Each year, Claims Magazine awards an academic scholarship to a student at Illinois State University's (ISU) Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services. Through its undergraduate insurance and risk management and actuarial science programs, the school helps students get industry involvement early on. Claims Assistant Editor Catherine Couretas spoke with this year's scholarship recipient, Laura Fisher, whose desire to help others led her to the field.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in insurance?

When I first came to ISU, I actually applied as a social work major because I wanted a job where I would cultivate relationships with people. However, I also wanted to learn the business aspect. It ended up that I toured the Katie School and realized that I could help people through insurance.

You've been involved in Gamma Iota Sigma and the Katie School Leadership Program. What have you gained from those experiences?

Gamma Iota Sigma is the insurance fraternity here. I go to a lot of Gamma-sponsored events, whether they are the regular gatherings held throughout the semester, networking events, business etiquette dinners, or company visits. Additionally, we host Gamma Games, a networking event where alumni come down to visit. The events provide you with good contacts.

Also, I started with the leadership program last fall. We attended workshops on Friday afternoons. There was a negotiation workshop and a workshop on giving effective speeches, for which we were required to give a persuasive speech to the group. We also completed a risk assessment project with a not-for-profit organization. Our group was given the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. We went to their campsites and toured around, looking for property exposures, working with a representative to address potential concerns and improve what was currently there. For example, we found that a sprinkler system was broken, among other things. We also looked into their annual cookie sales for ways to keep revenue loss at a minimum for the organization.

Your resume indicates that you have worked as an office assistant at one insurer and as an underwriting intern at another. What have those opportunities taught you?

Going into my junior year, I worked in an insurance office in my hometown. I got to shadow the adjusters and perform clerical work as well. It was a part-time job and a good way to get my foot in the door and see how everything works. Last summer, I interned at Midwest Insurance Company, a workers' compensation specialist firm. I was actually doing more things related to insurance and learning more about what underwriters do.

During my part-time job and internship, I was only beginning my studies in insurance. What surprised me the most was how investigative underwriters were when writing insurance for a specific person or company. I've found the legal aspect of the industry intriguing and enjoy being able to investigate a claim through questions in determining if the applicant is a low risk.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have a job at Independent Statistical Services (ISS), a subsidiary of Property Casualty Insurers in Des Plaines, Ill. I'll be a statistical analyst starting in June. ISS works with different insurance companies to ensure that they are following state regulations and legal standards. As a statistical analyst, I will be looking at company's reports to make sure that they are correct.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years?

I hope to be married with children in the Chicagoland area. At that point, I would like to be within an insurance company's underwriting department. I will hope to have settled down with the company for the rest of my career.

Special Reports /

With Laura Fisher, Student, Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services

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