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The event included panel discussions, classroom visits, and an opportunity for students to network with some top leadership in the field. Many of the speakers highlighted the risk industry’s need for young talent.
FERM graduate student Malcolm Dhikinya introduced himself to some of the key executives at the ‘Risk Manager on Campus’ event earlier this week. The two-day event featured industry experts who encouraged students to explore careers in risk management and insurance, some of Connecticut’s most in-demand career paths. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
The School of Business hosted its first ‘Risk Manager on Campus Event,’ a two-day program to encourage students to consider careers in the growing fields of risk management and insurance.
The event included panel discussions, classroom visits, and an opportunity for students to network with some top leadership in the field. Many of the speakers highlighted the risk industry’s need for young talent.
The program featured executives from Marsh LLC, a global insurance broker and risk management firm, which helps businesses identify risks, design insurance programs and negotiate coverage and rates; the Chief Risk Officer for Bernards, a commercial builder and construction management company, and experts from the Connecticut Valley Risk & Insurance Management Society. The event was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Spencer Education Foundation.
Speakers told undergraduate and graduate students they have a tremendous advantage entering the industry with formal training, versus a few years ago when industry experts had to learn on the job. Working in the insurance and risk industry offers a variety of specialized niches that can intrigue people, whether their interests are focused more on people or analytics.
They discussed emerging risks such as ransomware, data breaches, organized crime, and whether a “joy ride’’ on a piece of construction equipment is covered by insurance. They also talked about how hospitals and healthcare, retailers, and financial institutions have some of the greatest risks in the industry.
“We’re thrilled that our students had the opportunity to engage with leaders from across the risk and insurance industry, one of Connecticut’s most essential sectors,’’ said Laurissa Berk, director of global and experiential education in graduate STEM business programs. “Risk touches every industry and our students are learning firsthand how to manage it through experiences like the Risk Manager of Campus event, and, of course, our risk management programs.’’
“Throughout the events, students networked with executives, explored emerging areas such as cyber and AI risk, discovered career opportunities and gained practical insights into how risk management drives decision-making in every field. We are grateful to the companies and representatives who shared their expertise and helped our student see the many directions a career in risk can take.’’
Tara Sperry, a senior majoring in marketing, said the presentations she heard were outstanding. She is planning to pursue a master’s degree and is exploring various options, including financial and enterprise risk management.
“I worked at a bank last summer and was exposed to all sorts of challenges,’’ she said. “It really got me thinking about the importance of security and risk management at large companies.’’
Brendan Zoto, a senior who is interested in investment banking, said he and a friend have created a Credit and Risk Club on campus. A moderator of one of the panel discussions, he said he was excited for students to develop a deeper understanding of the industry.
Rutendo Mahanzu, a graduate student in the MS in Financial & Enterprise Risk Management program, who will earn her master’s degree next month, was excited to meet experts in the field. She is particularly interested in cyber risk. She would be interested in working for a prominent company like Marsh some day and is particularly interested in exploring ways of filling existing insurance gaps.
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