(Article authored by Eva Arias, Mahita Kallepalli, Madelyn Kudronowicz, Samantha Meiller, Raquel Rojano, Nora Trapp, Zoe Triatik)
Seven risk management and insurance students recently had the privilege of attending the annual Chicagoland Risk Forum that was on September 22, 2022. The seven of us spent the day fully immersed in learning about the complex challenges currently facing the industry and engaging with a diverse room of risk management professionals.
At the start of the conference, we were each paired with a mentor who would be our main point of contact and resource for the day. This was a wonderful feature as it allowed us to become immediately immersed in the experience with someone to answer questions and help guide us through the events.
Throughout the day we listened to four engaging panel discussions. The sessions were very insightful; we learned more about emerging risks, cyber risk trends, and innovative solutions and suggestions for mitigating them. Some of the best parts of the day were between speaker events. We were able to meet and network with the professionals at the conference and build connections with past University of Wisconsin – Madison alumni who were excited to run into fellow Badgers! The excitement we had to interact with professionals who hold responsibilities that we one day hope to earn was reciprocated from the industry professionals.
Perhaps most importantly, we were able to experience firsthand how professionals in the risk and insurance industry work together and build genuine relationships to further their goals. Being welcomed into this culture at the conference and sampling the close knit community was an amazing experience
Through networking we became so much more aware of the many paths and challenges it has to offer.
We are so appreciative of the UW-Madison Risk and Insurance Department and the Chicago RIMS Chapter for creating such an amazing conference for students to get a glimpse into the industry.
Finally, thank you to all of our mentors for showing leadership and sharing wisdom throughout the event.