Student Involvement Program Testimonials

“In 2020, I realized I wanted to start over and find work that I felt was more fulfilling in a lifestyle I wanted to move towards. I decided to return to Mohawk College on the 10th anniversary of my last graduation. I chose to go into the business insurance program as a mature student.

Here, my professors introduced us to opportunities like the McGannon Foundation Student Involvement Program. I was intrigued as I listened to how the McGannon Foundation was formed and the who, what, where, when, and why of how the foundation supports risk management education. I was excited to apply before even finding out that the RIMS conference for that year would be in Vancouver.

I was one of the students chosen to go. The McGannon Foundation made sure to help all the students selected every step of the way. This isn’t just a free trip; it’s a well-planned experience designed to put you in the front seat with the industry. You’ll have the chance to:

• Connect with Mentors: Gain invaluable guidance from experienced professionals.
• Tailor Your Learning: Choose panels and sessions that align with your interests.
• Network Effortlessly: Attend welcoming events, like the initial dinner with the Foundation’s board members, creating comfortable spaces to build connections and engage in meaningful conversations.
• Gain Insider Perspectives: Hear directly from industry leaders eager to share their knowledge and insights.

What struck me most was people’s genuine interest in speaking with us students. It felt like the entire time we were there, everyone was open to sharing their experiences and helping us find our footing. Whether you have a clear career vision or are still exploring your options, this program provides the exposure needed to solidify your path or uncover exciting new possibilities within the diverse field of risk management and insurance.

The McGannon Foundation has crafted a program that truly supports student success. They understand the importance of balancing learning, networking, and mentorship, creating an environment where you can grow your confidence, professionalism, and leadership potential.”

If you’re a student reading this, I hope you know that this is a chance for you to step into your future, connect with a supportive community, and discover the potential you have in yourself. It helped guide me on my path to becoming a future leader, and I know it can also be a life-changing experience for others.

To this day, I have great connections with people I met in Vancouver at the RIMS conference. I will forever be grateful to the McGannon Foundation Student Involvement Program for all the memories I made, the people I met, and my experiences.”

“I’m beyond grateful to The McGannon Foundation for giving me the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 RIMS Convention. It was truly a life-changing experience. The seminars and lectures were insightful and eye-opening, providing knowledge and unique perspectives that have already made a difference in how I approach my work and studies. The networking events were also equally invaluable. We were able to connect with so many passionate, experienced professionals which demonstrated to me just how supportive and inspiring this industry can be.

Most importantly, this experience gave me clarity about my own career path. I learned so much about the commercial side of the insurance industry and helped me realize that it’s exactly where I want to grow and build my future.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of The McGannon Foundation. Their commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities for emerging insurance professionals like myself is something I’ll always be thankful for. I’ll definitely carry this experience with me throughout my career, and I’m truly honored to have been chosen for this opportunity.”

“Being a part of The McGannon Foundation Student Involvement Program is among the most valuable experiences one can have as a young risk management and insurance professional. The experience goes far beyond the conference itself with students being exposed to industry professionals, a wide range of job possibilities, credentials, and the cutting-edge technology and innovation that is changing the industry as we know it.

With a large group of students and a big conference like RIMS Canada, there is a lot of coordination required. I was continuously amazed with how smoothly everything went. That happens because of the tireless efforts of the McGannon Foundation board members and their desire to continuously improve through student feedback. They have thought of everything including a thoughtfully planned itinerary, a student only farewell dinner, and personalized name tags and business cards.

The McGannon Foundation nametag feels like a badge of honour when walking around the RIMS Canada conference. Professionals are excited to talk to the students, they are engaging, and they make students feel like they have a seat at the table. The networking from this program will reward students throughout the rest of their careers.

In my opinion, the most valuable connections the students make are with the board members and each other. The board members are all full-time industry professionals who have volunteered their time because they are passionate about young people in this industry. When a student chooses to take advantage of the face time they have with these individuals, they are rewarded indefinitely. The student cohort that attendees are introduced to in the week is a cohort that they will be moving through the industry with. So, by making connections with one another, students are investing in future job offers and referrals. Even beyond that, they are investing in meaningful friendships.

