When Derek Sparrow of Seven Springs experienced two heart attacks at the age of 42, he knew the long hours of truck driving were no longer suitable for him. He decided to go back to school to provide a more balanced life for him and his family, and Wayne Community College’s Risk Management and Insurance program gave him that opportunity.
As a local truck driver, Sparrow worked 12+ hours a day, sometimes six or seven days a week. He spent a lot of time away from home and his family. “I was ready to slow down so that I could be home with my children and be more involved with what they were doing,” Sparrow said.
The desire to slow down turned into a necessity. In March of 2021, Sparrow underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Five days later, he experienced two heart attacks in the same day, requiring triple bypass surgery. The strenuous lifestyle of truck driving was no longer conducive to his health, so Sparrow had to consider other options.
He began looking into the insurance industry and decided to enroll in WCC’s Risk Management and Insurance program. “Insurance is steady. It’s something I’ve always been interested in,” said Sparrow.
Exploring the industry
WCC’s Risk Management and Insurance program gives students the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and growth in the insurance profession, preparing them to develop a plan for managing risks and hazards. The program includes coursework covering everything from claims adjusting and various types of insurance to accounting and business law.
Risk Management and Insurance graduates receive an associate in applied science degree and qualify for entry-level insurance positions in many types of organizations, including insurance agencies, accounting firms, small businesses, and banks. Insurance underwriters can expect to earn an average salary of $74,350 in North Carolina while claims adjusters bring in $68,140 and sales agents collect an average of $57,940.
A strong start
In October of 2022, Sparrow began working as an agent at Aflac’s Goldsboro district while still enrolled at WCC. He believes the program at WCC gave him a head start in his career and allowed him to grow and advance quickly. “It’s been an amazing career so far,” he shared, noting that his favorite part of his job is being able to help others.
The 100% online Risk Management and Insurance program was beneficial for Sparrow as he began his career while still a student. “There’s a lot of time that we spend reaching out to businesses, in meetings, and traveling, so having that flexibility to do my online classes at night really helped a lot,” he said.
Success at school
Sparrow enjoyed learning from the expertise of his WCC instructors, most of whom are still agents in the insurance industry. “My experience at WCC was amazing,” he said. “My instructors were great and always supportive.” Even after Sparrow graduated last fall, his former instructors have remained available to give advice or answer specific questions he may have on the job.
While studying at WCC, Sparrow got involved as a tutor with the Academic Skills Center and joined the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He was asked to be the student speaker at his graduation ceremony in December, something he considers an honor.
Reaching goals
Sparrow believes his time at WCC has helped give him the experience and confidence to grow within the insurance field. “I’d highly recommend getting into the Risk Management and Insurance program here at WCC,” he said. “You have all the resources you need, and it helps you get a jumpstart into the field and learn the industry.”
Now thriving in the career he set out to pursue, Sparrow is thankful for the work-life balance he enjoys as he spends more time with his family, something he says the College allowed him to do. “Without WCC, I would not be where I am today,” said Sparrow.
For more information on WCC’s Risk Management and Insurance program, visit the program’s webpage or contact Erin LeGrand at etlegrand@waynecc.edu or (919) 739-6880.