Some of you, still think of insurance agents as annoying little salesman who go door-to-door to sell life insurance policies. No so! This industry uses new and ingenious ways to build their client base. Nowadays, this industry is even using the power of internet marketing and communication to gain a solid client base. Therefore, if this profession seems like it's for you, gaining knowledge in computer technology will give you the edge needed to stand above the crowd.

Generally, insurance sales agents are responsible for selling an assortment of insurance products and services to the general public. The types of insurance sold can range anywhere from life, business, disability, health, and property and casualty insurance. Furthermore, you can find most insurance agents maintaining client files, preparing paperwork, and seeking and expanding market share.

More importantly, it is worth mentioning that the advancement of technology is playing a crucial role in how business is being conducted today. Meaning, the internet has revolutionized how insurance sales jobs handle their daily activities. Nowadays, customers can obtain insurance quotes directly from a website, while also being dispatched directly to an agent in their surrounding area. Moreover, agents are able to advertise and market their services online, which increases the likelihood of obtaining new prospects.

Because there are a variety of insurance products that exist today, insurance sales agents can enter into many insurance specialties. Mainly, it depends on the type of customers that the insurance agent specializes in, which determines what type of insurance will be sold. Specifically, business insurance sales agents will sell worker's compensation and general liability policies. They also sell medical, dental, and life insurance to a company's staff members. On the other hand, individual policies can consist of many diverse types, which have expanded and evolved in areas such as comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning and estate planning. Moreover, insurance agents can obtain an license to sell securities, mutual funds, and variable annuities.

Finally, insurance agents may work for one insurance company, or work as an independent insurance agent or broker representing many carriers.

In order to sell insurance, you will be required to obtain licensing from your particular state. That means that you are required to take courses relevant to your insurance specialty, and then pass a State examination. Some states will even require that you take 2 years of continuing education which focus on insurance laws, ethics, and consumer protection.

Moreover, some jobs require that individuals be college graduates. Those who majored in business, economics, or finance are especially sought-out by most companies. Most importantly, many companies require that individuals obtain sales training to consistently improve upon their sales techniques.

Many insurance sales agents are paid commission, so it can be difficult to determine initial salaries . However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median salary in 2008 was $45,430.