/openness to exploring a career in an Independent Agency
To attend all intern program events (Orientation, Education, Social, Debrief)
To complete a final presentation on their internship experience

Intern Housing

We will make a strong effort to match agencies with students local to their agency to avoid the additional expense of housing

Considering a Career in Insurance?

When it comes to career paths, insurance often gets forgotten. However, there aren’t many industries that have the job security, growth potential, and relationship building opportunities that the Independent Insurance Industry offers. Don’t take our word for it though, check out some testimonials from young agents who love working in the industry.

Learn More

Intern Testimonial

“The internship program at OIA is a pathway to a very rewarding and successful career. It was through this program and the office of Work-Based Learning at Sinclair, that I was able to secure a job after graduation with an independent agency that offers plenty of variety, excitement, and personal growth every day! The OIA internship also provides real-life experience and knowledge that will benefit your family and friends for the rest of their lives.”

– Stephanie Boris, Personal Lines Technician

SFM Insurance, Smith-Feike-Minton Inc.

How Can I Prepare for an Internship?

A successful internship requires commitment and planning on behalf of the agency. Employers must be committed to providing meaningful work experience, have someone on staff who has time to provide support and quality mentoring and be willing to provide regular feedback.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when preparing for an internship.

Do we have enough work to keep an intern busy? What work can be assigned that does not require a license?
Does agency leadership have the capacity to spend quality time with an intern?
Who is available to provide training and supervision to the intern?
What special projects could the intern complete that would provide value to the agency and provide a great learning experience? You will be surprised at what students can accomplish when given responsibility and good structure/parameters to follow.
Who can the intern meet with or shadow? Opportunities could extend outside the agency to carriers, underwriting partners, client visits. Hosting a poor internship experience can be more damaging than not hosting an internship at all.
- Students who have a bad experience can return to campus and share their experience making it much harder to recruit students in the future.

Tips for Creating a Successful Internship

Be Prepared. Yes, agencies are busy, but it is critical to be prepared for the intern’s first day. That includes making sure you have a game plan for orientation including equipment, a desk, systems access, and general expectations.
Provide the intern meaningful work. Don’t just assign filing and administrative tasks. Come up with projects that will allow them to use their academic knowledge and critical thinking skills. Assigning a project that includes research, analysis, and recommendations can be meaningful for the intern and the agency.
Be Available. The best learning opportunities come from meaningful interaction with experienced professionals.
Assign a Mentor. An agency owner or supervisor may not always be available. Make sure the intern has at least one mentor at the agency who can be available to provide support.
Include the Intern. The intern should be included in all staff meetings, client events, social events, etc.
Provide Support and Safety. When assigning tasks make sure you provide clear expectations and training. Don’t assign a task that could have significant consequences without clear guardrails and oversight.
Provide Feedback. Schedule regular meetings to provide the intern feedback on their performance.

Have Questions? Reach out to us!

If you have questions or would like to discuss the program, please contact Brian Lawrence, Director of HR Solutions at 614-552-3048 or fill out the form below.

HR Solutions