I interviewed Maggie Schwartz, a client solutions manager at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for my informational interview project. Schwartz graduated from Kansas State University in December 2019 and began her career at Gallagher in August 2020. I chose to interview Maggie because she works as a young professional in Kansas City and received a degree in Business Administration. I knew I could learn a ton by having a conversation with Maggie Schwartz.

Schwartz got hired at Gallagher, an insurance company, in August of 2020. She began her professional career during a global pandemic, which meant she had to learn a great deal of brand-new information over Zoom and email. “It was really hard to feel like I was doing my best at the beginning because everything was online, but everyone was struggling with the new work environment which helped,” Maggie said. As a client solutions manager, one of Maggie’s main responsibilities is to maintain relationships with current clients. When she started, she had to learn about her clients and the insurance market. One of the biggest things I got out of speaking with Maggie is that you should learn all you can in school, but some things must be learned on the job.

Before going into the workforce, I would like to do an internship. Schwartz did not do an internship but agreed that internships are a smart decision. They give you an idea of what your future daily life might be like. Internships also show people what they like and dislike about certain careers. Like me, Maggie worked a few parttime jobs while going to school. She told me that she uses some of the skills that she gained at her parttime jobs (Dillard’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods). Side jobs can teach you the importance of being reliable and being a team player. Parttime jobs can also teach you unexpected skills like the ability to make conversation with strangers and solve customers’ problems.

When I asked Schwartz for advice on how to get into the insurance sales field, she stressed the importance of researching companies before interviewing with them. It is impressive when an interviewee knows what the company does and what they stand for. Knowledge about the company also prepares the interviewee for what is ahead of them. You should apply for jobs at companies that you find appealing and likeable. Maggie also told me to practice interviews and presentations beforehand with friends to ease nerves. By being ready for the interview, you will be able to put your best foot forward and show the company what you are truly capable of.

To get ready for the workforce, I need to research fields that I am interested in. It is hard for me to choose what career I would like to have because there are so many options within marketing and sales. Maggie told me that to narrow down her options, she investigated several different fields and thought about which roles she could picture herself in. Next semester, I am going to apply for a marketing internship. Hopefully, the internship will give me a better idea of what I can see myself doing after graduation.

Interviewing Maggie taught me about what the daily life of a client solutions manager is like. She had to pass an exam to get the job she has; she must keep up with her knowledge on the insurance field and maintain relationships with several clients. Schwartz told me that a typical day in her life looks like responding to emails, talking to clients, and finding/ researching new leads. Her path to finding a career during a pandemic was not easy, but she says so far it has been worth it. Talking to Maggie Schwartz made me feel excited for what is ahead.