Insurance Reputation Reset: How to Pass the Gen Z Vibe Check

Gen Z wants purpose driven careers, and insurance delivers exactly that. Why does the industry still get overlooked?

The insurance world often gets painted as outdated, yet the reality is far more compelling. This industry has always been anchored in purpose. Agencies help families rebuild after loss, protect local businesses from risk, support communities through crises, and steady people during some of life’s biggest curveballs. The work matters in ways many careers never touch.

Gen Z is not demanding a reinvention. They just want to know the industry operates efficiently and isn’t relying on systems that belong in a museum exhibit.

Sophia Fulgham,a second-generation industry professional at Integrity Insurance, shared that she once assumed the job would be boring and monotonous. Instead, she found mentors she related to and work that changes on the daily. 

By understanding the assumptions Gen Z has about the insurance industry, we can directly address the myths and reframe them with an accurate, modern reality.

Insurance Careers: Myths versus Reality

Real Impact. Real People. Real Outcomes.

Purpose is already at the heart of insurance. Gen Z wants careers where their contributions have meaning, and insurance naturally delivers that. 

Whether in personal or commercial lines, Gen Z is motivated by the meaningful, human impact of their work. Protecting businesses against risks like property damage, lawsuits, and workers compensation to the individual who needs to protect their home, Gen Zers appreciate tying the impact they are making to help clients thrive.

Sophia highlights this sense of purpose in insurance, “I love getting to walk alongside my clients. Insurance can feel confusing or intimidating, and I enjoy being able to talk through the details and help people feel confident in their decisions. And when a claim happens and a client realizes they are protected because of the work we did together, that is incredibly fulfilling.”

The industry wins here, but often quietly. By elevating real stories of claims support, community involvement, and behind the scenes roles that protect people every day, organizations can make their purpose more visible. In addition to day to day operations in the office, this idea carries outside as well. At AEBetancourt, for example, we have a committee dedicated to organizing philanthropic events that reflect our values and strengthen our connection to the community. It is genuinely rewarding work that reinforces the impact our teams make both inside and outside the organization.

So Many Career Paths. It’s Kinda Wild.

Gen Z is ambitious, but they want advancement that is transparent and achievable. Insurance offers strong mobility, long term earning potential, and countless specializations, yet candidates often cannot see those paths at first glance.

Sophia says, “Everyone needs insurance, so this makes it a practical career choice, and there are countless paths you can take within the insurance industry. There are also many opportunities in insurance right now. Our generation has the chance to learn from those who have been in the industry much longer, and shape where the industry is headed in the future.”

Organizations can close that gap with clear career paths, skill based progression visuals, and modern training options. Structured mentorship and clarity around compensation help candidates understand what growth really looks like. 

Keep the Vibe Alive

Culture is where Gen Z pays close attention. Authenticity, wellbeing, and open communication matter. The insurance industry already has a strong foundation, shaped by stable employment and team oriented work that naturally fosters empathy and connection.

There is also unique pressure in this industry when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Supporting clients is deeply meaningful work, but it can also be draining. Acknowledging that reality is an important part of building a healthy workplace.

To elevate culture, companies are modernizing communication tools, prioritizing wellness resources, updating technology that shapes daily work, and strengthening recognition practices. These are the same practices we see our best clients doing as they build environments where employees feel valued, not just counted. At AEBetancourt, our vision and values committee brings this focus to life through initiatives centered on wellness, philanthropy, professional development, and team events, ensuring support extends beyond the work itself.

Insurance Offers What Gen Zers Want 

The insurance industry already aligns with what the next generation wants: purpose, growth, stability, and meaningful connection. With the right strategic approach, the task now is for agency leaders to show Gen Z-ers a career that is modern, mission driven, and genuinely rewarding. The industry has always embodied these lasting and purposeful core qualities. The next step is making sure emerging talent sees it.

Let’s find your next high performer. Provide us with a position of need and your key market(s), and we will create a free, personalized talent pool report. You will learn about the number of open roles in your local markets, which competitors are employing top performers, and individual hires your competitors made in 2025. We will walk you through the report and provide strategic advice on how to secure this talent.