Making significant decisions that affect an individual's financial and protection planning requires a professional who possesses good judgment, business acumen and sound analytical skills. These skills and competencies are needed to identify and calculate the risk of loss from policyholders, establish appropriate premium rates and write policies that cover these risks. In making these determinations, the underwriter acts as the main link between the insurance carrier and the insurance agent/broker. Most underwriters specialize in one of three major categories of insurance:  life, health, or property and casualty.

MetLife underwriters understand that their work is not just about calculating numbers. Behind every strategy and action they take are people who will be affected by their decisions. For this reason, we encourage our underwriters to apply both their life and business experience to their decision-making. Given MetLife's global reach, an international perspective is always valuable in understanding a customer's unique needs. Additionally, we seek people who are flexible and creative strategic thinkers. Underwriting can be a rewarding career for anyone who enjoys analyzing complex and detailed information. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as much of the underwriter's work involves building relationships with agents and other insurance professionals. Many of our entry-level underwriters come to us with a degree in business administration or finance, others with courses or experience in accounting.