The interviewer asks about your professional goals for the year to better understand your motivation and drive toward achieving success in your career. Knowing your goals can help them determine whether you would be a good fit for the position and the company's culture and whether they can provide the necessary resources and support to help you achieve your goals.

As an underwriter, there are many professional goals you could have. One of the main goals is to continually improve your skills and knowledge of the underwriting process. This can involve staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations and seeking new training and development opportunities.

Another goal could be to build strong relationships with clients and industry contacts. This includes fostering trust and communication with clients and networking with other professionals to expand their knowledge and influence.

When answering this question, the main focus is to assure the interviewer you are a lifelong learner who sets and achieves your goals.