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When Jimmy Valentine left a career in nonprofits to join the insurance company Unum Group eight years ago, he wasn’t quite sure where he wanted his career to go. In the end, the uncertainty proved to be a good thing as it inspired him to complete the company’s four-year rotation program.
During shifts, Valentine has held three very different roles across the United States. He began working on Disability Claims in Worcester, Massachusetts, then as Superintendent of Dental Claims in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and finally as Director of Enrollment Strategy in Columbia, South Carolina.
“The program has had a huge and significant impact on my career growth,” says Valentin, who is now Director of Product and Market Development at Unum Group. “Each role pushed me to develop and grow professionally as I learned how to work in each new area and location. Without these experiences, I don’t think I would be as good a professional as I am currently.”
Here, he talks about his current role, how Unum Group helped him learn and grow, and why everyone should try South Carolina barbecue.
What initially drew you to apply for a position at Unum Group, and what kept you there for more than eight years?
The diversification of the business in the company led to the application to the Unum Group And Kept me here. During my tenure, I have been blessed to work in five different roles, which has allowed me to have a wide variety of experiences. Having the option to stay in a role or navigate the company and learn new things has been a positive experience that makes me feel valued.
What is your responsibility as the Product and Market Development Manager?
I am currently responsible for the daily maintenance of our dental products from a product perspective. This could include product development, working with other departments, dealing with issues that occur during a sale, managing or adjudicating claims. I am also responsible for our marketing materials.
Overall, I’d say it’s my job to make sure that the entire company is educated on our dental product offerings while working with our field partners and other departments to keep dental running as smooth as possible.
In addition to the rotation programme, how has Unum Group supported your growth and development?
The Unum Group has helped me continue to grow and develop by giving me opportunities to excel in my current role while providing benefits such as the Student Debt Relief Program. This program allows employees to use their PTO for payments that are sent directly to eligible student loans. I also made sure to take advantage of other benefits, including the 401K matching program, HSA program, and other financial programs that allow employees to get a head start on saving and preparing for future retirement.
What inspires you at work?
I am currently working on developing dentistry and I am inspired by all the people in the different departments that I work with. I am always amazed at the sheer number of talented, hard working individuals here. This is true in my current role and has been true throughout my journey at Unum Group.
How would you describe the management approach at Unum Group, and how has that helped you succeed?
I’ve had managers who not only supported the work I do on a daily basis, but were also concerned about my development as an employee and a person. I was fortunate to have managers who made sure I wasn’t stagnant and pushed me to always seek additional opportunities and challenges.
How does Unum Group give back to its communities, and how do you get involved?
As a company, we are very active with nonprofit organizations, schools, and programs in each of the cities in which our campuses are located. For example, I am currently participating in a mentoring program that partners with the nonprofit I used to work for. Through the Unum Group, I was invited to serve on the board of directors of this non-profit organization.
What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
I think most people would be surprised to find out that I am an introvert in my personal life, especially when I am at home. My role lends itself to being an extrovert due to the number of meetings and people I need to communicate with daily. While I love what I do and the lively discussions, I also enjoy being at home and doing my own thing. It helps recharge my batteries for the next day and allows me to be more open at work, as I should be.
I’ve spent a lot of time living in South Carolina. What is your favorite part of it and why?
My favorite parts of South Carolina are the weather and the food. I would choose to live in the heat any day of the week than live in the cold. Food wise, I love southern food, especially barbecue. I’m a fan of mustard, and the spiciness is taken to the next level when used as a base for South Carolina barbecue.
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