Entering a niche industry can be intimidating. You’re already starting a brand new job, but in a specialized market there are even more complex specifics to learn.
Especially federal benefits, the terminology alone can seem like a language of its own.
But becoming a successful Federal Benefits Specialist isn’t just about what you know when you start.
It’s about the natural skills you bring to the table and your ability to keep learning and building your expertise throughout your career.
Here are five skills that can help you succeed in the Federal Benefits industry.
1. Communication
Federal employees have questions about their retirement, insurance, and benefits, and your answers can have a major impact on their future. A successful Federal Benefits Specialist needs to explain complicated information in a way that is easy to understand without coming across as condescending.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies communication skills as one of the most important qualities for insurance sales agents, who need to listen to clients and clearly explain policies and options.
2. Active Listening
This goes hand in hand with good communication. Every federal employee is at a different stage of life with varying years of service, not to mention their unique financial and family situation. The purpose of a Federal Benefits Specialist is you don’t give them the same answer to everyone, you consider what matters most to each individual.
Being a good listener allows you to ask better questions, more quickly identify needs, and have more productive conversations with the people you’re serving.
3. Analytical Thinking
Federal employees have to think about the programs they’re offered such as FERS, TSP, CSRS, and FEGLI. Each benefit has its own rules and limitations. OPM explains that FERS itself consists of three different sources of retirement benefits: the Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Successful specialists need to be comfortable reviewing information, comparing options, and thinking on the spot about how they can help clients understand how different pieces of their benefits fit together.
4. A Commitment to Learning
The Federal Benefits industry is not something you learn once and master forever. Rules, programs, and regulations are constantly changing, making continued education an important part of the job.
The BLS notes that insurance sales agents are expected to stay current with changes to government benefits programs, tax laws, and federal and state regulations.
You don’t have to know everything day one, you just need to be willing to learn and continue to teach yourself every day.
5. Relationship-Building Skills
At the heart of this career are people. Federal employees are looking for someone they can trust to listen to their concerns and give them genuine advice when making important decisions. When they find that someone, they will work with them throughout their career and even long after.
Having someone they can go to with any questions about their finances and retirement is priceless. Which is how building real relationships can turn a single conversation into a long-term professional connection.
Trust Your Innate Skills
You don’t have to come from a financial background to develop these skills. If you’re motivated, comfortable working with people, and willing to learn, the Federal Benefits industry could be right for you.
If you’re ready to see where your skills could take you, fill out the application form on our website to get in touch with someone on our team and explore a career as a Federal Benefits Specialist.
