This year's cohort of students in Humber’s Insurance Management post-graduate certificate program will receive a little extra knowledge with their credential that will make a huge difference in their future careers.

Applied Systems, a cloud-based software company for the insurance industry, has partnered with Humber College to teach students how to use their industry-leading software.

“Insurance Management students at Humber will have access to Applied Systems’ training and resources, which will provide them hands-on experience with the tools and technology powering the business of insurance. Through this partnership we have provided contextual learning from instructional hosts, so the future brokers will be able to use our technology effectively,” said Steven Whitelaw, vice president of Industry and Partner Relations at Applied Systems.

The students also had their work assessed by the class instructors to make sure they were on the right track.

“This partnership is the perfect opportunity for our students to connect with industry. During COVID-19, I’ve been trying to lessen the learning curve from graduation to taking on a new role. Exposing students to best in-class insurance technology better prepares students for the insurance industry, especially a broker career path,” said John McNeil, Insurance Management program coordinator.

He notes that typically, new employees require five weeks of training on software before they can begin their role in earnest.

“Now they can go from the program at Humber directly into a broker role. It makes students much more appealing to industry,” he said.

Eighty-five per cent of students in the program were hired after graduation this year, and the remaining students either returned to school or took a break during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Humber’s Insurance Management graduate certificate program has positioned itself as a talent pipeline to the insurance industry.

“This partnership will have a positive impact on students and kickstart their careers,” said Krista O’Donell, chief advancement officer for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Humber College.

"Humber College is so grateful to Applied Systems for their gift and their commitment to our students’ success.”

Closer to the consumer

Applied Systems’ software enables brokers to advise the consumer on comparative rates with accuracy and provide their clients with choice.

 “Applied is dedicated to supporting the development and growth of future insurance professionals. The independent broker channel is rapidly adopting technology to manage the changing risk landscape, improve operational efficiency and provide and exceptional customer experience. This collaboration with Humber will bring top talent with hands-on experience to the industry,” said Whitelaw.

Applied Systems has granted Insurance Management students access to brokerage management, quoting and training to enable students to understand the workflow they will be using in their future careers.

Getting straight to work

The in-class support provided alongside the technology has been invaluable.

“Beyond the live demonstrations, we were fortunate to hear discussions about the facilitators’ career journeys within the insurance industry,” said Insurance Management student Heather Cui.

She and her classmates also had access to step-by-step tutorials, videos and a searchable knowledge database, preparing them to launch straight into their careers.

“We can fast-track the onboarding and get straight to learning how to work with clients and the needs and standards of the brokerage,” said Cui.

Humber is the only post-secondary institution in Canada with access to Applied Systems’ technology and teachers. Insurance management grads are already in demand, and the partnership will help Humber’s students stand out as top talent among the rest.