Sales, Marketing and Administration

One or two years of work experience in the field, and the right personality. You need to have thick skin and be persistent and organized. Upper management positions in sales will require extensive experience – at least 5 years. In addition, for upper management, the more degrees the better - and an MBA is ideal.

Independent insurance agents, typically sell a variety of insurance and financial products, including property insurance and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance. Property and casualty insurance agents sell insurance policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss resulting from automobile accidents, fire, theft, storms, and other events that can damage property. For businesses, property and casualty insurance can also cover injured Workers Compensation Insurance, product liability claims, or medical malpractice claims.

Most employers expect a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word and Excel are essential and Access and PowerPoint may also be important. If you can type in Hebrew and use MS Office in Hebrew you will be more marketable. Email and use of the Internet are also necessary for working as an administrator. Basic bookkeeping knowledge is an advantage.

All real estate agents in Israel are required to pass a licensing examination that is administered every few months by Misrad HaMishpatim (Ministry of Justice ). There is no transfer of real estate licenses from abroad. The Ministry of Justice has a booklet available which includes the information needed to prepare for the exam.

Olim with a strong background in English-language (and other languages) business writing can more easily break into the market which is increasingly reaching out to an international audience. In addition to independent advertising agencies, there are many businesses and non-profit organizations that have in-house marketing and communication departments.