Better Hiring, Better Horizons Pursuing a career in insurance has been a challenging course for many people over the last handful of years, from entry-level to executive positions. A difficult economic climate and conservative hiring practices have led some to return to their studies, or even to seek jobs in new and unfamiliar fields.

But with several indicators suggesting that the tide may be turning on hiring trends, re-kindling passion for insurance is a wise move. In fact, a recent survey of insurers by The Jacobson Group found that fifty one percent of those surveyed plan to increase hiring in 2012; a number sure to revive hope in those who have been struggling to find the right placement.

With demand for underwriters, claims specialists, and tech experts rising in particular, scores of professionals are sure to find new opportunities in the year to come. As we work towards replenishing our workforce, developing new partnerships and products, and forging ahead in a calmer if not entirely pacified market, we're certain we'll have the pleasure of working with some of those who haven't had the best hiring luck in recent years.

We hope to help create many new careers – and to help bring enthusiasm for insurance back to a field we think is ready to thrive again. 
 

Could Water Battles be Ahead?  With international demand for oil causing plenty of turmoil between governments and businesses, it may be difficult to imagine a future in which other resources are more fiercely coveted. Yet a new report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in the United States makes it clear that fresh water –a resource in seemingly endless abundance in some nations-- will be a likely cause of conflict in years to come.

Already, disputes over water ownership and usage have wreaked havoc between India and Pakistan, Syria and Iraq, and Israelis and Palestinians. By 2040, the report suggests, such feuds will probably be far more widespread, as demand based on rising populations and development will rise well above available supplies. The ability to predict coming conflicts is something we feel should be treated with great respect, and this look into the future of water availability is no exception.

If we are to work together across our various borders and create a more secure, economically viable, and productive future, we must approach this and related issues with the utmost reverence and attention. Whether it's working on policies that encourage wiser water use, reaching out to clients with education and resources, or bringing water usage issues into the picture in our partnerships, it's our duty to help make tomorrow better.
 

Dutch Train Collision Delivers Lessons
Throughout the developed world, individuals and businesses alike sometimes take their safety for granted, observing world events with a perspective which suggests certain accidents and tragedies simply won't occur on their home turf.

This dangerous outlook is sometimes proven dramatically wrong, as it was recently in the Netherlands when two passenger trains were involved in a head-on collision. While so far the accident has claimed a single life and serious injuries are limited to less than fifty, the idea that such an accident could occur in Amsterdam is likely to catch many people off-guard.

Though the insurance world may not be capable of delivering direct victims and others affected by such tragedies from their physical and emotional challenges, we can certainly attend to the financial risks associated with such events.

Helping clients discover the importance of solid, quality policies is a large part of our work and our purpose. With the help of a global network of partners capable of bringing new insights about both the developed and the developing world to the table, we're confident that moving forward we can encourage individuals and businesses to recognize relevant risks and take appropriate action –overcoming the perilous belief that certain losses will never be personally sustained.
 

The Slow Uptake of Cyber Insurance

Companies like Sony and Citigroup are still reeling from the effects of high-profile hacking attacks that resulted in serious data breaches, yet according to a recent report from consultants Towers Watson, the vast majority of firms are still refusing to take out cyber insurance. The report notes that a mere one in four companies is actually following through on the increasing need for this type of protection by buying relevant policies.

With the costs of potential hacking attacks ranging from compensation to clients to handling major public relations campaigns and beyond, possible losses are considerable –in fact, the Ponemon Institute noted in a report last year that the average cost of an attack was nearly six million dollars.

Though it's certainly a positive thing that some companies have acted upon the need for cyber insurance, these numbers show that we have a long way yet to go in terms of convincing firms of how risky data security issues can be, and how important it is to acquire adequate protection.

As we band together with other strong members within this exciting global network, we're certain that the power of our collaboration will help spark new ideas and greater motivation to meet the insurance challenges of changing technologies.