Jefferson City, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Insurance is encouraging students, who are considering career options for their future, to choose a career in the insurance industry.  February has been designated as Insurance Careers Month by national insurance companies, trade associations and industry partners.

National data shows growth in virtually every sector of the insurance industry. According to an article published on the jobseeker website Monster, "People may not think of insurance as the most glamorous industry in America, but it does offer stability, challenge and growth in data rich, analytical careers."  

"The insurance industry offers a wealth of career opportunities for Missourians," said Missouri Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff. "With the industry continuing to grow and evolve, students preparing themselves to enter the job market should consider insurance as a career path."

The total number of insurance producers operating in Missouri has grown nearly 25 percent since 2009, from 119,064 to 147,688 today. Missouri has also seen an upswing in insurance agencies, growing from 12,849 in 2009 to 13,647 today. Missouri domestic insurers have also increased 11 percent since 2009, from 206 to 228. Missouri has a total of 2,005 insurers doing business in the state.   

With the insurance industry expected to see continued growth, high school seniors and college students, who are Missouri residents, are encouraged to apply for Missouri Insurance Education Foundation (MIEF) scholarships.

Four $1,500 scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors who will be full-time students in accredited Missouri colleges or universities and who plan to enroll in insurance, risk management or actuarial science courses. In addition, one $2,500 scholarship and five $2,000 scholarships are awarded to college juniors or seniors majoring in insurance or related courses in a Missouri college or university.

Additional instructions and applications for the scholarships are available on MIEF's website, mief.org. MIEF is a non-profit corporation formed to promote public insurance education. MIEF is guided by an all-volunteer board of directors, which includes representatives from the insurance, legal, academic fields and from the general public.