I’m a 19-year-old with no previous insurance knowledge, and I’m currently trying to obtain my life and health insurance license for a job opportunity. To say I’m feeling overwhelmed would be an understatement.
In short, I have just 2 weeks to finish a 15-chapter exam and then take the state exam in Nebraska to get my license.
While I’m not the brightest person out there, I pride myself on being a quick learner. I’m currently working in fast food but want to move on to something bigger. When I saw a job ad for an entry-level life and health insurance agent, I applied and was hired, but I need to get my license first.
I’ve spent around 16 hours on the course so far and am currently on chapter 4 of 15 with only 9 days left. I’m finding this to be one of the toughest subjects I’ve ever tackled. The biggest time drain is note-taking; I knew I needed to take notes, but I feel like it’s slowing me down. However, without them, I’m worried I won’t perform well on the end-of-chapter quizzes.
So, here’s my question: Do I need to take notes on absolutely everything? Right now, my notes are incredibly detailed, with descriptions and definitions for everything, resulting in around 20,000 characters per chapter. Is this necessary, or could I simplify my approach to save time?
It sounds like you’re really dedicated to getting your license, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when tackling a big task like this, especially without prior experience. Here are a few suggestions that might help you manage your time better and make your studying more effective:
Focus on Key Concepts: Instead of taking notes on everything, try to identify the most important concepts and terms for each chapter. Look for main ideas, key definitions, and any processes that are frequently mentioned. This way, your notes will be more concise and targeted.
Use Study Guides: If possible, find study guides or summaries related to the life and health insurance material. These can provide a good overview and help you retain the information without having to write everything down in detail.
Practice Quizzes: After finishing each chapter, take the end-of-chapter quizzes without relying on your notes. This will help reinforce your learning and identify areas where you need to focus more.
Set Time Limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to complete each chapter. This can help you stay on track and make studying feel more manageable. If it helps, break your study sessions into shorter intervals with breaks in between (like the Pomodoro technique).
Join a Study Group: If you know others who are studying for the same exam, consider forming a study group. Discussing the material with others can help reinforce your understanding and make the learning process less isolating.
Stay Positive: Remember, feeling defeated at times is part of the process, but it doesn’t define your abilities. Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this—it’s an important step toward a bigger career path you’re excited about.
Ask for Help: If you’re struggling with specific concepts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—whether it’s from a mentor, a friend, or online forums. Sometimes a different perspective can make things click.
You’ve got this! Just focus on what you can do, and don’t hesitate to adjust your studying techniques as needed. Good luck!