Launch Your Career in Insurance with Farmers®
What Is the Protégé Agency Producer Program?
The Protégé Agency Producer program is designed to provide individuals an opportunity to grow their skills and business knowledge to become a Farmers agency owner while working for an existing Farmers agency owner.* Whether you're new to the insurance industry or ready to take your career to the next level, the Protégé Program offers candidates an opportunity to gain real-world experience working for a Farmers agency owner with access to the award-winning University of Farmers® training program, including curriculum specifically designed for new agents, along with many other resources that may help the Protégé grow as a business owner should the Protégé one day own their own Farmers agency.
Designed for a Range of Backgrounds
The Protégé Agency Producer Program was designed for people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience levels, such as:
- Recent graduates starting their careers
- Career changers looking for something more meaningful
- Insurance professionals ready to grow into ownership
- Parents returning to the workforce
- People who simply want a better path
No insurance or sales background is required. The people who thrive in this program tend to be coachable, comfortable meeting new people, and genuinely curious about business and leadership. A strong work ethic and a desire for long-term growth matter most.
How It Works
The Farmers Recruit Assist Team can help guide you through the process, assist with licensing, and connect you with an agency owner.
Get Licensed
The Recruit Assist Team will walk you through the process to obtain your Property and Casualty license.
Meet Your Mentor
The Recruit Assist Team introduces you to a Farmers agency owner. The agency owner will interview you and provide more details on the opportunity.
Get Appointed
Once you and the agency owner agree to move forward, you'll complete a background check and receive your appointment to the Protégé Agency Producer Program.
Program and Graduation
Most Protégés graduate within 6 to 12 months. You'll work for and alongside your mentor, complete any additional licensing needed (e.g., L&H licensing), and gain hands-on experience running an agency.
What You'll Gain
Learn from an Industry Professional
Work with an existing Farmers agency owner who has built and runs an agency, and can help you learn how to do the same.
Enhance Your Skills & Business Knowledge
Gain hands-on experience in sales, customer relationships, and agency operations, building the foundation for long-term success.
University of Farmers Training
Participate in the award-winning training program with curriculum designed for new and tenured agency professionals.
Waive New Agent Capital Requirements
Graduates who become Farmers agency owners may qualify to have the standard new agent capital requirements waived.
Qualify for Graduation Bonuses
Complete the Protégé Agency Producer Program and you may qualify for tiered Graduation Bonus payments up to $8,000 following appointment as an agency owner.*
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Is ownership required?
No. Many people participate in the program to build skills, income, and experience first, and decide later whether ownership is the right path for them. There is no commitment to ownership required.
What experience is required?
While every agency owner has their own preferences, for most, no prior insurance or sales experience is required, but it can be helpful. The program is designed to teach these skills. The most important characteristics are a positive mindset, a strong work ethic, and good communication skills.
How long is the program?
Most Protégés graduate in 6 to 12 months. Progress is milestone-based, so Protégés should work with their mentor to set their desired pace.
What are the hours?
Mentors set their own office hours, but most offices operate on standard business hours.
What if there are no mentors nearby?
Remote mentorship may be an option if an in-person connection is not available.
Is this a sales job?
Sales is part of the role, but the program is about much more. Protégés build relationships, learn to run a business, develop leadership skills, and work toward gaining career autonomy.
Are licensing exam retakes allowed?
Yes. Each attempt requires you paying the state exam fee. Passing an exam faster allows for faster connection with a mentor.
Am I obligated to anything during the licensing process?
No. We only request updates if your situation changes or if you need to withdraw from the course. There is no penalty or charge for not taking advantage of the opportunity.
What happens after graduation?
If eligible and an opportunity is available, Protégés are given the chance to open their own agency with the capital requirement waived. Nothing needs to be decided right away — there are two years after graduation to decide.
What makes this different from a typical job?
Mentorship at this level is rare. Most careers do not give you the chance to learn directly from a business owner while getting paid by them to do it. What you get out of this program reflects what you put into it.
Is it normal to feel nervous?
Completely. Starting something new always brings some nerves. This program is designed to help you set yourself up for success, so you don't have to figure it all out alone.
Take the First Step
Fill out the interest form below and a Farmers representative will be in touch.
Thanks — we received your interest.
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