"I like the environment, particularly the people you get to work with."
Kate Tummers is a 2008 graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, with a degree in mathematics with concentrations in statistics and management studies. She was hired almost immediately after graduation as a casualty risk consultant. She and others in Collins' Analytical Services Department analyze insurers' books of business -- for example, the total value of all the properties insured by a company in a given area -- to estimate the financial risks posed by storms and other events. They also advise on reinsurance structures and programs.
"It's a level playing field when we're problem-solving, which gets everyone involved in the process of modeling the portfolios correctly," Kate said. "I have the opportunity to work with everyone, from the very new people to long-term employees."
Collins works through college placement offices to match high-caliber students with internship positions and to place recent graduates.
To learn more, read the commonly-asked questions below or contact Vibhu Sharma, executive vice president and chief operating officer, at 952-820-1022.
Q. What are the typical career tracks at Collins?
Most of our opportunities fall into the following functional areas:
Analytical services
Includes actuarial and statistical modeling positions
Client services
Includes business development, account management, and support positions
Technical support services
Includes accounting, claims processing, contract writing and information technology
Q. What educational background do I need to work at Collins?
Good training for the analytical track is an undergraduate degree in economics, math or statistics. A management degree, business or sales experience is good preparation for the client service side. And for technical support, experience or training in accounting, bookkeeping, underwriting or insurance contracts is helpful.
Q. What is the Collins culture?
As a growing leader in the reinsurance industry, Collins has great momentum and energy. The environment is fast-paced and casual: We're not weighed down by bureaucracy or organizational charts. Instead, you'll find ample opportunities to chart your own career course and develop your potential. Collins has 190 employees, and we're always interested in new talent.
Q. Does Collins provide training and development?
Yes. While Collins training opportunities and reimbursement policies vary according to individual positions, many employees take advantage of our classroom training sessions that provide a comprehensive overview of the insurance and reinsurance industry. We also offer technology training and reimburse a portion of insurance certification coursework.