Alyssa Lane
Becoming a Desjardins insurance agent means becoming an independent insurance agent with the opportunity to start your own business. Desjardins Agents offer a range of insurance products, including auto insurance, property insurance, life insurance, and financial services. Candidates for the role should be business professionals who share the company's values of community, integrity, and customer focus. The recruitment process involves preparing a business plan, participating in a panel interview, and completing a paid internship. During the internship, candidates receive their license and gain hands-on experience working with a Desjardins Agent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Business type | Independent |
| Business ownership | You own the business, but operate under the Desjardins brand |
| Leadership | You are the CEO of your business |
| Team | You recruit, hire, coach and lead your own team |
| Business style | You shape your business with your own unique style and approach |
| Flexibility | You have the flexibility to balance work and life |
| Support | You receive significant support to manage business expenses |
| Internship | Paid internship with employee benefits |
| Signing bonus | $30,000 |
| Second-year bonus | $12,500 |
| Location | Desjardins Exclusive Independent Insurance Agents operate in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick |
| Products | Auto Insurance, Property/Casualty Insurance, Life Insurance, Living Benefits, Financial Services including Mutual Funds (RRSPs and RESPs) and Vehicle Loans |
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The recruitment process
Once you've been selected, you begin a paid internship with employee benefits. During the selection process, your recruiter will offer guidance on specific cost considerations for the market areas you're interested in. You don't have to quit your job to go through the recruitment process, but you may need to take some time off to complete it.
Before the internship, you'll apply the knowledge you gained through online learning. You'll prepare your own business plan with help from other agents and senior sales executives. Your assigned advisor will be there to help you. Afterwards, you'll participate in a panel interview to present the key points of your business plan and answer questions. The panel will determine whether you're ready to become an agent and join the pool of candidates. If you're approved, you'll join the candidate pool for a maximum of 5 years.
As an approved candidate, you can compete for available Desjardins Agent opportunities. When you apply, you may be invited for an interview and your qualifications will be reviewed. The internship is paid and full-time and lasts 5 to 8 months. You'll get your licence at the beginning of the internship. The program involves self-study, classroom training, and hands-on experience working with a Desjardins Agent.
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Business planning
To support you in this endeavour, Desjardins provides comprehensive training and development opportunities, including guidance in business planning. During the recruitment process, you will have access to online learning resources and the expertise of other agents and senior sales executives to help you prepare your business plan. This plan will be presented during a panel interview, where you will also answer questions about your proposed strategy.
As a Desjardins Insurance Agent, you will have access to a wide range of financial products and services, including personal services, business services, wealth management, and various insurance offerings. This diverse portfolio will enable you to cater to a broad client base and provide tailored solutions to meet their unique needs.
When developing your business plan, consider the products you want to focus on and how you will market and sell them. Think about your target audience and how you can reach them effectively. Will you primarily serve clients in your local community, or do you plan to expand your reach across the country? Remember that Desjardins Insurance Agents are currently operating in Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick.
Additionally, factor in the costs associated with starting and running your agency. These expenses may vary depending on factors such as the location of your agency (big city or small town) and the size of your team. Remember that as an independent agent, you will be responsible for managing these business expenses, although Desjardins provides significant support to help you navigate these financial aspects.
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Interviewing
The interview process to become a Desjardins insurance agent is a crucial step in the recruitment process. It involves a panel interview, where candidates are evaluated based on their business plan and overall suitability for the role. This panel holds the power to determine whether you proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Here's a detailed breakdown of the interviewing process:
Preparing Your Business Plan:
Before the interview, you'll need to prepare a business plan with the support of other agents and senior sales executives. This plan will be a key component of your interview, as you'll be expected to present its key points and strategies. Your assigned advisor will be available to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have during this process.
The Panel Interview:
The panel interview is a comprehensive evaluation of your business plan and your overall fit for the role of a Desjardins insurance agent. During the interview, you'll be expected to present the key aspects of your business plan and answer questions from the panel members. This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the insurance industry. The panel will assess your presentation skills, business acumen, and ability to articulate your ideas clearly.
Demonstrating Your Fit:
During the interview, it's important to highlight your alignment with Desjardins' values of community, integrity, and customer focus. As they are seeking business professionals who can maintain and grow their leadership position in the insurance and financial services industry, you should emphasise your ability to lead and manage a team effectively. Your entrepreneurial spirit and unique approach to business are also important factors that the panel will consider.
