As a second-year MBA student, the Alumni Advisory Board meeting is always a good opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals and to show them what we’ve been learning. This semester’s meeting started with a quick update on how the program is doing, and then we moved straight into three student-led discussion topics.
My group kicked things off with a conversation on AI and the role it’s starting to play in risk and insurance. We focused on how companies are using new tools in underwriting, claims, and analytics, and what that might mean for entry-level roles. Alumni had a lot to share, and it was helpful to hear how their companies are handling these changes.
The second group led a discussion on supply chain risk and the challenges companies are still facing after years of disruptions. The last group presented on nuclear verdicts and how large jury awards are shaping insurer behavior and legal strategy. All three topics sparked active conversation, and the back-and-forth with alumni made everything feel practical and grounded.
After the student discussions wrapped up, Professor Collier shared some of his current research on CAT risks. He walked us through trends in extreme weather, how modeling is evolving, and the capital pressure that comes with it. It tied in well with the earlier conversations and gave everyone a broader picture of where the market is heading.
One thing that stood out again this year is how strong and committed our alumni network is. Many of the board members regularly help students with mock interviews, resume reviews, career advice, and introductions across the industry. Speaking from experience, those conversations make a huge difference when you’re preparing for recruiting or figuring out your next step. It’s a big part of what makes this program work.
We wrapped up the afternoon with a small reception so students and alumni could keep the conversations going and build connections in a more relaxed setting. It was a great way to end the day and a reminder of how supportive this community really is.
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