RMI student lands job before senior year begins

In less than two months, soon-to-be risk management and insurance graduate Keshawn Underhill will step into his career. He’s been waiting for this moment since before his senior year began last August. 

“It was an amazing feeling to know that I had a job waiting for me after graduation, it truly gave me a sense of security,” Underhill said.   

This opportunity is the result of Underhill’s determination. He applied the COB’s formula for success – he took what he learned in the classroom and applied it immediately by getting involved. He joined Gamma Iota Sigma, which is the professional fraternity for risk management and insurance students. 

“I wanted to put myself in a better position after graduation. I ended up finding a group of people who care about you and your success in Gamma Iota Sigma,” Underhill said. “Getting involved in GIS changed my life for the better. I know for a fact I would not be in the same position I’m in now.” 

Last summer, Underhill was motivated to get an internship in the insurance field. He said one of his professors, Kurt Fickling, helped him find an internship with McGriff. He ended up getting the internship and ended up getting a job offer at the end of the summer to work for McGriff in Durham as a client services specialist. He will graduate on May 9 and start work on May 25. 

“Keshawn is a wonderful hard working young man, who has been a delight to have in our program,” said Dr. Brenda Wells, director of the Risk Management and Insurance Program and the Robert F. Bird Distinguished Professor of Risk Management Insurance. “ I know he will go far in the risk and insurance industry, and, he will of course make East Carolina University very proud!” 

Getting involved helped underhill excellerate his path towards success. He encourages current and future students to join clubs and organizations while at ECU because he said the opportunities are beneficial in so many ways. 

“My experience at ECU has been amazing,” Underhill said. “Throughout my time here, I have built strong relationships with classmates who have become genuine friends, as well as mentors who have guided and supported me in my journey.”