u/CZ_Dragonforce

Hey all, I’ve been interested in pursuing underwriting. I come from a UX designer background and am pivoting into the insurance industry, as I find that to be more stable; I’ve been laid off twice as a UX designer before.

I’m looking into the certifications, specifically the AINS, and had several questions:

1. These are the beginning exams you take when pursuing underwriting? Once I pass the AINS 101, is that enough to apply for underwriter positions? Or is that only good for underwriter assistant positions?

2. On the Institutes website for AINS, I see that you take the core class AINS 101, but also a concentration course (AINS 102 and AINS 103) and an elective. Do you need to take AINS 102 + 103? The elective courses list had other courses but it looks like you just take one course.

3. Do you use existing flashcards on Quizlet or do you create your own? I’ve found some AINS 101 flash cards online but don’t know if it’s better if I create my own.

4. I took the free sample course for underwriting on the Institutes website. That is the official website for the study material for the exams right?

5. How stressful is underwriting generally? I am comfortable talking with clients or being in a somewhat social role as I have done so as a UX designer, but am also okay working solo. As a UX designer, I often worked late to meet tight client deadlines. Is underwriting a career where you can finish your tasks at around when you get off work?

Thank you so much!

I work part-time in the day in the insurance industry and am free after lunch. I have a design background and was a UX designer for several years and would like to continue honing my design skills.

I want to do pro bono volunteer design work for non-profits. My work states that any and all conflicts of interest must be disclosed as well as outside employment. Obviously I wouldn’t work or use my design skills for rival / competitors.

I looked at our Outside Employment policy, and it says any employment, including temporary or part-time jobs, must be disclosed. It says volunteer activities is not considered secondary employment though.

Pro bono graphic / UX designer work is considered volunteer work, right? It is unpaid and from my own free time. I’d obviously use my own personal laptop and Adobe / Figma account. I’m not sure if by “volunteer activities” they mean volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter. They did not specify.

I work part-time in the day and am free after lunch. I have a design background and was a UX designer for several years and would like to continue honing my design skills.

I want to do pro bono volunteer design work for non-profits. My work states that any and all conflicts of interest must be disclosed as well as outside employment. Obviously I wouldn’t volunteer for rival / competitors.

I looked at our Outside Employment policy, and it says any employment, including temporary or part-time jobs, must be disclosed. It says volunteering is not considered secondary employment though.

Pro bono graphic / UX designer work is considered volunteer work, right? It is unpaid and from my own free time. I’d obviously use my own personal laptop and Adobe / Figma account. I’m not sure if by “volunteer work” they mean volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter. They did not specify.

This is a silly question, but I was wondering if taking commissions online to draw art for clients is considered freelance work. I’ve never formally done freelance with companies, only for those following me on my social media accounts. Would that count as a form of freelance work that I could put on my resume or are art commissions a separate thing?