A Meaningful Career

 Rewarding as it is, a career in insurance may not be one that many college students initially think to pursue. As part of the Travelers Institute, the public policy division and educational arm of Travelers, we visit with college students and future insurance leaders all the time to talk about pressing public policy issues where the industry can help move the needle. This past week, after meeting with more than 600 aspiring insurance leaders at the Gamma Iota Sigma Conference in Chicago, I was reminded of what a career in insurance can offer young people today:

·        Opportunity: As technology advances, the insurance industry is evolving, presenting new opportunities for those with an eye for innovation.

·        Challenge: Each day brings new challenges – from cybersecurity, to autonomous vehicles or extreme weather. Insurance is an industry for problem solvers with a variety of unique skillsets.

·        Meaning: At the heart of it, being there for our customers when they need us most and providing peace of mind during life’s difficult moments is what we do every day.

A big part of what gives my career meaning is the opportunity to help address some of the challenges we face as an industry and as a nation. This is a role that Travelers takes seriously – leveraging our risk management expertise to help improve the communities where we live and work. One good example, and one we discussed this past weekend in Chicago, is distracted driving. More than 40,000 people died on U.S. roads last year, and distraction is an important contributor. Through the Travelers Institute Every Second Matters? series we are bringing young people together to help change attitudes about driving distracted and improve roadway safety for everyone.

The insurance industry offers an innovative platform to tackle the important issues of our day. A special thank you to all of this year’s Gamma Iota Sigma conference attendees. And to all our future business leaders who may not have considered a career in risk management, get to know your campus Gamma Iota Sigma chapter. It might take you places you never expected.