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Cigna Sales Academy

NOTICE: The 2021-2022 recruiting season for this program is underway! Scroll down to learn more about the program and apply. You can also visit our events page to see if we'll be on your campus (virtually and/or in person) this fall.  Want to learn about Cigna's COVID-19 vaccine policy? Click here.
Cigna Sales Academy associates at graduation
Taking the first step in your sales career should be an exciting and transformative time.  But sometimes, knowing where to start is the hardest part. That's where we come in. As a member of the Cigna Sales Academy, you'll learn how to navigate those first steps while being provided the support, training, and resources needed to transition into a sales role at Cigna.

Our training program is designed for early-career hires and focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and attributes required to quickly onboard and contribute to profitable growth at Cigna.

As a Sales Academy Sales Associate, you will attend a blend of virtual classroom, on-demand, and field-based learning activities – learning all about Cigna, the insurance industry, what we sell, and how we sell it.

Upon completion of the program, Sales Academy graduates will have the necessary tools to combat the versatility of the health care industry, understand its complexities, and experience a fulfilling career in a New Business or Client Manager role, supporting your respective Buyer Group and market.

The Sales Academy also offers a summer internship experience to identify future full-time associates.
Apply for a full-time role
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Recruiting dates:
Recruiting for the Sales Academy begins annually in July and runs until November
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Who we hire:
Recent graduates who have received their Bachelor’s degree within the last 0 - 3 years

​​​​​​​We accept any major into this program, but ideally look for Professional Sales, Business Management, Marketing, Risk Management, and Communication majors
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Locations:
Seattle, WA
Denver, CO
Nashville/Franklin, TN
Knoxville/Chattanooga, TN
Memphis, TN
New York, NY
Dallas, TX
Walnut Creek, CA
Morristown, NJ
Sunrise, FL
Phoenix, AZ

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Program timeframe:
The Sales Academy runs from May until August

Upon graduation from the program, participants will relocate to their home office locations and transition to a full-time role

What you'll do:
Establish, develop, and maintain relationships
​Within your assigned market, you’ll be expected to cultivate relationships with insurance brokers, as well as current and prospective clients. You'll act as a resource by offering solutions to concerns your clients may have. 
Go local

Engage and partner with the communities you serve.
Know your product

​​​​​​​Promote Cigna's product suite and services by having an in-depth understanding of what we have to offer.
Be a team player

Work closely with a variety of internal and external individuals to accomplish your goals – including your Sales Manager and Service Operations, Underwriting, Product, Marketing, Pricing, and Sales Effectiveness teams. Communicate new product and service opportunities, special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activities to the appropriate stakeholders.
Maintain organization

​​​​​​​Prepare a variety of status reports, including activity, closings, follow-up, and adherence to goals. Follow up on new client leads and referrals resulting from field activities.

Academy curriculum:

While in the classroom, you'll be exposed to several learning methods to prepare you for a full-time sales role, including self-study, presentations and situational role-plays. But to give you a sneak peek, here's a quick rundown of some of the topics we'll cover.

•    Company overview and strategies
•    Our culture and diversity
•    Sales process skills
•    Our products and services
•    Underwriting concepts and processes
•    Value propositions skills
•    Broker dynamics and interpersonal skills 
•    Presentation skills
•    Career development skills


Career path after graduating from the Academy: New Business Manager or Client Manager

New Business Manager


As a New Business Manager (NBM), you'll be tasked with generating new business opportunities. As the first point of contact for a client, you collaborate with them and their broker to develop a comprehensive benefits plan. NBM’s are always meeting new people and finding new ways to meet our clients’ health care needs. 

Client Manager


As a Client Manager (CM), you will oversee the sales process once a client decides to purchase Cigna Insurance Products. You will then work to build a long-term relationship with the client, understand their strategy and needs, and expand their insurance benefits portfolio through additional sales. 


​​​​​​​Take it from them...
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Mary K M., New Business Manager

 “As a first generation college student, I was excited yet anxious to begin my career at a company as large as Cigna. However, the Cigna Sales Academy program provided me with all of the support and resources necessary to transition confidently into my career in sales. During the summer training program, I was provided with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand Cigna's mission and the real value we can offer to our clients through our programs and services. I spent 6 of the 11 weeks in a classroom setting at the headquarters in Bloomfield, CT, and the other weeks I was able to gain firsthand experience in the market I was hired to, Nashville, TN. Most importantly, I left the training with the friendships I’ve made with my classmates and the connections I’ve made with various members of leadership – all of which genuinely want to see me succeed. These connections are long-lasting and I can always count to lean on them as I continue to navigate my career.”
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Serina F., Senior Client
​​​​​​​Manager

 “Cigna Sales Academy provided me with the skills, tools and knowledge in order to succeed in my role as a Client Manager.  I learned how to be a trusted advisor and confident in the presence of brokers and clients through the program’s hands-on curriculum, support, and exposure to various teams and leaders in the company.  Cigna Sales Academy invested tremendously in my growth during the early stages of my career, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has helped me become a leader within my industry and community.  I am proud to be a Cigna Sales Academy graduate!”
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Not quite ready for full-time? Check out our summer internship.

 This 10-12 week internship within Cigna’s U.S. Commercial Sales team is designed to teach participants about the health care industry, local market functions, and Cigna's business - all while developing business acumen in a dynamic and flexible work environment. 

Throughout the summer, sales interns will be exposed to a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, presentations, and shadowing opportunities. Interns will have visibility to senior management, as well as one-on-one learning opportunities with sales professionals within Cigna who will assume the roles of individual coaches and mentors. In addition to daily responsibilities, sales interns will be assigned a capstone project that requires them to use their problem solving and innovation skills in a team setting.
Apply for our summer internship