Students gain firsthand look at career opportunities and life at Zurich

At a recent visit to Zurich North America’s Schaumburg, Ill., headquarters, the next generation of insurance professionals gained a sneak peek into how their coursework at Illinois State University’s Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management is preparing them for a bright future in the insurance industry.

A cohort of nearly 20 students toured Zurich’s award-winning corporate campus, heard professionals describe their experiences in the insurance industry and participated in work-activity exercises with representatives from Zurich’s underwriting, claims and finance teams.

“Engaging with the next generation of insurance professionals is so important to all of us at Zurich, and we were pleased to offer this onsite, in-person program for students to tour our North American headquarters, learn about the multitude of roles and opportunities at Zurich and get a sense of our commitment to developing future talent,” said Jessica Aguilar, Head of Talent Acquisition at Zurich North America.

Highlights from the tour included information about the building’s sustainable design and sculptural form as well as stops to see Zurich’s fitness center, golf simulators, coffee bar, café and micro-garden, rooftop beehives, terraces and walking trails, collaborative social hubs and other features.

The program featured Zurich panelists sharing career tips as well as their experiences at Zurich. Panelists from Zurich’s finance, underwriting and claims teams spoke about how taking risks, exercising patience, asking for help, actively engaging in their roles, building relationships and demonstrating a commitment to learning and development paved the way for their career success. Panelists also highlighted the strength of Zurich’s reputation and book of business, as well as its collaborative culture, commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, extensive volunteer opportunities, and mentorship and development programs as key elements that make the organization a great place to work and grow.

Students also gained a better understanding of how their coursework will provide a strong foundation for entering the industry and took advantage of a chance to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to work-activity examples and case studies led by Zurich professionals.

“The Katie School at Illinois State University is a great talent resource for Zurich,” said Kelly Kinzer, Head of Construction at Zurich North America and a member of the Insurance Advisory Board of Executives for the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management at Illinois State University. “Graduates from the school have a solid understanding of insurance fundamentals and an enthusiasm for the many career opportunities the industry offers. This cohort of students was another example of high-quality, passionate future talent that we can look forward to joining our industry.”