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

The consultant I admire most in our office is Kevin. The reason for this is his work ethic, especially at the beginning of his career. As a new producer (my future?) you have to go through some especially challenging times and tons or rejection. In the span of a few year Kevin rose through the ranks to become the number two benefits producer nationally at Gallagher. When I asked him about making calls he honestly responded that he hates making them, but at first you just have to grind your teeth and get through it. I admire that attitude.

On a side note, I had an AWESOME week in Itasca as Tony can attest to. It was really motivational and made me really believe in what we do and my future role in the company. That is not to mention the insane cast of characters that I spent the last week with. Unforgettable times.

Best,

Rick in Seattle

So things are cruising right along here in Seattle.  I have been extremely busy putting together work force evaluations for our analyst and broker teams the last week and I really hope that the WFE tool is found to be useful at the WR conference in Vegas.

For a little background on me personally, I go to the University of Washington in Seattle and I was born and raised in Chicago.  I am a diehard Chicago sports fan and am STOKED that the Cubs are playing in Seattle tonight.  Needless to say I will be there. I am 21-years-old and am majoring in Business with a concentration in Marketing.

I hope all of you are having a great time in Itasca.

Rick

Well I am back. I’m looking forward to working with the new Western Region interns on their projects and answering any questions or concerns you all may have. This year is far different for me. Instead of rotating my way around the office and leaning the different departments, I am working on launching our voluntary benefits program to the Western Region and also creating some Work Force Evaluations with our analyst team. Additionally I will be working with Tony from Sacramento on a telemarketing project, visiting clients with our producers and working with the other Seattle intern on a social media project. I hope everyone is well and enjoying their summers.

- Rick in Seattle

Perhaps the 2010 GBS Intern’s parents have told them about The Mama’s and The Papa’s but this coming Monday – June 7th – is a big day for all of them, as they begin their nine-week journey with us. You will be hearing from the 11 first-year intern in the Western States as well as from Tony (in Sacramento) & Rick (in Seattle) who are back for the second year of the program. They will tell you about their experiences, their backgrounds, where they go to school, why they chose the Gallagher internship program and much more.

We hope that will interest you and perhaps get you or someone you know to apply for our 2011 program – it’s never too early to start planning!

- Simon in Sacramento

Things are winding down here in Seattle but the work is still coming.  This last week my main focus has been on a bidding project for our suite of voluntary benefits (BenefitsBUFFET).  For the first time we are sending the entire buffet out to bid and we are hoping that the carriers will not only lower their rates, but that they will present us with some new offerings to add to the buffet.

Also, as I will talk about in the conference call, I have begun making calls.  After customizing my own script/survey, I have had some success obtaining  information.  In fact, I might have hit the jackpot with one prospect.  I am going to be making a follow-up call today that might result in a booked meeting.

Finally, to finish off my time here, I have been working on a presentation I will be giving to the office management next Tuesday.   It really is weird that after today I will have just SIX days left at Gallagher.  Scary how fast it has been.

- Rick