Underwriting Trainee

IFG Companies; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Flexible spending account

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Vacation and PTO

Job summary

IFG Companies is seeking an Underwriter Trainee to join a structured program building skills in commercial underwriting, sales and professional development. You will gain exposure to wholesale brokers across the U.S. and progress toward a full underwriting role.

The role emphasizes training across GL, Excess and Inland Marine, with mentors guiding your progression and regular coaching to close knowledge gaps while you develop independently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in insurance, risk management, economics, or related field required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ability to learn other business apps.
• Preferred: summer internship or leadership experiences.

Responsibilities

• Complete structured underwriting curriculum across GL, Excess and Inland Marine.
• Attend training sessions and complete progressively challenging assignments and assessments.
• Coordinate with mentors for on-the-job exposure in account management and risk review.
• Develop knowledge in underwriting principles, risk assessment, pricing and broker relationships.
• Support underwriters in crafting solutions for small and middle market clients.
• Participate in coaching and mentor check-ins to transition to a production underwriting role.

Skills

Attention to detail

Academic excellence

Reliability

Interest in insurance

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Coaching adaptability

Multitasking

Team oriented

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in insurance, risk management, economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Word

SharePoint

Copilot

Job description

The Underwriter Trainee ("Trainee") participates in the commercial underwriting trainee program of IFG Companies ("Companies"), building foundational skills in technical underwriting, sales and professional development while gaining direct exposure to wholesale insurance brokers across the U.S. The Trainee follows a structured on-the-job program that combines formal curriculum with real-world application across key lines of coverage, including General Liability, Excess Liability and Inland Marine. This opportunity is suited for recent graduates and early career professionals with an interest in commercial insurance underwriting and a commitment to professional development.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING

• Completing a structured underwriting curriculum covering GL, Excess and IM, including self-study modules, facilitated training sessions, case studies and real-world application exercises.
• Attending virtual and in-person training sessions and satisfactorily completing progressively challenging underwriting assignments, case studies and gated assessments throughout the program.
• Coordinating with Companies’ mentors for structured on-the-job exposure, gaining hands‑on experience in account management, submission review and risk assessment.
• Developing key knowledge benchmarks in underwriting principles, risk assessment, pricing and strategic relationship management with wholesale insurance brokers.
• Supporting the Companies’ underwriters in developing insurance solutions for a wide range of small and middle market clients.
• Participating in regular coaching and mentor check‑ins to track progress, address knowledge gaps and prepare for transition into a full production underwriting role.
• Performing other duties, as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Meticulous and disciplined attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy in all underwriting work.
• Strong academic performance and demonstrated intellectual curiosity.
• Consistent work ethic and reliability in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Enthusiastic and passionate about the insurance industry, with a genuine interest in commercial underwriting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to build rapport with brokers, mentors, and colleagues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey underwriting rationale clearly and professionally.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and apply sound judgment to underwriting decisions.
• Humility and the ability to receive constructive feedback, adapting quickly to coaching and mentorship.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines, functioning with increasing independence as the program progresses.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external broker partners.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g. Excel, Word, SharePoint) and the ability and willingness to learn the Companies’ proprietary systems.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college/university, with a major or coursework in insurance, risk management, economics, actuarial science, or related fields.
• Required: Proficiency with Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Copilot and the ability to learn other business applications.
• Preferred: Industry‑related summer internship or work experience.
• Preferred: Demonstrated leadership, teamwork and a positive attitude toward learning through academic, extracurricular or work experiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position is hybrid and requires the ability and the willingness to work in an IFG Companies office at least three (3) days per week if residing within one-hour commuting distance.
• Physical demands are considered those of a climate‑controlled office environment with minimal physical exertion.
• Position requires prolonged sitting, extensive utilization of computers and interactions with others in person and via phone.
• Position requires the ability and the willingness to travel when required to meet business needs.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000. Additionally, the position may be eligible to earn incentive compensation.

IFG Companies offers competitive compensation and benefits, currently including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation and other paid time off.

WHY IFG COMPANIES

Founded in 1985, IFG Companies is one of the oldest privately held insurance groups in the United States. It combines a specialty‑carrier focus with long‑term stability and thinking, while promoting a culture of underwriting rigor, collaboration, strategic thinking, superior technology and strong producer partnerships.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

IFG Companies is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.