By Sarah Martin

Students taking conducted tours through the offices of insurance companies are often surprised at the number of different operations which have to be performed. Regardless of their interests, students are almost sure to find some job that appeals to them.

Almost all professions and skills are represented, with the possible exception of ministers. In addition to employing specialists in all phases of business administration, the insurance industry employs graduates from schools of engineering, law, medicine, agriculture, and journalism.

From liberal arts colleges, companies employ mathematicians and psychologists. The multitudinous functions performed in a life insurance company are organized into divisions, departments, and sections, toward the end of assuring that every operation essential to the business will be performed in an efficient manner.

The principles of administration of an insurance company are no different from those in any other business organization. There must be a clear definition of responsibilities and a delegation of authority. As in any other company, four types of organizational patterns are available; line, line and staff, functional, and committee. Read the rest of this entry »