I’m a 19-year-old with no prior insurance knowledge or experience, and I’m currently trying to obtain my life and health insurance license for a job opportunity. Honestly, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed.
As the title suggests, I’ve been given just two weeks to finish a 15-chapter exam, after which I can take the state exam in Nebraska to get my license.
I wouldn’t say I’m the smartest person out there, but I consider myself a fast learner. Right now, I’m working in fast food but I really want to step into something more meaningful. I found an ad for an entry-level position as a life and health insurance agent, applied, and got the job, but I need to get my license first.
I’ve dedicated 16 hours to this course, and I’m currently on chapter 4 out of 15 with only 9 days left. I don’t know what’s going wrong, but this is proving to be one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to study for. The biggest time-consuming task has been note-taking. I knew I’d need to take notes, but it feels like it’s slowing me down. However, without taking notes, I’m not sure I could manage to complete the end-of-chapter quizzes.
So my question is: do I really need to take notes on every single detail? Right now, my notes include descriptions and definitions of everything—I’m talking 20,000 characters for each chapter! Any advice would be really appreciated.
Firstly, it’s great that you’re taking the initiative to further your career and dive into a new field! It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when tackling a challenging subject like insurance, especially on a tight timeline. Here are some tips that might help you streamline your study process:
Prioritize Key Concepts: Instead of trying to capture every detail, focus on understanding the key concepts, terms, and principles that are frequently tested. Identify the main topics in each chapter and prioritize your note-taking around those.
Summarize and Simplify: Instead of detailed notes for everything, try summarizing the main points in simpler terms. A few effective keywords or short phrases can sometimes be enough for you to recall the concepts without getting bogged down in lengthy notes.
Practice Questions: After finishing a chapter, don’t just rely on your notes—try answering end-of-chapter quizzes or practice questions. This can help reinforce your understanding and highlight areas where you need to focus.
Use Visual Aids: Consider using diagrams, charts, or flashcards for important terms and concepts. Visual aids can often help solidify your understanding and can be quicker to review than text-heavy notes.
Time Management: Allocate specific time blocks for reading, note-taking, and practicing questions. This structure can help you stay on track and ensure you cover all chapters within your deadline.
Discuss with Peers or Mentors: If possible, try reaching out to others who have taken the course or who work in the field. They may have insights that can help you grasp challenging concepts more quickly.
Stay Positive: Remember that it’s okay to feel challenged—many people do when learning something new. Keep a positive mindset, and remember that persistence will pay off.
Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take short breaks to recharge. Studying intensely for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout and make it harder to retain information.
You’ve got this! Just stay focused, manage your time wisely, and do your best to understand the material rather than memorize every detail. Best of luck with your studies and your upcoming exam!