"What would you be doing if you weren't in the benefits industry? What do the two careers have in common that make them appealing and a good fit for you?"

Language gaps

I enjoyed answering this question because it caused me to reflect on what I've always known: I would have been an interpreter. I was actually in the middle of applying to graduate school to obtain a Master of Arts in Conference Interpretation when the opportunity to finish my last year in college in France presented itself and I headed for this experience instead.

How does that compare to working in the employee benefits industry, where I ultimately have spent the majority of my working life? It's so similar, because benefits involves learning a complicated, nuanced language that must be interpreted for the client. "I speak insurance" is something I commonly say to my prospects and clients, allowing them to feel relieved. When you consider all of the technical jargon, and even explaining common terms like deductibles, copays, out-of-pocket maximums, slim networks and HSAs, it is truly a foreign language for the consumer. So, ultimately, I became that interpreter, and am very happy and satisfied that I chose this field.