Insure Your Future Internship at Kunkel & Associates

Description

About Kunkel & Associates 

Kunkel & Associates is a commercial insurance brokerage and consulting firm committed to providing quality service through professionalism and personalized attention for over 20 years. 

Our team provides consultative solutions for transportation, property & casualty, and employee benefits needs. We continue to grow by bringing innovative advantages to our clients, including resource consulting, safety and loss control management, claims management, and more. 

At Kunkel, we take pride in exceeding customer expectations within a unique working environment and uphold a culture that embraces hard work, balance, and fun. 

Locations: Dubuque, Iowa (HQ- where internship is offered at); Madison, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Kansas
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (flexible hours) 

Internship Summary 

Launch your career in insurance by exploring sales or service tracks at Kunkel & Associates. The Insure Your Future Internship – Summer 2026, created in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, is designed for freshmen and sophomores who want real client exposure, mentorship, and the chance to shape their future career path. 

Through the statewide Insure Your Future program—the first of its kind for Iowa’s insurance industry—you’ll also connect with peers from across the state and participate in leadership development opportunities. Iowa’s financial services sector offers abundant career potential, with salaries averaging $42,000 higher than the non-insurance industry. 

Over 8–10 weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience, shadow seasoned professionals, and contribute meaningful work. You’ll choose to focus on Sales, Service, or rotate between both, depending on your interests and our business needs. 

Strong performers may be invited back for our full-time summer internship in future years—and many of our past interns have transitioned into full-time roles after graduation. 

What You’ll Do 

Sales Focus: 

• Shadow and train with Sales Executives and support staff 
• Learn how to complete insurance applications and build proposals 
• Join client and prospect meetings, presentations, and service plan reviews 
• Practice networking and cold calling to build business development skills 
• Analyze data to ensure clients have appropriate coverage 

Service Focus: 

• Shadow and support Account Managers and Client Service Representatives (CSRs) 
• Assist with policy and endorsement checking 
• Prepare renewal proposals and client service materials 
• Gain exposure to claims, marketing applications, and carrier communications 
• Contribute to special projects that support client service delivery 
• Opportunity for local students to continue part-time during the school year, especially supporting renewal season 

Shared Opportunities: 

• Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced team members 
• Participate in team meetings, Friday intern sessions, and leadership roundtables 
• Attend client-facing events and company social gatherings 
• Work directly on projects that add measurable value to our business 
• Network with professionals across all departments 
• Attend up to four statewide leadership development events with other interns across Iowa, hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority 

Program Details 

• Length: 8–10 weeks (flexible) 
• Eligibility: Freshman or sophomore-level college students 
• Hours: Full-time or part-time options available 
• Compensation: Paid internship, paid housing (if needed), competitive hourly pay (double minimum wage), paid mileage to official “Insure Your Future” events 
• Location: Dubuque, Iowa. 
• Work Model: Interns are expected to be in-office for the majority of the program 

Requirements

Qualifications 

• Working toward completion of BA or BS 
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel 
• Service-oriented with a willingness to learn 
• Adaptable, reliable, curious, and motivated 
• Flexible scheduling with the capacity to work up to 40 hours (or part-time during the summer) 

Why Kunkel? 

• Be part of a culture that values integrity, family, and respect 
• Explore both sales and service to discover your best fit 
• Gain hands-on experience that goes beyond “busy work” 
• Build connections with leaders, mentors, and peers in the industry 
• Enjoy company outings, social events, and community engagement while interning 
• Network with students and leaders statewide through the Insure Your Future program  

Learn more about the Insure Your Future program in partnership with Iowa Economic Development Authority 

https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/iowa-advantage/key-industries/finance-insurance/insure-your-future-internship