I am thankful for all that this experience taught me, for the people that I met, and for the perspective that it gave me on my career and the industry. Experiences from this program have and will continue to impact my daily life as a person who works in risk management.
At a time when many graduates are struggling to find jobs and the insurance industry has a talent gap, it is important that students are being connected with this industry. The McGannon Foundation is bridging this gap and enabling the next generation of risk management and insurance professionals. I look forward to seeing the next group of students at RIMS Canada in Calgary, I know they will excel.”

“The McGannon Foundation not only awarded me a scholarship but also for orchestrating the unforgettable Student Involvement Program. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my journey in the Risk Management industry.

Receiving the scholarship was a tremendous honour and served as a beacon of support during my academic pursuits.

The financial assistance provided by the Foundation lightened the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies and career goals.

Participating in the Student Involvement Program was a life-changing experience. The warm welcome from the Board at the student dinner set the tone for an immersive and educational journey at RIMS. The Board’s commitment to mentoring students like me was evident in every interaction, creating a supportive environment to explore and learn.

The well-organized schedule, coupled with enriching seminars and networking events, broadened my understanding of the Risk Management industry. The attention to detail, such as personalized business cards, highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to ensuring a positive student experience.

These experiences, both the scholarship and the Student Involvement Program, have played pivotal roles in my current academic and professional pursuits. The Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Risk Management professionals is commendable, and I feel privileged to be a beneficiary of such generosity.

This in turn has encouraged me to continue to give back to the risk management community.

Thank you, once again, to the McGannon Foundation for your ongoing support and dedication to empowering students like me.”

“The McGannon Student Involvement Program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to delve into the world of Risk Management and Insurance. As a Risk enthusiast myself, I truly enjoyed attending the RIMS Canada 2023 conference with my fellow peers and all board members from the program. Being a young professional in this field, it was extremely comforting to have board members support you throughout the conference and provide constant motivation and confidence to network with leaders across the industry.

The program provided a good balance between helping students learn more about upcoming industry trends through seminars and presentations, while also providing each of us the opportunity to gain real world insights about the industry from experts themselves during networking events and receptions.

Board members like Joe, Frances, Javier, April and Ann were instrumental in helping us discover our individual interests within the Risk Management space, by providing ongoing mentorship during / after the conference and constantly making introductions between students and professionals in niche fields.

The foundation made significant efforts in helping students bring their best foot forward in front of potential employers and industry leaders. The board took the time to make personalized business cards for each student to present during receptions and events. This not only helped each of us present ourselves professionally but also allowed us to make long-lasting connections with leaders. These connections further helped me discover my areas of interest in Risk Mangement in a niche sector known as Subcontractor Default Insurance.

Today only because of my experiences in the program I am working in a space that brings me joy. The program does a lot more for students than just helping us recognize our passion for Risk Management. It provides a platform for every student to make lifelong connections with mentors, leaders and peers.

Thank you again to all foundation members that contributed to making this experience so insightful and memorable. I will forever cherish the memories I made during the conference. I would definitely recommend all Risk Management enthusiasts to apply for the student involvement program and take advantage of the opportunities it provides for students!”

“In 2023 I started a new chapter of my life – I moved 7,000 kilometers away and decided to pursue a new career in insurance. This journey, filled with stress, exams, and a lot of joy, has eventually led me to attending the RIMS Conference in September later that year.

I had the privilege of being selected as one of the students for RIMS Student Involvement Program, and I must express my gratitude for the invaluable experience it provided. The conference has brought together a lot of professionals all over Canada who were very open and excited about sharing insights with students. Moreover, there were plenty of educational sessions with industry experts who shared the strategies and best practices in the field of risk management.

The networking opportunities at RIMS were exceptional; you could speak with an assistant and CEO at the same exhibition! The diversity, enthusiasm, and professionalism of all the participants showed me that I have chosen the right industry. It was also a blast to speak with students, other participants of the Program from various provinces, about their schools, courses, and industry involvement.

I often think about that conference and all my friends know how important it was for me to attend an event like this. It helped realize where I stand and where I want to be moving further. I left the event inspired and with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. These feelings would not be there if it was not for McGannon Foundation and its wonderful board members who orchestrated the agenda for the event. So much passion and hard work was put into making our journey seamless and impactful! I highly recommend attending the RIMS conference to anyone in doubt and in need of reassurance.”

