NextGen Insurance Intermediary: Professional Development and Advisory Services
Introduction
The Centre for Training and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the University of Piraeus, in cooperation with ATHENS CHAMBER OF TRADESMEN, announces the launch of the training course entitled “NextGen Insurance Intermediary: Professional Development and Advisory Services». The Course is an innovative educational initiative aimed at new and established professionals in insurance intermediation, as well as graduates of related university departments. Designed around current market needs, the Course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in economics, insurance science, sales, advisory services, the regulatory framework, technology and marketing. Training is delivered flexibly (distance learning, using synchronous and asynchronous means) and covers in depth all the skills required for a successful and certified professional career in the insurance sector.
The aim of the Course is to develop and strengthen the role of the modern insurance intermediary by providing high-level knowledge, skills and professional guidance. The Course aims to fill existing training gaps in the sector, adapt to the changing conditions of the insurance market and strengthen compliance with the applicable regulatory and legal framework, with the ultimate goal of professional certification and a genuine boost to participants’ competitiveness.
Scientific Director
Sotirios Karkalakos,
Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus
Target Audience
The Course is intended for:
- Anyone interested in pursuing a career as an insurance intermediary
- Professionals in the sector – mainly in the first 3 years of their career – who recognise the need to broaden their knowledge in line with the requirements of the insurance intermediary profession
- University graduates holding a degree related to insurance science or economics who wish to enhance their formal and practical knowledge of the insurance industry, and specifically of the distribution of insurance products
Admission Requirements
Participants must have:
- Basic computer skills
- Internet access
- A personal email account
Delivery Method
Training is delivered exclusively by distance learning, using a dedicated e-learning platform. It combines synchronous (21 teaching hours) and asynchronous (234 teaching hours) distance learning, with notes and live lectures, which makes it particularly easy for working people to take part. This type of training is a flexible form of professional development, as there are no time or place restrictions. It is based on the principles of open education and meets the needs of personalised learning. An attendance register is kept during the synchronous lectures, and Educational Material is provided that covers all the thematic units of the Course and includes the following:
1. Notes for each Unit 2. Lecture slides 3. Case studies 4. Indicative bibliography related to the content of each Unit 5. References to Reports and Legislative Texts 6. References to Public (open) Data 7. Links to freely accessible online articles and books
Type of Certificate
Trainees who successfully complete the Course are awarded a Training Certificate by KEDIVIM of the University of Piraeus, together with a Supplementary Annex. If successful completion of the Course is not possible owing to discontinuation of studies or failure in the examinations, the trainee is awarded a Certificate of Attendance by KEDIVIM of the University.
See a sample of the certificate awarded here
Units
Teaching/Thematic Unit 1: The Sales Cycle
1.1 Identifying and approaching prospective clients
1.2 Client needs & creating a proposal
1.3 Product presentation and persuasion techniques
1.4 Closing the deal and handling objections
1.5 Servicing existing clients
1.6 Repeat purchases and cross-selling
Teaching/Thematic Unit 2: Theory of Statistics and Insurance Science
2.1 Basic statistical concepts and methods 2.2 Risk and probability analysis 2.3 Principles of insurance and reinsurance 2.4 Basic Principles of insurance product design and pricing 2.5 Types of insurance products and coverage models
Teaching/Thematic Unit 3: Regulatory Framework
3.1 Solvency II – Law 4364/2016 3.2 IDD – Law 4583/2018 (Insurance Distribution Directive) 3.3 Anti-money laundering (AML – Law 4557/2018) 3.4 GDPR and personal data protection 3.5 European directives & supervision
Teaching/Thematic Unit 4: Behavioural Science
4.1 The psychology of risk and uncertainty 4.2 Incentives and barriers in the insurance market 4.3 Perceptions of time, the future and saving 4.4 Behavioural economics and insurance 4.5 Customer types – approach and adaptation strategies
Teaching/Thematic Unit 5: Basic Economic and Accounting Knowledge
5.1 Fundamental principles of economics 5.2 Households, businesses, saving & investment 5.3 Reading and understanding a basic balance sheet 5.4 Basic tax concepts 5.5 Financial sustainability of individuals, families and/or businesses
Teaching/Thematic Unit 6: General Legal Knowledge
6.1 The concept of law and obligations 6.2 The concept and structure of the insurance contract 6.3 Rights and obligations of policyholders and insurers 6.4 Legal liability and compensation 6.5 Consumer Protection
