Everyone is looking to move up in the world, and for brokers that next step can be becoming a partner in the firm.
But that next step can be a doozy, so wouldn’t it be nice if there was a program or course to provide that helping hand?
That’s what
RSA Canada though, and through its partnership with Queen’s School of Business, it has made that next step a whole lot easier, through its Making Partner Program.
Kicking off today and running all this week, the program has proven to be a success with brokers – like Brett McGlynn, vice president at Mass Insurance Brokers in Toronto, Ont.
For McGlynn, last year’s graduate who has since attained a senior management position within his brokerage, the program is a proven winner.
“It was one of the best-spent weeks I can think of,” says Brett McGlynn, vice president of commercial, with Mass Insurance in Markham, Ont. “To be out of the office is challenging. Sure there is a lot that you miss, but I can honestly say there were no regrets. Everyone I talked to who went, they agreed – what you take away from it is invaluable.”
What really stood out for McGlynn was that the program was specific to insurance, as opposed to a general business management course.
“It is so relevant to the insurance business specifically, compared to a junior MBA or executive MBA, because you are dealing with people in the same industry,” he says. “It is like a one-week mini-MBA. And the quality of the education at Queen’s University is second to none.”
Taking advantage of those within the industry, the highlights for McGlynn were the chance to network. (continued.)
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“It is an amazing exposure to other people’s ideas in the industry; that was the number one thing for me, was the networking,” he says. “The other highlight, in terms of the in-class stuff, there were some great management strategies. Certainly understanding financials better as it relates to the industry was a big takeaway. And actual strategies for management and development and growth of our respective brokerages.”
Now entering its eighth year, the program will include some 20 brokers from across Canada. Some of the key components of the program are:
- Leadership assessment and development plan;
- Week-long executive education program at Queen’s Executive Development Centre; and
- Mentoring and networking.
Those looking to apply should have:
- Eight to 10 years’ experience in commercial sales and/or 5-7 years’ experience in management;
- They must hold an active contract with RSA;
- They must hold a recognized insurance designation (i.e. CIP, CAIB, etc.); and
- Be a participant/member in an insurance-industry organization (or industry-related organization).
“It certainly helps taking that next step to becoming broker,” says McGlynn. “It definitely expedites it. Just being in a room with the same like-minded people; you have a group of intelligent people that you can bounce ideas off of. It is an incredible experience for sure.”
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