August – Intern Spotlight

Intern Spotlight, Billy Malecki!

Meet Billy Malecki, our  summer intern at America’s Choice Insurance Partners! During his internship, Billy has demonstrated a strong work ethic and willingness to learn, making a significant impact on our team and our clients. Let’s take a closer look at Billy’s  contributions and the new skillsets he learned during his time with us.

What specific skills and knowledge did you gain during your internship?

During my internship at ACIP, I gained a wealth of skills and knowledge. I had extensive practice in customer service, ensuring that customers felt valued and well taken care of. My understanding of the insurance industry also deepened significantly; having started with no prior knowledge, I can now speak confidently on the subject. I gained invaluable experience with technology, including learning to use a scanner and efficiently utilizing Microsoft Excel. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to observe leadership and operations at a large-scale company, providing me with insights into effective management practices.

How did you contribute to the day-to-day operations of the insurance agency?

I contributed to the daily operations of the insurance agency by supporting the service team, helping alleviate their workload. My tasks included processing policy cancellations, verifying insurance documents, inputting claims into the CRM, and assisting customers with policy changes. This support was valuable to the ACIP team, and I also aided the sales team by contacting customers to help them find better prices for their home and auto insurance. This effort created more opportunities for the sales team and benefitted the agency as a whole.

 How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?

My internship aligned perfectly with my career goals and aspirations by providing extensive experience in a real-world work environment. I had the opportunity to come into the office daily, learn about leadership, and explore various aspects of office operations. Engaging directly with customers and assisting them enhanced my communication skills and comfort level. Observing and participating in leadership activities was particularly valuable, as I aspire to take on a leadership role in the future. This experience has significantly contributed to my professional development and preparedness for future leadership responsibilities.

Did you have the opportunity to interact with clients or assist in client-related activities? If so, can you share an example of a positive interaction or achievement?

Yes, I interacted with clients daily, assisting them with their Insurance needs. One notable success was when a client called in a panic because his insurance rate had nearly doubled. I quoted the client with over 10 different carriers until we found the best fit for him, ultimately cutting his rate in half and saving him thousands of dollars! This was a significant win, as I was able to help the customer and put him in the best possible position.

What did you learn about the insurance industry that you didn’t know before starting your internship?

During my time at ACIP, I gained an immense amount of knowledge about insurance. One of the key insights that stood out to me was how insuring an RV differs significantly from insuring a car. RV insurance involves multiple coverages and factors, such as liability coverage and total loss replacement, which were entirely new to me and highlighted their importance for the customer. Learning these distinctions made me realize the necessity of being informed about the product itself, not just the price, when it comes to insuring my own possessions.

 In what ways do you believe your internship experience has prepared you for your future career?

My internship has significantly prepared me for my future career in several ways. It boosted my confidence in establishing relationships with customers and handling objections. I also gained experience working in an office and corporate environment, learning meeting etiquette and how to use various office technologies. Within just three months, I developed a deep understanding of insurance, customer service, and business processes. This experience has made me feel more confident about working in different settings throughout my career.