DePauw University set a new record for student participation at the 53rd Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) International Conference at the Indiana Convention Center from Sep.26 to Sep.27, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the university's involvement. This year, Dr. Zhixin Wu, Professor of Business Analytics and Mathematical Sciences, led a diverse group of 50 students—representing majors such as actuarial science, mathematics, communication, economics, finance, business analytics, and computer science—who made up an impressive 8.5% of the total 592 attendees. This unprecedented level of participation highlights DePauw students’ growing presence at the professional development event.
For many DePauw attendees, it was their first experience at a professional conference. They found immense value in the range of educational sessions, professional development activities, and networking opportunities offered throughout the conference. Students participated in numerous sessions designed to showcase current trends in the insurance and risk management industries while fostering connections with industry professionals.
One of the standout Educational Sessions was Programming the Modern Actuary by Verisk, which resonated strongly with DePauw students who have a background in programming and data analytics. This session highlighted the expanding role of data science within the insurance industry, emphasizing the critical need for actuaries to possess strong analytical skills in an increasingly digital world. Isabel Wilson, an actuarial science and economics major, found the session insightful, providing her with a clearer understanding of programming resources and expectations. She remarked, “I got comfortable talking to recruiters and people I just met while feeling confident.”
Another impactful presentation was Risk in Flames: Navigating the Impact of Wildfires on Property & Casualty Insurance by Kathryn Koch, FCAS, MAAA, and Ken Williams, FCAS, MAAA, from the Casualty Actuarial Society. The presentation gave students insights into how insurers adapt their risk management strategies to deal with the growing threat of wildfires. Andy Park, a double major in Economics and Business Analytics, highlighted how conversing with industry professionals gave him deeper insights into the field. Aaron Mejiritski, who intends to major in the business fields, found the session engaging and timely, stating, “My interest in the industry has only grown.”
In addition, DePauw students benefited from the session titled Women Inspiring Leaders: Ownership, Community, and Resilience, presented by The Institutes CPCU Society. This session offered practical leadership and career development strategies, focusing on the importance of diversity, community building, and resilience in corporate environments. Minh Khue Bui, the first-year student of the Principal of the Risk Management and Insurance class, particularly appreciated how the speaker Britani Jones, connected with the audience, saying that it helped her broaden her network. Her biggest takeaway was the opportunity to meet experts in actuarial science, risk management, and insurance.
In addition to students' active engagement, our faculty advisor is also actively involved in the conference. Dr. Wu was invited to join esteemed Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) professors and program directors from top business schools for the Faculty Panel Discussion at the conference. The panel focused on the value of academic programs in equipping students with both academic knowledge and industry-recognized credentials. During the discussion, Dr. Wu emphasized the unique strengths of a liberal arts education—not only in preparing students to pass professional exams, but also in fostering critical self-learning abilities, confidence, and leadership skills, which are crucial for long-term career success. During the career fair and professional development sessions, Dr. Wu had the opportunity to reconnect with several industry professionals. She extends her sincere thanks to her industry connections, including Albert Moore from OneAmerica Financial, who presented at our 2024 Fall Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science Guest Speaker Series, Stephanie Kut from RGA, Sarah Jacobs from AIG, Hope Mineau from State Farm Insurance, Kathryn (Katie) Koch from Lewis & Ellis and Tamar N. Gertner from the Casualty Actuarial Society for their continued support in fostering the professional growth of our students.
The conference provided attendees with extensive resources beyond the educational sessions, offering a comprehensive array of opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Students had access to a bustling career fair that featured over 90 exhibitors from across the insurance and risk management industries, along with hundreds of on-site interviews for internships and entry-level positions. Keynote speeches delivered by industry leaders offered valuable insights into the future of insurance, while specialized educational workshops led by subject matter experts deepened participants' knowledge in various fields. Professional
development resources, such as resume reviews and mock interviews, equipped students with the tools to refine their job search strategies. Networking events further enhanced the experience, connecting students with professionals and peers from across the country, and fostering relationships that will support their career journeys.
DePauw students actively engaged with the professional community, discussing career aspirations and forming connections that will prove invaluable for their future careers. Connor Agler, an actuarial science major, enjoyed the networking opportunities, even though he has signed his 2025 actuarial summer internship offer. He stated, “Networking can lead to new ideas and opportunities you didn't think were possible before.” Hieu Nguyen, another actuarial science and computer science major, found the Pricing Show by Travelers informative, giving him deeper insights into the daily tasks of a pricing actuary.
In addition to these experiences, Lam Nguyen, a first-year student, particularly enjoyed the session "The Power of Inclusion: Building a Better Workplace for All," which deepened his understanding of inclusive workplaces. He found the networking opportunities valuable and recognized their importance for his career. His biggest takeaway was the advice for his study plan, which will help guide his academic journey in actuarial science. On a related note, Carolyn Ma, a first-year student, found the career fair to be the highlight of her experience. She appreciated the chance to explore the diverse industries within insurance. Furthermore, she valued the networking opportunities and successfully connected with many individuals on LinkedIn. Her biggest takeaway echoed Lam’s insights: realizing how diverse the insurance industry is, emphasizing that you can insure just about anything.
The participation of DePauw University students in the 53rd GIS International Conference was made possible through the generous support of the Gamma Iota Sigma Foundation, Dean John F. Clarke of the School of Business and Leadership, and faculty members, especially Professor Zhixin Wu’s guidance and encouragement. Their guidance and financial backing were crucial in enabling students to attend this transformative event and explore the vast opportunities within the insurance and actuarial fields.
Reflecting on the event, DePauw students expressed their gratitude for the chance to attend such a prestigious conference. Christian Prokopeas, a communications major with a business administration minor, rated the conference as “Excellent” and was impressed by the industry's commitment to societal improvement. Duyen (Darcy) Tran, an actuarial science and finance major, also rated the conference as “Excellent,” noting that learning how to confidently introduce herself at the career fair was a major takeaway, adding, “I learned how to confidently introduce myself and maintain an effective conversation.”
DePauw University’s increasing presence at the GIS International Conference exemplifies its commitment to fostering future leaders in the insurance industry, as evidenced by the enthusiastic participation of students who reflect their dedication to professional development. The
connections made and insights gained will play a significant role in shaping their careers as they transition from academic settings to professional environments. Moreover, the invaluable experiences shared with industry professionals lay a strong foundation for future collaborations and mentorships, positioning students to leverage opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of insurance and risk management. Eager for continued engagement, DePauw is already looking forward to next year’s conference, which will offer even more chances for growth and learning. By being part of these important events, DePauw not only strengthens its academic programs but also builds a lively community of future innovators ready to make a positive impact in the field.