Published August 31, 2015
The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) Program
will host its annual talent search event, Sept. 1-2 in the ULM Library Conference
Center, and the ULM Student Union Ballroom, located on the second floor of the Student
Union Building. The event helps address the critical talent challenge facing the global
insurance and risk management industry.
According to national data provided by leading insurance organizations such as The
Institutes, over 200,000 jobs were vacant in 2014 in the insurance industry, and it
is estimated that within the next four years, the industry will need to fill 400,000
positions.
By 2030, nearly half of the current insurance workforce will retire while at the same
time, eight out of 10 millennials report having limited knowledge and understanding
of the employment opportunities available within the insurance industry.
According to Dr. Christine Berry, program coordinator for the ULM Risk Management
and Insurance program, the first talent search, held last spring, resulted in more
than a dozen internships and full-time positions for ULM risk management and insurance
majors. It was a testament not only to the industry’s demand for new talent, but also
to their support of ULM’s RMI program.
“I have no problem finding jobs for students before they graduate,” said Berry. “Our
problem is finding enough students to fill the open positions in the industry.”
According to Berry, ULM’s risk management program is one of approximately 40 bachelors
programs in the world, and one of about four in the world that offers specialized
coursework in surplus lines and reinsurance. It’s also one of only a few that offer
the degree both online and in the traditional format.
During the program, students will hear from various employers, and from Barbara Bufkin,
executive vice president for business development for Hamilton USA. Bufkin, a leader
in the industry, will provide the keynote speech for the event.
In addition to her current role, Bufkin’s tenure in the global industry includes work
in the primary insurance and reinsurance markets. She has held leadership positions
with large firms such as Guy Carpenter, Argo International Holdings, Swiss Re New
Markets, and Swiss Re Subsidiary Facility Insurance Holding Corporation.
The event is sponsored by AmWINS, All Risks, State Farm, and the Louisiana Independent
Insurance Agents.
Events run from 6-8 p.m. in the ULM Library Conference Center on Sept. 1, and from
9 a.m., to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom, on Sept. 2
Additional information about the event can be found at www.ulm.edu/cbss/insurance
