Andrew Ivanovski’s 2024 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection

My name is Andrew Ivanovski, and as a recipient of the 2024 PRIMA student scholarship, I was granted the opportunity to attend this year’s annual conference. To preface this post, I will voice my philosophy: education is what one makes it, and that is exactly what I have done.

For my entire life I have been the insured; I pay my car insurance, have health insurance and that is it. Prior to starting college, I viewed insurance as a monthly premium, rather than an enticing industry. This past year, as a student at St. John’s University, I have taken initiative in attending every industry related event I could, therefore, once notified of the PRIMA scholarship I was eager to apply. Flash-forward a few months, and I was flying to Nashville, where the conference was held.

Upon arrival I met the other student scholarship recipients, and we instantly bonded. Immediately, I could tell that this group of students had ambition and passion for what they are studying, after all, it was apparent in the willingness to attend the conference. PRIMA hosted a four-day event, where each day encapsulated something new; many topics interested me, some did not, but there was a variety, and for that I am highly appreciative.
As I stated earlier, my philosophy on learning stems from one’s own drive to excel, and that is achieved through conversation. After attending this conference, I honestly say that I have expended my knowledge of risk management, particularly pertaining to that of the public sector. Yes, there were events that I initially found uninteresting, but ironically, I had some of the best conversations with professionals intrigued in those topics. I find that when people are passionate in what they study, a listener wants to listen.

At St. John’s I am currently studying actuarial science, in which I am an aspiring actuary, and this truly elevated my conference experience. It is extremely important to be more than one dimensional, and therefore, the opportunity to speak with risk managers provided me with an entirely new perspective on the insurance industry. For example, the intricacies of risk management within different districts, cities, etc.

Growth. That was my main takeaway from this conference. On day one, I walked in knowing very little about public risk management, as I am only familiarized with the private sector, and by day four I left with knowledge and a network I did not previously have. Not only was the conference educational, but it was also fun. I truly enjoyed the emerging risks panel, as it was extremely relevant, especially when considering the ever-changing cyber industry.

My favorite event of the conference was the presentation on teamwork. I gravitated towards this event because it has everything to do with insurance and risk management; teamwork is the premise of growth and conversation. I applaud PRIMA for including this presentation, and I want to thank PRIMA once more for this amazing experience. Honestly, I learned a ton.

*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs are those of each respective author. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*