“I decided to pursue my career in insurance when I chose insurance course in Mohawk College from India, and as a new student in New country I had many questions regarding the industry and the future career options that this industry could offer, attending McGannon foundation’s student involvement program gave me all the answers I was looking for and also gave me encouragement for my future career.

Night of 10th September 2023, it started with a dinner with all the board members of the foundation, it was very important time for all the 11 students who were attending the RIMS Conference of 2023. I was lucky to hear all student’s as well as all the board member’s career stories and their achievements, which inspired me a lot, and it also increase my knowledge and made me familiar with all other 10 students at the dinner.

Right from the next day, all the student started to attend various parties, where we met many potential employers and got to know about their work and their point of view towards the industry and how they ended up in this industry. From then, we were continuously introducing ourselves to employers and getting more knowledge and getting to know the trends that currently going on in the industry. All the industry was very welcoming and keen to know us and give their knowledge to us that can help us to get into the industry, and I could not find better ways for insurance student to networking within the insurance industry than RIMS Conference.

This experience also brought many new knowledge for me that, as a insurance student I should had known, that there are many opportunities in various fields within the industry that you can try and decide whichever field you would like to stick with, and I was also had chance to meet many of the employers belong to various fields of the insurance, such as D & O liability insurance underwriters, speciality underwriters and claim adjusters, Aviation insurance Underwriters. All these wonderful professionals could be living examples with their knowledge, that you could try many fields within the industry and choose what is best suitable to yourself.

It has been months, but I still have great relationships with some of the employers and I also know all the board members of the foundation, who are also keen help us in any way they can. One of the employers whom I met at the conference also recommended me as a good candidate to other employer for a job position and the recruiter connected with me on linked in, and many of them has connected with me and willing to help me out when I need.”

“In 2020 when I decided to pursue a career in Insurance, I also decided to study Insurance 12,000 km away from home. As much as I was confident with this decision, I did have moments where I questioned myself, wondering if this was the right decision to make.

Attending the RIMS conference greatly enriched my academic journey and being immersed in an environment filled with industry professionals, thought leaders and fellow students was both inspirational and educational.

Some of the highlights from attending the conference:

• Engaging with CXOs of various top companies, each of them more than willing to spare some of their valuable time to shed some light on their journey and to provide advice on how to navigate through this industry
• Attending workshops and sessions held by industry leaders covering a spectrum of topics – from emerging trends in cyber risk to the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry
• Networking events with professionals who shared their experiences and perspectives, and a glimpse of their day-to-day activities
• Understanding the importance of attracting and retaining talent

I remember feeling happy and excited on the flight back from Halifax. Happy because I had never been so sure about the decision I made to pursue a career in Insurance and excited because I realized in this industry, the sky is the limit.

Last but not least: the amazing board members of the McGannon Foundation. None of this would have been possible without their invaluable support and encouragement. It will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on me.

With much gratitude and appreciation.”

“The McGannon Student Involvement Program was one of the most unique experiences a university student would have the chance to participate in. I say this with great pride as my participation in this program broadened not only my knowledge of the Risk Management/Insurance field, but also my confidence in myself and my ability to network. At the RIMS Canada Conference, students are able to see the complexities of the RMI industry outside the classroom; I witnessed the true community and genuine support all the industry professionals have amongst each other. Even more noteworthy, was the encouraging and welcoming environment created for students. Managers, CEOs, Vice Presidents and Presidents of companies took real interest in getting to know and connecting with us. It is obvious the industry has many wonderful opportunities for career and personal development. However, what sets this industry apart, is the people and community that is formed within it and that is something you don’t see often.”

“I want to give a huge thank you to the McGannon Foundation and every board member involved with making the Student Involvement Program possible. This experience was unforgettable for me, and I am forever grateful to the Board for taking the time to share their passion for the industry with us, and their genuine commitment to mentoring and encouraging the students during our time at RIMS.

The evening we arrived, the Board hosted a student welcome dinner for us to all meet and get to know each other. This was a fantastic way to ease any nervousness we had and immediately set the tone for the rest of the trip. It was clear that each Board member was keen to take the students under their wing and ensured we never felt out of place at any time.

