The idea of contemplating what exactly I will be doing after completing the internship program is daunting, scary, and exciting. No doubt this program allowed me to gain valuable skill sets that can be applied to a varying fields and sectors. The analytical and technical skills are essential in almost any industry. These tools, coupled with the communicating and consulting aspects, allow me to become a valuable asset in not only the job market, but also in graduate school work.

Having recently completed my undergraduate degree at UCLA, several options are available for me to pursue. Of these, two primarily protrude: law school and employment. Law school has always been a path of interest for me; however, having worked for a law firm for a year and a half and experiencing the culture, the life-work balance is not encouraging. If the employment track is chosen, whether it be an opportunity with Gallagher or elsewhere, higher education (such as an MBA) some time in the future is almost a certainty.

Regardless of the path taken, I’m confident in my abilities, and more so now than ever before, which is attributable to the Gallagher Summer Associate Program.

Thanks,

Ari in Los Angeles

A successful producer in my office is Rodney B. Rodney makes his quota every year, he has been to 3 award conferences, and has been in the top 20 in GBS, several times. He credits his success to working in a good office, which is generous and focused on cross selling.

His advice on how to be a successful producer is:
- Honesty
- Humility
- Confidence
- Be comfortable with your self.
- Strong work ethic (show up to work prepared and focused)

Rodney is easy going, he does not believe in a hard sale, he takes a consultative approach. He is comfortable in leadership roles and enjoys mentoring and helping people.

Vladimir GBS Los Angeles

Semper Fi

After the internship, I plan on working as a producer with GBS here at the Fresno branch.  I know this is the company I want to be with, and the profession I want to immerse myself in.  Although it is not finalized yet, it looks as though my wish will come true.  Before the internship, I already knew I wanted to work here.  My experiences during the internship have confirmed that this is where I want to make my home (by that, I don’t mean sleeping under my desk, I just mean that this is where I want to establish a career).

-Paul in Fresno

I must start by saying that I can’t believe my time with GBS is almost over! I feel like I still have have so much to learn- although I have learned an incredible amount already. Cold calling has been going…okay. I have had absolutely no problem yet with gate keepers, however I never call a company that I don’t have a point of contact with. I’m also learning to grow thicker skin. Part of me wants to assemble a slide show with pictures of puppies to watch after I’m done with the calls (joking…but seriously).

This week I’m with sales and marketing and am loving it although my heart still rests with producing.

This internship has been amazing so far- with so much reform coming, it has been quite an opportunity to stand in the middle of everything and grasp these changes for myself. I would never get this type of education in school. Gallagher has been an amazing opportunity and has truly motivated me to procure further employment with GBS. I am so lucky.

Veronica, from the Bellevue branch

It is unbelievable how fast these internships go.  It seems like just yesterday I was being shown my cubicle and now over a year later I am about to wrap up Gallagher internships forever.

Anyway, to answer the question posed to us this week, I absolutely feel like a career as a broker/salesperson is for me.  I love to manage my own schedule, I actually enjoy and thrive in pressure situations, I love interacting with people and making a lot of money if you are good isn’t so bad either.

If this internship has helped me learn anything about myself it is that this job is for me.  All the way.  I love being able to sell a service as complex and important as this and I feel as though my skill set could make me very successful.

I booked a meeting cold-calling the other day and I am feeling pretty good about that as well.

I hope you are all having a great summer.

Best,

Rick in  Seattle

Week 6’s blog topic, although multifaceted, can be addressed when its various niceties are broken down.

My thoughts about the industry and the consulting world are primarily based on the fact that we are witnessing history in the making. During our young adult years, we are experiencing landmark historical events in the form of legislation with the coming of financial and health care reforms. With the convoluted and intricate caveats of the two latest reforms, understanding and complying with federal legislation is going to be an incredible challenge. Consequently, Gallagher consultants are going to be in demand more than ever. The knowledge and expertise of the consultants are going to help advise clients towards the appropriate decisions that will be most beneficial for them and their employees, while making sure to remain compliant.

Based on my experiences thus far, along with how I perceive my personality, I see myself treading a fine line between the analytical and consulting paths. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity of being involved with both sides of the consulting realm, and have enjoyed both thoroughly.

Have a great weekend!

– Ari in Los Angeles