LETTERS: Insurance studies is one of the programmes that have been offered in local universities and institutions. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNiSZA) are some of the universities that have listed this programme under its flagship.
The insurance industry offers many job opportunities to the graduates. This sector has a lot of potential as it not only offers a variety of positions in the insurance companies and insurance agencies, but it also extends to adjusting business, broking business as well as risk management.
In addition, this sector is not limited to life insurance but also includes general insurance business.
However, many parents discourage their children from pursuing a diploma or degree in insurance. They tend to associate the term "insurance" with being an "agent". Being an agent is an individual's choice and it does not represent the insurance studies as a whole.
Many people are not familiar with other job opportunities the programme has to offer upon completion of insurance studies. In society, the job of life underwriter, loss assessor, risk analyst, lost adjuster or insurance broker are some of the occupations that have received little exposure and attention. These jobs require specific skills and knowledge.
Lack of awareness about the insurance industry could also be one of the factors that contribute to the perception that it has few job opportunities other than being an insurance agent. To overcome this, all students should identify job opportunities that would be offered in relation to their studies beforehand.
Discuss with your parents, teachers, counsellors or any reliable person who has expertise and knowledge pertaining to insurance studies. Do not make an impulsive decision without proper planning. Always be rational.
JOEAIZA JUHARI
DR NORAZNIRA ABD RAZAK
Senior Lecturers
Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Melaka
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times