NEW YORK -- New York Life Insurance Company announced it has launched a Web site http://www.newyorklife.com/africanamericancareers for African-Americans seeking information about the benefits of a career in life insurance at all stages of professional development.

“Over the past few years, New York Life has created one of the largest African-American sales forces in the life insurance industry and this site highlights what a career as a life insurance agent can mean for you,” said Eugene Mitchell, corporate vice president of the African-American Market at New York Life. “The new site is a convenient and user-friendly way to learn about a career that offers you a flexible schedule, health benefits and the opportunity to help families and businesses in your community achieve financial security.”

The Web site features detailed information on the opportunities in sales and field management careers. There is a brief aptitude questionnaire to help readers assess their own potential interest and fit for a career in life insurance sales. The website also describes the marketing support available to agents working in this market and the career development opportunities available to both agents and managers in the way of mentoring, study groups, workshops, and conferences that build camaraderie, share best practices, prepare personal business development plans and enhance networking.

Several real life success stories from African-American New York Life agents speak about their work experiences and why New York Life was the right choice for them. Veronica Hamilton, an agent with New York Life for the past 10 years explains why being a life insurance agent affords her quality work/life balance. “I like the independence and flexibility of being a New York Life agent. As a mom of two daughters, working as an agent has really suited me. It allows me to plan my own schedule so that I can arrange time for family activities.”

Also featured on the site is William Johnson, an agent with New York Life for 17 years, describing why choosing to be a life insurance agent was the right decision for him, “My job is to educate people about life insurance. It’s not just about purchasing the minimum death benefit. It’s about leaving a legacy behind to help provide the quality of life you want for your children.”

New York Life has one of the largest African-American sales forces in the insurance industry, and is recognized as an employer of choice. New York Life was named as one of “The Best Places to Launch a Career” for 2007 by BusinessWeek and, for the third year in a row, Family Digest Magazine named New York Life one of the Best Companies for African-Americans.

“One of the reasons we attract and retain top talent is that our sales force receives ongoing career support and development opportunities that help them build their career and become the best they can be,” added Mitchell.

New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world. New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings from all four of the major credit rating agencies. Headquartered in New York City, New York Life’s family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance. New York Life Investment Management LLC provides institutional asset management and retirement plan services. Other New York Life affiliates provide an array of securities products and services, as well as institutional and retail mutual funds.

For more information about becoming an agent with New York Life, call our Recruiter Response number at 1-866-368-2921. Please visit New York Life’s Web site at www.newyorklife.com for more information.