RMI visits Atlanta, attends industry symposium

RMI Students stand outside of ECU bus painted with ECU's mascotOn Nov. 11 2021, sixteen students from the College of Business’ RMI program departed Greenville for Atlanta to attend the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association’s Extreme Risk Takers Symposium.  The two-day symposium presented lots of information about the excess and surplus lines side of the insurance industry.

“Students were transported on the ECU Motorcoach, which looked amazing cruising through the streets of Atlanta,” said RMI program director Dr. Brenda Wells.  “We love riding on the motorcoach because it just screams ‘Pirate Pride’.”

“Everyone thinks that insurance is just auto insurance or health insurance, but it is so much more than that,” said senior Gabby Banks, ECU’s Gamma Iota Sigma vice president and incoming (Spring 2022) president. “At the symposium, I got a chance to learn more about wholesale, specialty, and surplus lines from top companies in each segment. I also learned about cyber insurance, current surplus lines issues/trends, and tips on how to prepare for a career in the insurance industry.”

“Overall, it was a very informative event filled with lots of networking,” added Banks. “Being able to gain connections with professionals as well as students from other universities is always a great time.”

The symposium was attended by schools from approximately 20 universities across the country.  Co-sponsored by Troy University, this symposium has become a “must-do” for the RMI program each Fall.  The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Foundation generously funded the trip.