Mitchell Wozniak’s 2024 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection
Mitchell Wozniak
Risk Management and Insurance Major, St. John's University
This month, I was so grateful to be given the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 PRIMA conference in Nashville with all expenses covered as a PRIMA scholar. As I arrived at the conference venue, it became apparent how significant of a gathering this was and how important it was for me to be a part of it. Experts from all around the country gathered together to share strategies and new insights into the world of public risk. From the conference center where I walked around speaking to representatives of insurance companies to the sessions, there were so many opportunities to learn more about public risk management and insurance.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics but the one that caught my attention the most was on the future of cyber risk. As a cyber insurance intern this summer, I found this session to be extremely interesting and helpful to prepare me for my summer internship. I also recall the words of the first speaker who talked about only living once, and I thought that it was a great way to start the conference and get everyone excited. It especially motivated me to be the best version of my self at the conference and helped me understand how much the risk management and insurance industry values work-life balances.
The conference center with the booths was a special part of the trip for me as it allowed me to gain knowledge in a one-on-one conversation about what they each do for of their companies. This was also a great opportunity in helping me prepare for my next summer internship, as many of the companies were excited about our attendance at the conference and encouraged us to apply for internships. Beyond the formal sessions, networking was a highlight of the conference. I was able to meet the PRIMA mentors who were welcoming right from the start and ready to share some of there knowledge that they gained from their positions. I am also especially grateful for being able to attend the conference with other college students as it made it more comfortable for us to navigate the sometimes intimidating circumstances. I was able to learn from my fellow scholars about their experiences at there own schools as well.
I am immensely grateful for the scholarship that made this experience possible. This trip affirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in risk management and insurance. The trip also excited me about going into my summer internship and continue learning. Attending the 2024 PRIMA conference was such an amazing opportunity and I will carry with me the lessons learned and the friends and connections that I made long into my future career.
*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.*
By: Mitchell Wozniak
Risk Management and Insurance Major, St. John's University
Mitchell is currently in his second year at St. John’s University, studying risk management and insurance. In his short time with the school, he has been elected to various key leadership positions including senator of the Tobin College of Business and executive board member of Gamma Iota Sigma. Mitchell strives to always lead with the values that he learned at the Long Island college preparatory school, Saint Anthony’s. With work experience spanning from his proud roots at Costco Wholesale to his current position with State Farm, he values himself on the work he puts in and the way he makes his customers feel. Most importantly, Mitchell prides himself on his service to his community that he carries out through his role of director of community outreach for Gamma Iota Sigma.
