Jeez, Louise; so many issues in but a few posts. Generally I will acquiesce to whatever Larry has to say, as my own "official" mentor (Ray Hall) passed away last September. Hopefully, I am not a harbinger or jinx by naming Mr. Hardin. But this is not a religious discussion.
To characterize newly-licensed adjusters, as Robbie has pointed out in the past, as "newbies" is at the very least an over-simplification. In fact, Robbie has stated on this website that "newbie" is not a term that he uses in his posts. I concur; however, in common use outside of the internet the term is prevalent.
Software keeps changing and has no intellectual relevance, generally, to the independent's qualifications as far as writing claims; however, as a practical matter, software competence is imperative. I am still able to use the draftsman skills I learned in the 70s on graph paper to produce a more coherent sketch of a crazy roof (for instance), in less time and more detail, than I can in Sketch. But then, as a past file reviewer, I will say that the only times I actually reviewed XM8 sketches were when the photos did not match the line items and F9 notes (or I had an obviously-inexperienced adjuster). Seriously, the prettiest XM8 sketch will never make up for deficiencies in scope (accurate measurements, proper identification of materials, age & condition, etc.).
Knowledge of the policy? Don't f*rt in the hot tub.
On the other hand, I know my limitations as far as identifying damage. My years of networking have ameliorated that shortcoming; in other words, I know whom to call when I am over my head, and am quicker to recognize when I'm in trouble.
There was much comment about Ray Hall's offers of free training. Indeed, his offers here and on ClaimsMentor over the years were generally ignored. In 2006 I was the instructor for his "Boot Camp" and arranged through Gale Hawkins and Kyser Lough at PowerClaim for real-time remote desktop support for our classes. I stayed at Ray's brother's lake house in Liberty, TX. Over the years Ray shared with me his commercial claims and gave me rather unique insights about the industry (many of which were true). He witnessed the wills and powers-of-attorney that my twin sister and I generated three years ago. I taught him how to use his computer (PDFs, Firefox, etc.). He called me while I was on the road doing BP business claims in 2011 to say, "Goodbye", knowing it was our last conversation.
Ray's legacy started before his passing. In 2006 Robin Foster started the DFW (TX) claims study group. Ray was an honorary member. Robin was a "Boot Camp" student. All of the original members, graduates of Katrina and Rita, have been just as successful since 2006 as any other independents that I know of, excepting traditional "A" team folk (none of us dated or married vendor management). Collectively, we are certainly the highest-trained "05 newbies", and bring a multitude of unusual expertise and previous disciplines and business experiences to the table. We are still in constant contact.
I continue to review files and encourage the motivated on almost a daily basis.Any ex-contractor could smoke me on identifying esoteric high-end items; but don't mess with me over process, documentation, research, legal issues, software, etc. The minutiae are easy to figure out through networking. The scary part of claims is the fields out of our immediate control: legal, procedural, regulatory, digital, perceptual, managerial, logical.
We need new people coming in to this industry. Unfortunately, the people we need are those who are multi-talented and have experiences in multiple industries. These people, by definition, are retiring, or are still working only because their IRAs crashed in '07. There is a disconnect in our industry between the promise of the "computer/digital/interweb" age and the results. Surely after 25 years of widespread adoption, those of us who were "early-adopters" are entitled to some hindsight? Yet the 20-something techs who compose spreadsheets in 10-point type have no clue that the users, like me, need prescription reading glasses to read even 16-point type!
In the meantime, most people have no idea how to use their computers and indeed generally need them but to check email. This is very sad, as for the privilege of receiving forwarded maudlin balderdash, they expose themselves to identity theft, keylogging, government surveillance, or unwitting participation in a botnet. Younger claims people are glued to their "smart" phones all day, even texting a friend in a cubicle 30 feet away. Field adjusters submit claims with 25 roof photos, each of which has the copy-and-pasted caption, "Roof". Dang it! Never would have guessed!
But I digress. To the earlier posters who would like to excel in claims in the next ten years, gimme a holler. Give everyone a holler. Some people will like you, some won't. None of it will be "fair". Eventually you will end up with your own claims community. It worked for me. Sorta.