Alyssa Bouchard
Assistant executive director
American Association of Managing General Agents
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Time at company: 10 months.
Getting an insurance education: As a student at Appalachian State University, I was a management major without a great deal of definition to my long-term career goals, until I discovered that one of the largest and highest quality risk management and insurance programs and Gamma Iota Sigma chapters in the country was a few doors down from the management department. A friend in the risk management and insurance program told me about the 95 percent job placement rate, plentiful scholarships and unique travel opportunities available to RMI majors. It was an easy sell, and I've been passionate about this industry ever since.
Networking pays off: I met [AAMGA Executive Director] Bernie Heinze when I was a student at Appalachian State. He serves on the board of directors for the school's Insurance Center, and I got to know him. Less than a year ago, Bernie presented this job opportunity that included many of the things I am passionate about: student outreach, volunteer committee work and education. AAMGA did a lot for me when I was a student, so to have this opportunity to give back to the organization is my dream job. It's the best opportunity I could have asked for.
Challenges to overcome: Increasing consolidation is a challenging factor in the industry right now. Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise in all segments of the industry. Investors are hungry for new opportunities, and the insurance industry is an attractive one. Many of the smaller firms are finding it increasingly difficult to compete. This issue will be a pressing one as long the number of eager buyers is high, but the industry will continue to adapt as it always has.
What excites me about the insurance industry: AAMGA members work with risks that are challenging, evolving and new, and it's exciting stuff. I don't think students are aware of all of the different opportunities that the Excess & Surplus/Wholesale insurance niche of the insurance industry offers, but we are working to mitigate that and addressing the talent gap head-on. Through involvement in Gamma Iota Sigma, revamped training programs, and more intentional student outreach efforts than ever before, companies are filling that talent gap with the best and brightest students in the business. The enthusiasm and level of commitment we are seeing from these students is off the charts, and they will make the most of it every opportunity presented to them in this business.
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