Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) has been a strong interest since 2018 when I was first introduced to the subject. Since then, I’ve felt grateful to have found an industry where I can see myself staying for my entire professional career while growing personally, too. I’ve immersed myself in the “practice” of RMI through my education and professional experience but being a teaching assistant (TA) has allowed me to see the industry in a different light. Also, the ability to help teach complex yet meaningful topics while aiming to foster a welcoming environment has helped me acquire new skills and sharpen old ones.
Being in the front of the classroom as opposed to sitting at a desk has changed how I learn about RMI. Rather than focus on my own inquisitiveness, I have the chance to hear others’ perspectives and questions and get a better understanding of what may be a challenging concept to comprehend. As someone who aspires to consult in RMI someday, being a TA has shown me how to have discussions around risk with those who aren’t familiar with the subject and use real-world situations to demonstrate the process of problem-solving. Hearing students’ questions and concerns has also opened my mind to new considerations and ways of thinking, and I appreciate expanding how I understand the world of RMI.
My experience as one of two TAs for a class of 190 undergraduates in the Wisconsin School of Business’s Principles of Risk Management course has increased my confidence by providing me with a chance to test my knowledge, while also appreciating how much I’ve learned since first coming across the subject. Because of this, I can be a better TA and mentor to the students. When I host office hours to assist students with understanding RMI topics, there have also been times that we chat about career goals, challenging classes, or even recipes–I have truly enjoyed connecting with students about their diverse backgrounds, hobbies, and ambitions. Reflecting on the big picture, this experience has shed light on the importance of building trusting relationships in order to be a credible leader. Being a TA for Principles of Risk Management is one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve had, and I believe the experience has prepared me to be a strong leader in the RMI industry.
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