I’m a 19-year-old with no previous experience in insurance, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed as I work towards getting my life and health insurance license for a new job opportunity. The situation is tough—I have just two weeks to complete a challenging 15-chapter exam before I can move on to the state exam in Nebraska.
I don’t consider myself the smartest person, but I believe I learn quickly. Right now, I’m working in fast food, but I wanted to aim higher. I found a job opening for an entry-level life and health insurance agent, applied, and landed the position. However, I need to obtain my license before I can start.
I’ve dedicated 16 hours to the course so far and am currently on chapter 4 out of 15—with only 9 days remaining. I’m feeling really stuck because this material is incredibly difficult for me. A big part of the challenge comes from taking notes. I realize I need to take notes, but it seems to be consuming so much time and slowing my progress. Yet, I worry that if I don’t take notes, I’ll struggle with the chapter quizzes.
So, my question is: do I really need to take detailed notes on everything? My notes are extensive, with descriptions and definitions for each topic—around 20,000 characters per chapter! Any advice to help streamline my studying would be greatly appreciated.
I can understand how overwhelming this process can feel, especially with the tight deadline and the amount of material you need to cover. First off, it’s great that you’re taking the initiative to pursue a career in life and health insurance—many people take far longer to figure out what they want to do!
Regarding your question about taking notes, here are a few tips to help you study more effectively:
Focus on Key Concepts: Instead of trying to write down everything, identify the most important concepts, definitions, and processes that are likely to be tested. Look for patterns or recurring themes that can help you simplify your notes.
Use Summaries: After finishing each chapter, write a brief summary in your own words. This can help reinforce what you’ve learned without overwhelming you with too much detail.
Active Recall: Test yourself on what you’ve just read instead of just passively taking notes. After each section, close the book and recall the main points. This can help reinforce your understanding and memory.
Practice Questions: If you have access to practice quizzes or questions, use those! They can help you focus your studies on what’s important and prepare you for the end-of-chapter quizzes.
Time Management: Try breaking your study time into focused sessions with short breaks in between (like the Pomodoro technique). This can help you stay more focused and efficient.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself: It’s completely normal to find this process challenging. You’re making a big transition, and it’s okay to feel a bit lost at times. Trust in your ability to learn quickly.
Consider Study Groups: If possible, connect with others who are studying for the same exam. Discussing material with peers can provide different perspectives and can clarify things you might find confusing.
Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask instructors or colleagues for clarification on topics you find difficult. They may provide insights that can save you time.
Stay positive and don’t lose sight of your goal! You’ve already accomplished a lot by getting this far, so keep pushing through. You’ve got this!