However, most regional life insurance offices deal predominantly with sales, not underwriting. Property and casualty underwriters also work in home offices, but more work for agencies or regional branch offices, where they have the authority to underwrite risks and determine an appropriate rating without consulting the home office. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement For beginning underwriting jobs, many large insurance companies prefer college graduates who have a degree in business administration or finance, with courses or experience in accounting. However, a degree in almost any field plus courses in business law and accounting provide a good general background. Basic familiarity with computers is also needed.
Some companies also hire persons without a college degree for underwriter trainee positions.
In addition, some high school graduates who begin as underwriting clerks may be trained as underwriters after they demonstrate an aptitude for the work. In the property and casualty industry, ratings clerks sometimes advance to underwriter jobs through their skill and experience in researching risk and setting rates. Underwriter trainee or assistant underwriter is the typical entry-level position for this occupation. Beginners may help collect information on applicants and evaluate routine applications under the close supervision of an experienced risk appraiser. Property and casualty trainees study claim files to become familiar with factors associated with certain types of losses.