The Big I Minnesota has dedicated resources and funds to grow student awareness of the vast array of opportunities available in the insurance industry. One way we are providing support is through our partnership with Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), it is the insurance industry’s premier collegiate student organization. GIS has almost 100 chapters nationwide and over 5,000 student members, all interested in careers in different facets of the insurance industry.
The Big I MN collaborates with GIS at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. At the University of St. Thomas, this group has expanded their program to include a Risk Management & Insurance Certificate. We have committed financial support for the expansion of this program here in MN in order for more individuals to have access to this certification. Dan Riley, former Executive Vice President & CEO at the Big I MN, and the new Director of RM&I at the University of St. Thomas, recently took 25 UST students to the annual GIS conference in Baltimore, MD. Over 550 insurance students with an interest in an array of insurance positions attended the conference. There were also 400 companies on hand representing the insurance industry seeking these RM&I and Actuarial students from across the country.
At a more local level, GIS partnered with the Young Risk Professionals of the Twin Cities and our Emerging Leaders were invited to attend a Risk Tour of Target Field.
The Big I MN will also be participating in the upcoming GIS career fair being held at St. Thomas on November 9th. In addition to our partnership with GIS, the Big I MN also helps to support the Center for Sales Leadership and Education (CSLE) program at the University of Minnesota. Volunteer opportunities to speak in classrooms or assist with sales role plays are currently available for Big I MN members. If you are interested in participating in the career fair, or learning more about volunteering with the CSLE courses, please contact mherr@bigimn.org.
