The scoop on becoming an insurance broker – by Catherine St-Gelais, human resources assistant with Harmonia Assurance

How many years have you worked for Harmonia?

I started working part-time at Harmonia in 2016, while I was still taking accounting and management courses at a cégep. During that time, I performed various jobs at the firm, such as assisting the brokers and the accounting technicians and working as a receptionist during the summer. Since May 2019, I’ve held the position of human resources assistant while completing my bachelor’s degree in administration, human resources and occupational health and safety. I should officially become a human resources advisor when I graduate in December 2020.

How does Harmonia support you in balancing your work and your studies?

I currently work three days a week while studying full-time. The Harmonia team has always been very accommodating and flexible about my work schedule. They know I’m a student, and sometimes give me time off for my studies. I also organize my university life around my work – for example, when I have to do job interviews at one of our six branches in the region. 

What kind of applicants are you looking for at Harmonia Assurance?

Harmonia Assurance is the largest insurance firm in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and there is a high demand for employees, particularly as property and casualty insurance brokers. Clients not only want to receive services during the day, but also in the evenings, and we are constantly looking for suitable candidates for these full-time positions. Although there’s no ideal profile for a Harmonia Assurance employee, we are looking for people who share our values and who can adapt to change. This is important because the insurance industry is changing all the time! A commitment to customer service and business development is also crucial in our industry.

What are the advantages of working for an Abitibi-Témiscamingue SMB like Harmonia Assurance?

Harmonia has around 90 employees throughout the region. For me, it’s a bit like a family: we all know each other and there’s not much of a sense of hierarchy. I find that this aspect really strengthens the feeling of belonging to the firm. There are also plenty of opportunities for advancement since positions are usually posted in-house before being advertised externally. It’s a company with a human face that offers many opportunities!

What are the various ways of becoming a property and casualty insurance broker? 

To work as a property and casualty insurance broker in Quebec, you must be licensed by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). For candidates who aren’t already licensed, Harmonia offers paid personal insurance broker training four or five times a year. Selected applicants take four weeks of intensive training followed by a six-week internship, and then receive their license to practice. The steps to become a commercial insurance broker are basically the same, except that the intensive training lasts three months rather than four weeks. Both methods are excellent ways of getting a job with us! 

So, it’s possible to join Harmonia Assurance and become a property and casualty insurance broker?

Absolutely! We’re looking for applicants with insurance-related experience like sales or customer service. The AMF also has its own training prerequisites: individuals must either have a post-secondary degree or diploma, or be a high-school graduate with at least three years of full-time work experience within the last 10 years.

Could you tell us about a proud moment in your time working at Harmonia Assurance?

What I’m most proud of is completing my cégep diploma and then embarking on undergraduate studies, all while continuing to work part-time. I’ve learned a lot by working in a field related to my studies. When I graduate next December, I will already have worked in the industry for a year and a half. It’s been a tremendous opportunity for me but I’ve worked very hard to get here as well. 

Would you like to become an insurance broker? Our next training session starts in September. Sign up now!