Teaching/Thematic Unit 7: Basic Principles of Social Insurance Systems & Compulsory Insurance
7.1 European social security systems 7.2 The Greek social security and healthcare system (e-EFKA, EOPYY, etc.) 7.3 The relationship between public and private insurance 7.4 Compulsory insurance (e.g. professional liability)
Teaching/Thematic Unit 8: Basic Principles of Marketing – Social Media and Branding
8.1 Introduction to services marketing 8.2 Personal branding and the value of the intermediary 8.3 Using social media tools and applications (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) 8.4 Content creation and advertising 8.5 Digital presence and branding
Teaching/Thematic Unit 9: Office Organisation – Use of Software and Understanding AI Applications
9.1 Principles of office organisation and professional workflow 9.2 Using Microsoft Office and file management 9.3 CRM systems and customer management 9.4 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its applications in the insurance sector 9.5 Data protection and digital security
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Course, participants will have:
Specialised and comprehensive knowledge in the fields of insurance science, statistics, economics and law relevant to the role and responsibilities of the insurance intermediary. Understanding of the institutional and regulatory framework (Solvency II, IDD, GDPR, AML, etc.) governing insurance distribution at national and European level. Basic theoretical understanding of the principles of behavioural science and consumer psychology with regard to risk management and financial decision-making. Understanding of the core functions of social insurance, as well as the complementarity of the public and private sectors. Basic knowledge of civil law, the concept of obligations and the contractual relationships between policyholders and insurance undertakings. Understanding of the structure and terms of the insurance contract. Clear knowledge of the principles of services marketing, personal branding and the use of digital tools. Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of modern digital tools and organisational software (CRM, Office), as well as the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence in the insurance sector.
Participants will develop skills that enable them to:
Apply appropriate techniques for approaching clients and selling insurance products based on needs analysis and behavioural profiles. Use statistical and risk analysis tools to support professional recommendations and to understand product pricing. Interpret the applicable regulatory provisions (e.g. IDD, Solvency II, AML, GDPR) and incorporate them into their professional practice. Draft, explain and evaluate insurance proposals or investment products with sound reasoning and financial accuracy. Analyse balance sheets and financial statements in order to assess clients’ financial position and propose suitable solutions. Apply basic principles of behavioural economics and psychology in communication and in the advisory process. Design and implement simple marketing and branding campaigns using digital communication and social media tools. Use software applications (MS Office, CRM) and introduce basic artificial intelligence concepts into everyday professional practice.
Interpret key legal texts, such as insurance contracts and terms. Analyse clients' position with regard to public and private cover, and propose supplementary solutions.
Upon completion of the Course, participants will be able to:
Act autonomously and responsibly as certified professionals in the field of insurance distribution, observing the institutional and ethical principles of the profession. Design and implement client-base development strategies based on real data, socio-economic conditions and personal professional goals. Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary settings (economists, lawyers, technologists) to provide comprehensive insurance advice. Adapt to changing market, legal or technological conditions, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to professional development and lifelong learning. Handle sensitive matters responsibly, such as personal data, clients’ psychological vulnerability or social issues (health insurance, retirement, etc.). Design their own professional development strategy and adapt to the demands of a changing market environment.
Assessment
The learning outcomes of each Unit are assessed through an online examination. The examination takes the form of a 15-question multiple-choice quiz and is accessible on specific dates. Performance is graded on a percentage scale with a maximum of 100%, and an overall score above 80% is required for successful completion of the Course.
Payment of Fees
Fees are payable in a single payment or in nine (9) equal monthly instalments, provided that the fees are paid in full no later than 2 weeks before the end of the Course.
Failure to pay any instalment will result in the candidate's automatic exclusion from the remainder of the Course, the examinations and the award of the certificate.
| Duration: | 9 Months / 255 Hours |
|---|---|
| ECTS: | 10.2 |
| Field of Study: | Economics & Management |
| Language: | Greek |
| Scientific Director: | Sotirios Karkalakos |
Educational Material
| Electronic Notes |
|---|

