Beepat noted that insurance remains one of the most overlooked career paths among young professionals despite its broad relevance across every sector of the economy.

“Insurance is one of the most underestimated professions, yet it plays a critical role in the functioning and stability of modern society,” Beepat said. “It supports economic growth, facilitates investment, enables entrepreneurship, and provides individuals and businesses alike with the confidence to pursue opportunities while managing risk. Young people who are seeking a profession that combines intellectual challenge, professional and personal development and long-term relevance should seriously consider insurance.”

She pointed to a growing talent gap across the global industry as a significant opportunity for the next generation.

Industry studies cited by the United States Chamber of Commerce indicate that approximately 50 per cent of the current insurance workforce is expected to retire within the next 15 years, creating significant demand for new talent across disciplines including underwriting, broking, claims management, actuarial science, compliance, risk management and data analytics. 

“The industry is at a notable tipping point,” Beepat said. “As experienced professionals retire, there is an increasing need for talented young people who are prepared to build expertise and assume leadership roles. This is not simply about filling vacancies; it is about shaping the future of an industry that underpins economic activity and financial security.”

Glaves-Hucey agreed, noting that many young people are unaware of the diversity of opportunities available within the profession.

“Ask a room of Jamaican teenagers what they want to become, and you will hear doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur or content creator,” she said. “Rarely will someone say underwriter, claims specialist or actuary. Yet these are professions that are increasingly in demand and offer rewarding careers for individuals with the right skills and mindset.”

She said the modern insurance industry relies on far more than traditional financial knowledge.

“Today’s insurance professionals need expertise in areas such as technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, customer experience, legal services and risk assessment,” Glaves-Hucey explained. “The profession continues to evolve alongside the risks facing society, and that creates opportunities for people with a wide range of interests and talents.”

According to Beepat, one of the industry’s greatest strengths is the transferability of its skills.

“Insurance is truly a global profession,” she said. “The technical expertise developed in this industry is recognised around the world. Professionals who invest in their education and pursue recognised qualifications can build careers across the Caribbean and internationally. It is a field that offers both local impact and global opportunity.”

She added that there is room within the profession for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds.

“Whether your strengths lie in mathematics, business, economics, technology, communications or law, there is a place for you within the insurance sector,” Beepat said. “The industry thrives on different perspectives and multidisciplinary expertise.”

From Entry-Level Roles to Executive Leadership

Both GK executives speak from personal experience, having built successful careers in an industry they had not initially planned to enter.

Beepat has spent decades building expertise across the industry. Today, she leads AIB the first subsidiary of GKFG and the number one insurance brokerage in Jamaica, while contributing to the development of the profession through her role as a director of CIPS.

“I did not begin my career with aspirations of working in insurance,” Beepat reflected. “What I discovered was an industry that rewards continuous learning, professional excellence, and strategic thinking. It has provided opportunities for growth that have exceeded my expectations, and I believe many young people would be surprised by what the profession has to offer.”

Glaves-Hucey’s journey has been equally transformative. She entered the industry as an executive assistant and, over more than two decades, rose through the ranks to become a Chartered Insurer, Attorney-at-Law and the Senior Executive responsible for GKFG’s general insurance operations across Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.

“I did not grow up dreaming of insurance. Almost nobody does,” Glaves-Hucey said. “But I discovered an industry where curiosity is currency. Insurance rewards people who can analyse, communicate, negotiate, and solve problems. Those are skills that will always be valuable.”

Building Jamaica’s Future Resilience

For Glaves-Hucey, the importance of attracting young talent to the industry extends beyond workforce needs.

She noted that as Jamaica and the wider Caribbean continue to face increasingly complex climate-related risks, the demand for professionals who understand risk management and financial resilience will become even more important.

“Every hurricane season reminds us that the Caribbean cannot develop without effective risk protection,” Glaves-Hucey said. “Insurance professionals play a vital role in helping families, businesses and communities recover and rebuild after loss. It is meaningful work that contributes directly to national development and resilience.”

Beepat echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the broader societal value of careers in insurance.

“At its core, insurance is a profession built on service, responsibility and trust,” she said. “The work we do helps people navigate uncertainty and recover from adversity. Young professionals who enter this field are not only building rewarding careers; they are contributing to the strength and sustainability of our economies and communities.”

Beepat and Glaves-Hucey are encouraging students and young professionals to pursue subjects such as mathematics, economics, business, information technology, and communications, while exploring professional qualifications offered through institutions such as the Chartered Insurance Institute and local industry training bodies. They also urged young people to seek internships, mentorship opportunities, trainee programmes and entry-level positions with insurers, brokers, and financial institutions.

“You do not need to have every answer before you begin,” Glaves-Hucey said. “What matters is a willingness to learn, the discipline to grow, and the confidence to pursue opportunities. The insurance industry is looking for the next generation of talent, and that opportunity is available right now.”