Last month, the Co-Curricular Learning Board (CCLB) hosted a virtual event featuring representatives from American Family, CUNA Mutual Group, Travelers Insurance, Milliman, and Swiss Re. The focus of this event was to stress the importance of interpersonal, intangible, and other overlooked skills in the workplace. I was lucky to personally view presentations from American Family Insurance, CUNA Mutual Group, and Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (Swiss Re).
Representatives from American Family focused their presentation on the importance of emotional intelligence and negotiation skills. The most critical takeaway of this presentation from my perspective was Nikhil Tungare’s focus on negotiation skills. When Nikhil was an MBA student at the Wisconsin School of Business, he was reluctant about an advisor’s suggestion that he take a negotiations course; however, years into his career, he now believes that was the most important class he took during his MBA journey.
CUNA Mutual Group participants focused their presentation on empathy and intercultural competence. In the global economy, the ability to work across cultures and time zones is a vital skill, and CUNA’s representatives made it clear that our ability to connect across cultures will be a large fraction of our ability to succeed in the workforce and advance through our careers.
The Swiss Re presentation centered on continuous learning and resilience. A Swiss Re employee and Wisconsin School of Business alumnae Girija Biyani relayed her story of resilience in the world of COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, Girija was forced to move back to her home country of India. While she had intended to remain in the United States, Girija persevered and, with the support of Swiss Re, transitioned to a new position that she loves.
This CCLB event was a great opportunity for RMI students to connect with alumni and other companies in the insurance industry and hear directly from employers regarding vital skills. Especially in the new world of COVID-19, our ability to connect with our colleagues and customers is key to our success.
Categories: