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At that point, education becomes your single most important investment in yourself and your business. Genuine education is much more than merely fulfilling state CE requirements. It is a journey of stages, and the return is higher with each new level of commitment. Asking yourself the right questions can propel you through the most important stages of your career education. Answering them can set you apart as a true professional.

Stage 1: Enrichment

and broaden your knowledge of policies and coverages. Enrichment is also about decisions that affect your bottom line--"How do I make my education pay me instead of cost me? Is it current, and relevant to my own career path? Is it changing as fast as the industry? Are there sufficient choices and events readily available when I need them?"

Stage 2: Commitment

"Have I decided to make education a primary part of my career identity? Have I made commitments to myself and my colleagues to go beyond the one-shot wonders and easiest requirements? Have I decided to go beyond the expected and into the territory of excellence? Is my educational provider as committed as I am to quality?" Things are always changing in the industry and everyone needs to be flexible. Again, these questions don't make for commitment; the answers do.

Stage 3: Engagement

"Does my career education provide opportunities for me to expand into the realms of shared experience? Is there a community of learners I can join? Are the faculty members seasoned and available? Is academic quality something more than a promise and an integral part of the delivery?"

Looking Forward

We learn by hard knocks, luck, or education. The problem with hard knocks is that too many of them can weaken you. The problem with luck is that you can't control it. That leaves education as your best way to learn. It is your responsibility to demand the best. At The National Alliance, it is our responsibility to provide it.

"Education should take people places. In fact, education should take you further than you have ever been towards success and career fulfillment. It should tell you what is important and how to convey that to your clients. We think the classroom is the way to avoid the courtroom, and education is still your greatest investment," according to Founder and President William T. Hold, Ph.D., CIC, CPCU, CLU.

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research takes continuing education as seriously as you do. At every stage in our 42-year history, we have aimed well past the requirements.

-- 145,251 people have enrolled in the CIC, CRM, CISR and CSRM programs as well as the Dynamics Sales Training Program and The National Alliance Producer School.

-- Over 2,500 programs are conducted each year in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

-- Participants may choose to attend classroom or online sessions.

-- In-house programs are available for your team at your location.

-- Learning experiences are available in 4-hour, 8-hour or 2 day segments.

(The above piece is part of our continuing Insights series designed to highlight key products and services to our readers. This paid-for Insights was written and edited by Risk & Insurance® on behalf of our marketing partner. Additional Insights can be found on our Web site at www.riskandinsurance.com/.)

February 17, 2011

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