Insurance and risk management students learn to assess the risks behind
certain business practices or projects.
A wide variety of four-year programs in insurance and risk management
are offered throughout the United States.
One program can be found at the Katie Insurance School at Illinois State
University. The school offers a comprehensive undergraduate program with both
a major and a minor in insurance.
"It is a four-year program, and students are able to complete it in this
time frame," says Debbie Babcock, associate director of the school.
"Students are strongly encouraged to have an internship or an international
study experience as well as be an active member of the Gamma Iota Sigma
student insurance fraternity."
You can also minor in insurance while pursuing other majors. Some
common majors include actuarial science, accounting, finance, marketing and
human resources management.
"Students can elect to enroll in cooperative education if they wish. This
includes a work term -- similar to an internship -- in each of their third
and fourth years," says Norma L. Nielson, chair of an insurance and risk management
program.
Students graduating from this program "will have a basic knowledge of the
insurance industry that complements their strong education in general management,"
Nielson says.
You'll need good communication and computer skills.
"Students should have a well-rounded high school education with exposure
to business classes and also outside activities that might include work, volunteer
experience, school clubs or sports and leadership positions," says Babcock.
Take as much math as possible, up to pre-calculus or calculus if
available. Courses in consumer economics and advanced biology may be helpful
for certain health and liability positions.
The main costs are tuition and books.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Claims
Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners and Investigators
Treasury and Risk Management Magazine
A magazine for professionals