Charles McLaughlin – 2026 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection

Attending the PRIMA Annual Conference was one of the most valuable experiences I've had so far as a student studying Finance and Insurance & Risk Management. Going into the conference, I was excited to learn more about the industry and meet professionals from all over the country, but I ended up getting much more out of it than I expected. Every session offered something different, whether it was networking advice, discussions about public risk management, or hearing about the different career paths people have taken. It gave me a much better understanding of how broad the insurance industry really is and how many opportunities are available.

The presentation that stood out to me the most was the final session, which focused on emerging technology and artificial intelligence. AI has become one of the biggest topics in almost every industry, but hearing about how it is changing insurance made the discussion much more relevant to my own career goals. The speakers explained that AI is already helping organizations process large amounts of information much faster than humans can. Whether it's reviewing claims, identifying fraud, analyzing risk, or helping underwriters make better decisions, AI is becoming a tool that can improve both efficiency and accuracy.

One point that really stuck with me was that AI is not replacing people—it is changing the way they work. The presenters emphasized that insurance will always require human judgment, relationship building, and ethical decision-making. AI can organize data, recognize patterns, and make recommendations. However, it still takes experienced professionals to make the final decisions, communicate with clients, and understand situations that don't fit neatly into a computer model. I thought that was reassuring because it showed that technology should be viewed as something that enhances people's jobs rather than replaces them.

The speakers also talked about some of the challenges that come with AI. They discussed concerns surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the possibility of bias in AI-generated decisions if the systems are trained on incomplete or inaccurate information. It was interesting to hear that as companies adopt these technologies, they also have to create policies and oversight to make sure AI is being used responsibly. That reminded me that innovation always comes with new risks, which create even more opportunities for professionals in risk management and insurance.

As someone interested in underwriting and potentially becoming an insurance broker in the future, this presentation made me think about the skills I'll need throughout my career. Technical knowledge will definitely become more important, but communication, critical thinking, and the ability to build relationships will continue to separate great professionals from average ones. The insurance industry is evolving quickly, and staying informed about emerging technologies will be essential for long-term success.

Looking back, the PRIMA conference reinforced why I chose this field in the first place. Beyond the educational sessions, I had the opportunity to connect with professionals who were willing to answer questions, share advice, and encourage students entering the industry. The conference showed me that insurance is constantly adapting to new challenges, and the discussion about AI highlighted just how much the industry will continue to evolve over the next several years. I left the conference feeling more motivated than ever to continue learning, developing new skills, and preparing for a career where I can grow alongside these changes.