Job fair leads to full-time job

An ECU job fair a year and a half ago has a risk management and insurance student not only earning money now, but also has her full-time job lined up as soon as she graduates in May.

Madalyne Bland learned about an opportunity with Gallagher at an ECU job fair in December 2024. According to its website, Gallagher is “one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms.” Bland got involved with the Gallagher Summer Internship Program. She ended up having an internship in Wilmington, NC, with Gallagher subsidiary Risk Placement Services in the summer of 2025.

After completing her internship, Bland said she started working at Risk Placement Services in a part-time remote role as an assistant underwriter in September, and then a month later, she accepted a full-time position for post-graduation. That job offer came seven months before she graduates.

“My experience with these opportunities was incredibly rewarding,” Bland said. “My internship allowed me to build meaningful relationships, gain real-world experience and grow both professionally and personally. I feel more confident in my skills, better prepared for my career and grateful to the mentors and peers who supported me along the way.”

Bland credits her relationship building to her interaction with her professors and mentors – and getting involved with many activities within the COB and RMI. She said she took full advantage of travel opportunities, meetings, job fairs, RMI dinners and classes.

“I credit the leaders of this program with much of my success, and I know they will continue to support me as I begin my career,” Bland said. “These professors have been especially influential, dedicating their time to teaching us how to succeed in this industry and connecting us with professionals who can help us grow after graduation.”

One of those programs was the Gamma Iota Sigma club. Bland said she joined GIS as soon as she declared RMI as her concentration. She said the professors leading this program provide opportunities that truly set students up for long-term success.

“Joining GIS was one of the best decisions I made in college,” Bland said. “Beyond networking, GIS has been instrumental in supporting my academic success and helping me navigate my courses with confidence.”

Bland’s hard work and engagement within RMI and the COB have caught the eye of faculty and staff. They showcase her story to other students to show what is possible when you put in the work.

“Maddy is a very special young lady in our program. She is an extremely hard worker, and I couldn’t be prouder of her,” said Dr. Brenda Wells, director of the Risk Management and Insurance Program and the Robert F. Bird Distinguished Professor of Risk Management Insurance. “She was one of the first May graduates to get a job, and her employer is lucky to have her.  I wish her all the best with her future career.”