Brooke Rypel

My fall internship with the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) has been an unforgettable and enriching experience, one that has truly shaped me for a successful future in the insurance industry. I first learned about the program at the FSU RMI career fair, where several past interns highly recommended it. From day one, I immediately connected with the incredible culture and felt truly welcomed by everyone at FSLSO.

During my time at FSLSO, I had the privilege of completing both the Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Pre-Licensing course and the FSLSO’s Surplus Lines Information & Compliance Education Course (SLICE), which provided me with a solid foundation in the industry. A major highlight was witnessing the launch of SLIP+, where I had the opportunity to assist with beta testing and see firsthand the teamwork and dedication that made the project a success.

I also had the chance to rotate through various departments, including Agent and Insurer Services, Compliance Review, Premium Reconciliation, Production Ledger Review, SLAS, and Communications. Each team offered invaluable learning experiences that deepened my understanding of the Surplus Lines industry.

Having always been fascinated by this field, gaining hands-on experience has been both exciting and rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support I received from everyone at FSLSO. As I leave this internship, I’m taking with me a wealth of knowledge, advice, and connections that I look forward to carrying throughout my professional career. For anyone seeking an internship, I cannot recommend a better place to work!