Recently, Crawford CEO, Rohit Verma, was invited to Indiana State University (ISU) to speak to students and faculty at the Leader in Action event, sponsored by the Gongaware Center and Insurance & Risk Management (IRM) program. Rohit led a discussion about property and casualty claims, participated in a roundtable discussion with students and met with the dean of the Scott College of Business, Terry Daugherty, as well as IRM program faculty.
“It was a pleasure to be involved in the Leader in Action program and support young people interested in entering our industry,” said Verma. “Our workforce is on the brink of a talent crisis as a generation begins to retire, and it is critical that we attract young, innovative leaders to insurance.” This is precisely the goal of the IRM program, which provides students with a broad understanding of the role of companies that bear the risk of insuring both public and private interests.
The IRM program, which currently contains about 80 students seeking a major or minor, focuses on all major aspects of insurance and risk management. ISU’s courses also serve as the foundation for professional designations and licenses. The insurance industry offers a vast array of possible career paths, including risk analysis and management in large firms, government, regulatory agencies and consulting. Other career opportunities include positions as agents, brokers, underwriters, claims adjusters, financial planners, and employee benefits specialists.
Dean Daugherty believes strongly in the value of the program. “We are involved in a number of efforts to help boost awareness and participation in the IRM program,” he explained. “We participate in high school career fairs and offer scholarships to attract students to the program. Once they begin their studies, we create travel, networking and professional development opportunities that give the students an edge as they enter the workforce.”
Verma added, "Crawford is committed to developing expertise that is deep and eminent. And given the anticipated increase in shortfall of talent, it is critical we start industry engagement right at the source of new talent--schools and colleges, hence my continued engagement with talent attraction, development, retention and growth!"
For more information about the IRM program, visit