Underwriting Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Underwriting Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, typically requiring a degree in finance, business, or risk management. Most positions involve analyzing risk data and working with actuarial models, making STEM OPT extension eligibility possible for quantitative tracks. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your authorized start date.
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INTRODUCTION
Aon is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist II. Aon currently has an exciting career opportunity for an Underwriting Specialist I in our Ft Washington, PA Office. This position supports Aon Affinity – Accountant’s program. This is a hybrid role. Aon is in the business of better decisions.
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
What the day will look like
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform preliminary review of applications.
- Documentation - Compile and summarize pertinent data into underwriting file (electronic).
- Follow up with the sales team and sub-producers to request additional information to be used to facilitate the underwriting process.
- Build relationships with sub-producers and make routine follow-up calls for renewal applications and bind orders.
- Review correspondence, imaging/workflow system, and reports to select routine matters for processing.
- Escalate risks that are beyond assigned authority to underwriting management for evaluation and direction.
- Prepare requisitions for loss runs and referrals to review insured information.
- Follow underwriting guidelines and compliance procedures.
- Timely processing of new business and renewal accounts and responsiveness to customer needs.
- Interact with the sales team and sub-producers to understand the competitive environment and coverage needs.
- Enter and maintain data in computer system.
- Daily tracking of work volume, backlog and account activity.
Skills and experience that will lead to success
SPECIAL SKILLS:
- Property Casualty License preferred. PA Property & Casualty license required within six months of hire date.
- Demonstrated ability to work with detail and possess strong problem solving, communication and organizational skills.
- Goal-oriented with the ability to solve problems.
- Sound judgment and decision-making and explains reasoning for decisions.
- Ability to learn multiple products quickly to support revenue growth for program business.
- Ability to identify process efficiencies and handle daily activities in a thorough and accurate fashion.
- Strong PC skills with a solid knowledge base in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.
- Ability to work within the underwriting guidelines with appropriate follow up skills.
MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:
Two + years of insurance and/or general business experience. Underwriting background preferred.
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
High school graduate, Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Property and Casualty license required within 6 months of hire date.
How we support our colleagues
In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two “Global Wellbeing Days” each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well.
Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.
Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. People with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. You can request accommodations by emailing us at ReasonableAccommodations@Aon.com or your recruiter. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.
For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances. Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pay Transparency Laws:
The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $70,000 to $75,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location.
A summary of all the benefits offered for this position:
Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
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INTRODUCTION
Aon is currently looking for an Underwriting Specialist II. Aon currently has an exciting career opportunity for an Underwriting Specialist I in our Ft Washington, PA Office. This position supports Aon Affinity – Accountant’s program. This is a hybrid role. Aon is in the business of better decisions.
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
What the day will look like
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform preliminary review of applications.
- Documentation - Compile and summarize pertinent data into underwriting file (electronic).
- Follow up with the sales team and sub-producers to request additional information to be used to facilitate the underwriting process.
- Build relationships with sub-producers and make routine follow-up calls for renewal applications and bind orders.
- Review correspondence, imaging/workflow system, and reports to select routine matters for processing.
- Escalate risks that are beyond assigned authority to underwriting management for evaluation and direction.
- Prepare requisitions for loss runs and referrals to review insured information.
- Follow underwriting guidelines and compliance procedures.
- Timely processing of new business and renewal accounts and responsiveness to customer needs.
- Interact with the sales team and sub-producers to understand the competitive environment and coverage needs.
- Enter and maintain data in computer system.
- Daily tracking of work volume, backlog and account activity.
Skills and experience that will lead to success
SPECIAL SKILLS:
- Property Casualty License preferred. PA Property & Casualty license required within six months of hire date.
- Demonstrated ability to work with detail and possess strong problem solving, communication and organizational skills.
- Goal-oriented with the ability to solve problems.
- Sound judgment and decision-making and explains reasoning for decisions.
- Ability to learn multiple products quickly to support revenue growth for program business.
- Ability to identify process efficiencies and handle daily activities in a thorough and accurate fashion.
- Strong PC skills with a solid knowledge base in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.
- Ability to work within the underwriting guidelines with appropriate follow up skills.
MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:
Two + years of insurance and/or general business experience. Underwriting background preferred.
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
High school graduate, Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Property and Casualty license required within 6 months of hire date.
How we support our colleagues
In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two “Global Wellbeing Days” each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well.
Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.
Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. People with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. You can request accommodations by emailing us at ReasonableAccommodations@Aon.com or your recruiter. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.
For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances. Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pay Transparency Laws:
The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $70,000 to $75,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location.
A summary of all the benefits offered for this position:
Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Underwriting Specialist
Target employers with active OPT hiring history
Insurance carriers, reinsurance firms, and financial institutions regularly hire OPT students for underwriting roles. Focus on mid-to-large companies with dedicated early-career programs, as they're more familiar with OPT work authorization requirements and have HR processes already in place.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in actuarial science, statistics, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can accurately communicate your total authorized work period to employers.
Lead with your technical underwriting skills
Employers care most about risk modeling, data analysis, and proficiency with underwriting software. Highlighting these skills upfront shifts attention from your visa status to your value. Quantify results where possible, such as loss ratio improvements or portfolio growth you contributed to during internships.
Address the H-1B timeline proactively
Underwriting is a well-established specialty occupation, which strengthens H-1B petition approvals. Bring up the H-1B lottery timeline naturally when an offer is imminent, not at the first interview. Most underwriting employers in insurance and finance are familiar with the April filing window.
Get your EAD card before your start date
USCIS processing for OPT EAD cards can take 90 days or longer. Apply through your DSO as early as allowed, typically 90 days before graduation. You cannot legally begin working as an Underwriting Specialist until your EAD card arrives and your authorized start date passes.
Document the degree-to-job connection clearly
Underwriting Specialist roles require demonstrating that your degree relates directly to the position. Prepare a brief explanation linking your coursework in finance, mathematics, or business to core underwriting tasks. This documentation supports both your OPT authorization and any future H-1B specialty occupation claim.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Underwriting Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Underwriting Specialist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field. Your OPT work must be directly related to your degree, so a finance or business degree supporting an underwriting role is a strong fit. Keep documentation of this connection in case your DSO or employer asks.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as an Underwriting Specialist?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If you graduated with a degree in actuarial science, statistics, mathematics, or another STEM-designated field, your role may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check your degree's official CIP code with your DSO and confirm the employer meets the E-Verify requirement, which is mandatory for STEM OPT.
How do I find Underwriting Specialist employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for international students and OPT candidates, so you're not wading through postings from employers who won't sponsor. Large insurance carriers, commercial banks, and reinsurance firms tend to have structured hiring programs that accommodate OPT timelines. Searching within those industries on Migrate Mate gives you a practical starting point.
What happens to my OPT if I switch from one underwriting employer to another?
You can change employers on OPT, but your new job must still be directly related to your degree and in a qualifying role. You're required to report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days. There's no need to reapply for a new EAD, but if you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you'll need to update your STEM OPT reporting accordingly.
Is Underwriting Specialist a strong occupation for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Underwriting Specialist is a well-established specialty occupation with a consistent record of H-1B approvals, particularly at insurance companies, commercial banks, and financial services firms. Employers in this industry are generally familiar with the H-1B process. The role's degree requirement in a specific field strengthens the specialty occupation argument, which is the foundation of every H-1B petition.
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