Interview Questions:
Be prepared to answer a range of questions during the panel interview. These may include inquiries about your previous work experience, your understanding of the insurance industry, and your sales and customer service skills. The panel may also ask behavioural questions to assess your problem-solving abilities, conflict resolution skills, and how you handle challenging situations.
Follow-Up Discussions:
After the panel interview, candidates who successfully demonstrate their potential may be contacted by the Agency Recruiting team for follow-up discussions. These conversations provide an opportunity to clarify any remaining questions and delve further into specific aspects of your application. It is a chance for both you and Desjardins to determine if there is a mutual fit.
Remember, the interviewing process is a two-way street. While Desjardins is assessing your suitability, you should also use this opportunity to gauge whether the role and the company align with your career goals and expectations. Ask questions, seek clarifications, and evaluate if Desjardins is the right fit for your professional journey.
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Training
Online Learning
The first step in your training involves online education. During this stage, you'll gain a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge about the insurance industry, products, and services. This flexible learning approach allows you to study at your own pace and acquire a solid understanding of the field.
Business Plan Preparation
Following the online learning phase, you'll apply your newfound knowledge by preparing your own business plan. This practical exercise is supported by other agents and senior sales executives, who provide valuable insights and guidance. Your assigned advisor will also be there to offer personalized assistance as you craft your business plan.
Panel Interview
After refining your business plan, you'll participate in a panel interview, where you'll present the key points of your plan and answer questions from a panel of experts. This interview serves as an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and showcase your ability to apply the concepts learned during online education.
Candidate Pool and Internship
Once you successfully pass the panel interview, you'll join a candidate pool for a maximum of five years. During this period, you can compete for available Desjardins Agent opportunities. If selected, you'll embark on a paid, full-time internship that lasts between five and eight months. This hands-on experience is a crucial aspect of your training, allowing you to apply your skills in a real-world setting.
Licensing
At the beginning of your internship, you'll obtain your license, which is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a Desjardins insurance agent. Having a license empowers you to legally provide insurance advice and services to clients.
Self-Study, Classroom Training, and On-the-Job Experience
Throughout your internship, you'll engage in a combination of self-study, classroom training, and on-the-job experience. This blended learning approach ensures that you not only gain knowledge but also develop the practical skills needed to excel as an insurance agent. The classroom training supplements your online learning, while the on-the-job experience provides invaluable real-world exposure.
Regional Director Support
As a Desjardins insurance agent, you'll have the backing of your local Regional Director, who provides support in various aspects of your business. This includes training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and leadership abilities. Your Regional Director will guide you in business planning and offer world-class marketing assistance to help you establish a strong presence in the insurance industry.
Expert Help and Resources
In addition to Regional Director support, you'll have access to expert help and resources provided by partners in underwriting, claims, and marketing. This ensures that you're well-equipped to handle the diverse range of tasks and challenges that arise in the insurance profession.
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Compensation
As a Desjardins insurance agent, you are the boss of your own business. You get to recruit, hire, coach and lead your own team. You can shape your business with your own unique style and approach. You will be provided with the flexibility you need to balance work and life.
As an independent agent under contract, you are responsible for all business expenses. However, Desjardins provides significant support to help you manage them. Once you have been selected, you begin a paid internship with employee benefits. When you sign your agreement to become a Desjardins Agent, you receive a $30,000 signing bonus and an additional $12,500 bonus at the beginning of your second year. During the selection process, your recruiter will offer guidance on specific cost considerations for the market areas you're interested in.
The amount you need to invest depends on a variety of factors, including whether you open an agency in a big city or a small town. You can earn auto and home insurance commissions, plus opportunities for variable and incentive compensation. You can also earn financial services commissions, plus opportunities for other incentive compensation.
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Frequently asked questions
As a Desjardins Insurance Agent, you will be able to start your own business and be your own boss. You will have the flexibility to balance work and life and shape your business with your own unique style and approach. You will also receive a signing bonus of $30,000 and an additional bonus of $12,500 at the beginning of your second year.
Desjardins is looking for business professionals who share their values of community, integrity, and customer focus. Candidates should be able to recruit, hire, coach, and lead their own professional team.
Candidates will first need to apply and may then be invited for an interview. If approved, they will join a candidate pool for a maximum of 5 years and can compete for available Desjardins Agent opportunities. Once selected, candidates begin a paid internship with employee benefits, lasting 5 to 8 months. During the internship, candidates will receive their license and participate in self-study, classroom training, and hands-on experience working with a Desjardins Agent.
