Jessica Linzey
Claim Manager
Travelers/Northland
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I come from a working class family and grew up watching my parents work long hours at really physically intense jobs. While I admired their work ethic, I was inspired to find a different path.
I had to work full time while in school to pay my own way. I tried to find work that would provide technical training I could leverage as a career or trade.
When I got my first job in an insurance claim office taking claims overnight with USAA, I took advantage of any opportunity to learn a new line of business or take on additional responsibilities.
I worked my way up from loss intake to analyst. Changed companies twice and bumped to technical specialist and then to a leadership role.
While taking on expanding responsibilities I have all but eliminated the phrase "that's not my job" from my vocabulary. I never stop learning / stretching and you have to be open to new challenges.
I continue to take on projects and lateral position changes to gain exposure to other lines of business. It helps me gain technical skills and stand out as a subject matter expert in various areas.
I volunteer with and lead a diversity network in my company. It helps me build and maintain my leadership skills and connect with people across the company outside of my business unit.
Education
High School
North Canyon HS
North Canyon HS
Career
Claim Manager
I lead a team of claim professionals who investigate and resolve commercial transportaiton liability claims.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Law
Problem Solving
Day to Day
No two days are the same but I spend a lot of my day coaching and mentoring employees on my team. I ask questions, propose solutions and help them problem solve so they can resolve claims. I respond to complaints and escalated situations that come up through the course of my team's customer interactions to facilitate understanding and resolutions for customers. I also evaluate the work my team does and give them feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Develop an understanding of the different lines of insurance there are and which lines may interest you. Research insurance companies through their websites and public profiles on LinkedIn to see what opportunities exist in your desired location / business line. Look for positions within that company in that business area that are entry level and post for jobs. If available, reach out to the hiring manager or talent acquisitions contact to do an informational interview about the department / job.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Insurance work is boring and you won't be able to do creative or interesting things in that industry. Get used to mindless work if you pursue a career in the corporate world and especially insurance."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
