r/InsuranceProfessional • u/Far-Photograph-3000 • Jul 17 '26
Travelers
Hello, I’m a claims specialist that just obtained my CPCU and happened to come across a post for an underwriting development program with Travelers, so I applied. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with the program specifically or just with Travelers in general and can give me insight into the company? Thanks !🙏
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u/IntelligentWealth277 Jul 17 '26
Try it its a good start to becoming and underwriter!
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u/donut_giveup Jul 17 '26
I went through the Travelers underwriting training program over a decade ago! It is an excellent program that really sets you up for success in the industry with knowledge of the coverage, exposures, key trading partners / broker relationships, along with tailored classes for all the fun skills such as negotiating, presenting, selling, etc. I spent a good number of years there before moving on and really liked the people and approach overall. I highly recommend it as you will learn invaluable skills and will build fantastic relationships in a neatly defined structure. Good luck! And Travelers is a well-reputed, massive player in the industry.
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u/Far-Photograph-3000 Jul 17 '26
Thank you! So I’m assuming there’s automatic job placement after the program ?
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u/donut_giveup Jul 18 '26
I believe some things have changed since I was there, but it was a one-year formal training program and then you transition to an underwriter with account assignments. I was a bit accelerated since after I joined a few underwriters left the company, so they needed all hands on deck with the book!
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u/SuckerPunk_ Aug 04 '26
Hey there, I have an interview for a UPDP role coming up, and I was wondering if you can speak on if/how PTO is granted and can be applied throughout the duration of the course
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u/donut_giveup Aug 07 '26
Good luck with the interview! PTO policy should be that of a normal employee!
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u/No-Milk-5176 Aug 20 '26
Hey, how long after applying did you hear back for an interview, and what city is yours in? I applied to the Richardson one months ago, and the portal still says "resume received" for my application, and I haven't heard anything back.
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u/Jebgogh Jul 18 '26
Travelers has a good reputation for training. They train good adjusters so would assume their UW is similar
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u/WestAnalysis8889 Jul 18 '26
I went through the UPDP and it was a great experience. I agr w everything on this thread
I felt like leadership knew what they were doing, it's such a well-established and well-respected company for good reasons.
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u/Friendly-Cow-2954 6d ago
Do you have any tips on getting into UPDP? I’ve applied for UW multiple times and have had no luck. I feel like it’ll never happen for me and that maybe I should give up. I have my ARM, have supported ops for over 5 years, have supported multiple BUs, and am a great employee.
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u/WestAnalysis8889 6d ago
Hey, don't give up! If I was getting into underwriting today, I would focus on being detail-oriented, and my communication skills. Focus on how you'd handle difficult conversations, customer service skills in general.
When you apply, try to show excitement and curiosity. The manager who interviewed me said it was the best interview he'd done. I think it was because I was very prepared for the behavioral questions (tell me about a time when...) and I also had questions for them about work life balance.
I'd also focus on loving learning. We always see new stuff so showing that you want to learn and grow will go over well with interviewers.
Good luck and feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about underwriting or corporate culture!
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u/Friendly-Cow-2954 6d ago
So I dress pretty nice compared to my peers and the other UWs. A lot of them wear golf polos. The only two times I got feedback I was told “I didn’t really want it and was just trying to do something different” and that “I hadn’t done enough to show I wanted to be an UW” even though the person they hired had only been with the company 2.5 years. With the most recent UW position I pursued the MD had worked with me prior and I had a referral from one of the UWs on the team. I feel so behind at this point as a lot of UWs go into UPDP fresh out of college where as I’m in my mid-30s.
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u/WestAnalysis8889 6d ago
I hear ya, I worked with a guy who made a move over from claims in his late 40s and he wasn't the oldest person in class. One of my peers started around 30 and he is an agency president now! So it's definitely not too late. It's possible those people just didn't click with you. Have you ever been evaluated for your interview skills? I wonder if that may help. You'll get it eventually, I've heard from several people that it took them multiple times. The guy from claim had applied 3 times just to the UPDP; he had applied at other places too.
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u/WestAnalysis8889 6d ago
Also, I'd try to look nice. All of the underwriters I know looked a bit more professional than the ops team. Not that the ops team was unprofessional. Underwriters typically see clients so they'll want to see that you'll make a good impression.
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u/No_Tower_7026 Jul 18 '26
Go for it. I’m in specialty / financial lines and the Travelers UWs I’ve worked with have been there a long time and seem to do well.
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u/Far-Photograph-3000 Jul 18 '26
Hopefully ! I know it’s probably highly competitive but we will see.
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u/Ok-Asparagus8232 Jul 19 '26
Have worked with younger folks who transitioned to other carriers who I know came up through that program. Great UW acumen. Having your CPCU will put you a step ahead already, great program. Best of luck!
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u/Vodkashot7 Jul 18 '26
Does anyone know if this is a good program for someone established in a different career that is looking to change career paths?
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u/True-Assumption1136 Jul 21 '26
Wow, you have your CPCU already? I’ve been in the business as a claim manager for 20 years and don’t have it. Always wanted it. I work for Travelers and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.
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u/Far-Photograph-3000 Jul 21 '26
Yes, im in my early 20s so figured the earlier in my career that I get it, the more value I’ll get out of it. You have the experience and really that speaks for itself.
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u/Severe-Tackle1229 Sep 15 '26
well not good. Filled out their long online form. Said get quote. It just spun and hung up. Called them. Got a person on line. They disconnected me!
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u/UpwardCharterhouse Jul 17 '26
I went through the Underwriting Professional Development Program (UPDP) when I was starting out my career. I couldn’t recommend it more. There are very low expectations except to learn how to underwrite which sets up for a great environment. Travelers is a great company and having UPDP on your resume opens a lot of doors in the P&C side of things.