Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc extends full sponsorship for professional designations, like the Chartered Insurance Professional designation.Supplied
When Rania Amir got the news she had been selected for the business associate program at Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc out of school, the University of Toronto graduate was in shock.
“I was over the moon,” says Amir, who is one of five associates in the program currently. “I couldn’t process it.”
The program meant that, upon graduating, Amir would explore different areas of the business over a hands-on, three-year departmental rotation while obtaining certifications including the chartered insurance professional designation.
After the program, associates are placed into professional career streams at the specialty insurance company, which has its Canadian headquarters in Toronto and regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax.
It’s a unique way of building a broader skill set, along with a deeper understanding of specializations in the insurance realm.
“As a fresh grad, I didn’t know where I wanted to focus,” says Amir. “This gives me the opportunity to explore and decide which area suits me best.”
Business associates spend four to six months per department, based on business needs and their personal goals.
One and a half years in and two rotations down, Amir says the experience has been amazing.
“You’re always on your toes,” she says. “The learning never stops — they make you love learning.”
While departments have different areas of focus — like underwriting, risk management or claims — they all share a common thread in mentorship, Amir says. Departments are welcoming and colleagues are always available to answer questions.
“I was pushed to grow,” she says. “Not only professionally, but personally.”
Openness is a pillar of the Ecclesiastical culture, where employees’ voices are encouraged and given a platform through regular manager one-on-ones, monthly town hall meetings and twice-yearly anonymous employee surveys.
“It’s really important to be open and transparent,” says CEO David Huebel. “Everybody has a right to speak.”
When Huebel got his start in the insurance industry decades ago, he was fortunate enough to go through a training program. Today, he’s proud to support the next generation through the business associate program.
“We want to invest in young people,” says Huebel.
Associates work in areas they enjoy, make meaningful contributions to their respective areas and bring different skill sets. At the end of the program, associates are interviewed to assess where they want to be placed.
“We’re trying to address their needs,” Huebel says. “That’s really important for people starting out in their careers.”
Every final rotation at the organization is a charity placement so associates can get an intimate understanding of the giving work at Ecclesiastical, which donates all available profits to charities and good causes.
“It’s a really important part of giving back,” says Huebel, “but also for associates to learn what a charity is going through.”
While the rotational program caught Amir’s eye, the giving structure spoke to her on a deeper level. But even though she was aware of Ecclesiastical’s charitable purpose, the dedication to giving exceeded her expectations.
Right off the bat, Amir was able to donate to Enactus, a student leadership charity near to her heart.
“That was amazing,” she says. “That charity helped me find a sense of belonging during COVID.”
Amir also took part in a forum dedicated to community impact grants that provide funding to registered charities supporting communities across Canada. From 2017 to 2024, Ecclesiastical has distributed over 500 grants, totalling $5 million.
Embedding altruism into her work brings a greater sense of meaning to Amir’s day-to-day life.
“It’s not only about business, it’s about making a long-lasting impact on the community,” says Amir. “It creates a sense of purpose and makes the work you do worthwhile.”
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