Young people coming into the local insurance sector have begun to rewrite this industry's history. Take a look at The Insurance Apprentice competition for example; in the past six years they have seen an equal split in male and female winners, which, for an industry that is historically known to be predominantly male, is quite telling.

The local insurance industry has done well to open up spaces for previously marginalised groups, and women specifically as the group in the spotlight this month.

Though we must continue to thrive for inclusivity and diversity, it is also worthwhile to step back and observe how far we've come. Our industry currently offers opportunity for all, regardless of one's gender, and we are seeing more and more women taking up these opportunities and developing themselves.

The Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) offers professionals within the sector the skills and knowledge to be ready when opportunity comes knocking as well as to be equipped when looking for opportunity.

While it is true that the opportunities abound in the industry, who gets them and who doesn't is not a matter of gender but of individual character, passion and determination. Here are a few things that can help set you apart in your pursuit of these opportunities:

All genders should upskill
Getting into any career and assuming that the knowledge you attained while studying will carry you through until retirement is short-sighted to say the least. Professionals who see the bigger picture and have a genuine passion for the industry and those they serve will find ways to improve themselves in order to improve their sector. Upskilling sets you apart, it tells of your character as well as your work ethic and vision.

All genders should focus on Continuing Professional Development
Upskilling and professional development is not a once off thing, more so now in a world that is changing, what we knew yesterday may not be relevant for tomorrow. This is why continuing professional development is important. We need to remain in a constant state of learning if our industry is to continue growing in an upward trajectory. This requires men and women within the industry to lock hands, it is no one gender's responsibility and it is not prescribed to one gender above the other.

All genders should aspire to become a Fellow
The IISA awards professional designations to qualified practitioners within the industry, and the Fellow designation is the highest award. It is an aspirational level among IISA members because it is a testament of the highest knowledge and experience within the sector. It lets those who come in contact with the Fellow know that here is a man or a woman who regards their career and profession with the utmost care and respect. For clients it communicates that you have them at the centre of what you do and care enough to improve yourself to the ultimate designation in order to give them the ultimate service.

There are no doors within this sector and the opportunities to grow inside of it that can only be opened by one gender and not the other. For those professionals seeking to build solid careers in insurance, they would do well to grasp that any opportunity put on the table is theirs to take, regardless of their gender. Male and female, we encourage you to go for every opportunity that is aligned with your position in this sector.