Attracting fresh talent is a multi-faceted issue as well as a persistent concern for the P&C insurers. So far, industry leaders have found pockets of success via expanded education and awareness at the collegiate level. To this end, the industry is finding innovative ways to not only inform students in the general sense about the rewarding aspects of the profession but also equip them with the tools to start cultivating careers now.

One case in point is The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCU program and certificate. Intended to encourage the active pursuit of a career in risk management and insurance (RMI), the newly launched program recognizes course work completed in college as part of an RMI degree program by providing students at approved colleges and universities with credit toward up to two parts of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU^®) designation.

The goals of The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCU program are three-fold:

Help students connect their university educational experience with the competencies that will be demanded of them by future employers.
Recognize college academic work that aligns with The Institutes' credentialing.
Make students more attractive to employers, while, at the same time, enhancing the attractiveness of colleges and universities with RMI programs to students.

To qualify for the program, a college or university must offer an RMI program; be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or regionally accredited; and use at least 75 percent of The Institutes' course material in their course content as outlined in the syllabus. Students must complete their course work at an approved college or university, and earn a “B” or better as the final grade in the class. Students who earn two CPCU course waivers and complete Ethics 312—Ethics and the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct will earn The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCU Certificate.

As of June 28, 2013, a total of 16 colleges and universities with 42 qualifying courses are participating in the program.

“I cannot tell you how excited my students are and how much this program helps to attract new RMI majors and new CPCUs,” says Debra Richardson, CPCU, CIC, CRM, professor at the University of North Texas. “The Institutes' forward-thinking approach is timely for the next generation of risk management and insurance professionals.”

The program has also been well received by students. To date, 11 students have earned the Collegiate Studies for CPCU Certificate: Jubilee-Ann Brangman Edness (St. John's University), Donald Crockett (University of North Texas), Ryan Eve (St. John's University), Stephanie Houston (University of North Texas), Josh Lincoln (Illinois State), Logan McVey (Illinois State), Joel Mendez (University of North Texas), Aaron Selburg (Illinois State), Andrew Suleiman (St. Josephs University), Gregory J. Vacek (St. Josephs University), and Lindsey Webb (University of North Texas).

For more information on The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCU program, visit www.TheInstitutes.org/CSP.

Special Reports /

The Institutes Help Students Earn Credits Toward CPCU

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