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MBAs currently face a unique challenge, says Liberty Mutual’s director of recruiting for professional programs, Ann Nowak. Many are finding fewer opportunities in their anticipated career paths—investment banking or consulting—meaning they need to expand their horizons. One sector where MBA skill sets are in demand is the insurance industry, and Nowak says Liberty Mutual continues to recruit fresh-faced MBAs for their Corporate Development Program. Just be sure you’re prepared to personally wow the CEO.

What roles will MBAs find in insurance?
All of the same core business functions that you’d find in any business. For instance, if you’re into investment banking, we have a very strong investment group. If you’re into risk management, we do that too. You’ll be able to use the same analytic skills you learn as an MBA, just in a role specific to insurance.

What opportunities does Liberty Mutual offer?
One is the Corporate Development Program (CDP), which moves MBAs into management positions within our business. Those can include roles in operations, marketing, finance—anywhere they “click” while they’re here. We also have direct-hire positions in finance, marketing, IT product management, and operations. We make every effort to ensure we’re efficient and able to implement organizational changes, and MBA knowledge helps us with that.  

Do you anticipate hiring the same amount of MBAs as last year?
Yes. The CDP that I work with targets 15 graduates each year, and it’s no different this year.

Is the program more selective this year?
The program is already selective because it’s so small, and our criteria haven’t changed. While there are more candidates this year, we really try to look through every single resume, and it’s a matter of how the candidate presents him or herself.

So what kind of applicant stands out?
Someone who shows us up front that they know who we are, what our values are, and what we do. It’s important to know what kinds of skills are involved in our operations, and demonstrate that you have those skills and are a good match. Candidates for the CDP interview with the CEO, and he’s definitely looking for someone who understands the insurance business and knows what it means for their career path. Someone who can articulate all of that is an ideal candidate.

What’s unique about working at Liberty Mutual?
Many MBAs tell me they want a challenge, and we provide that. MBAs won’t finish learning once they leave campus because they’ll continue to learn here. We’re also in a very customer-service focused business, so people can make an impact. Our mission statement includes “helping people lead safer, more secure lives.”

In this economy, our financial strength and longevity make us a good choice. Our program has been around for 12 years so we understand the value MBAs can bring.

How can MBAs get ahead in the insurance industry?
I think that getting in front of an employer, face to face, is pretty critical, whether it’s through a job fair or campus event. You can also attend some insurance industry events and conferences, for example, the Risk and Insurance Management Society Annual Conference, which is the industry’s largest with hundreds of exhibitors. The people you talk to may be the people filling positions, and it will really demonstrate that you care and know about the industry.