Each day was jam packed with conference seminars and great events, bouncing around from different company receptions (at fantastic venues!), and giving us a unique glimpse into what this experience is like as an industry professional. Our schedules were incredibly well organized and thought-out to maximize our time. Something I found particularly valuable about this was that we had the opportunity to meet an expansive range of professionals, from many different areas of the industry (underwriting, broking, adjusting), and we could hear about individual’s day-to-days in their careers at different companies and roles. This real-world information is not something students always have readily available when trying to distinguish their career path upon graduation, and I think the Board did a great job of recognizing this and seeing the value in building the students’ network and knowledge of the industry during our time at RIMS.

The attention to detail the Foundation pays to making the student experience positive was incredible (down to arranging personalized business cards for us to use at networking events). I will also point out that if it weren’t for this experience and the valuable connections I made during that week, I would not have landed the current role I have now, right after graduation!

Thank you again to the Foundation and the Board for your continual commitment and selflessness. I would absolutely encourage any student interested in the Risk Management industry to apply for the Student Involvement Program!”

“The McGannon Student Involvement Program was a life changing experience for me. I attended RIMS 2019 in Edmonton with the McGannon Board and a small group of students. During our time together, I made invaluable connections in the insurance/risk management industry in addition to meeting my best friend to this day!

The Board did an amazing job of making us feel welcome and gave us the confidence to network at the conference. This was an extremely unique opportunity, to have the Board members supporting us and networking alongside us. Having the Board members present, all of them being well respected in the industry, created a safe environment to be curious and make genuine connections with our soon-to-be peers and colleagues. Which brings me to employment opportunities – I can think of no better environment to make a lasting impression on possible future employers. Each day was filled with events and company receptions to meet professionals in all areas of the Risk Management Industry. After the weekend I had at RIMS, I had increased my knowledge tenfold on all the possible career paths available to me.

I would recommend this program to any student in Risk Management, it truly has the power to skyrocket your career. Everyone involved is so kind and genuinely wants to see you succeed. Additionally, you’ll meet a group of likeminded students who will support you throughout your career. I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity!”​

“The Foundation was extremely welcoming, all the Board members including the members joining were very pleasant to talk to. They always introduced us to other Conference attendees and gave us such critical advice. They weren’t just chaperones, they really put an effort in making us feel comfortable but also help us make the most of the opportunity.

With respect to the Conference, the educational sessions were great, I personally enjoyed the update in captives and insurance linked securities sessions as those are two niche areas within the industry in which I could see myself being a part of.

My favourite part of the Conference was the second night where all the Board members and recipients had dinner together and we had the opportunity to ask each other questions. To hear why the Board members were volunteering their time and effort to really give back to the industry and future leaders was very enlightening. It was 100% worth my time and missing a week of studies, I gained so much from the sessions and networking events and I really hope to give back to the industry one day like the Board members have.”

“Our first group dinner was notably significant because it set the tone for the entire trip. The night provided an opportunity to meet and connect with all the sitting board members of the Foundation, know what to expect during the Conference, and realign my priorities to achieve my goals. Everyone was ever so willing to share their career stories and passion for the industry, leaving me with a deep sense of encouragement, optimism, and belonging.

I really appreciated sitting-in for the Foundation’s AGM and meeting everybody on Sunday. We were continuously introduced to potential employers and mentors, some of which I have kept a working relationship with.

One month after the Conference, I am still overwhelmed by the level of comradery and kinship displayed by the industry. Everyone was keen to meet students and share their stories and life experiences with enthusiasm. I got to shake hands with many industry professionals from diverse backgrounds and technical expertise.”

“I would like to start expressing my sincere gratitude to all Board members for making the McGannon Foundation awards possible. This selfless and generous work you provide through the Foundation is truly inspiring. The week we spent together exceeded all of my expectations. I was touched in ways that I could not even expect: not only I came back home more passionate about this industry, but also with the urge to give back to the community someday, just like you do.

The entire experience was rich and intense. We had the opportunity to attend several educational sessions and hear intakes from the top risk management professional in the industry. The variety of topics discussed is overwhelming! I felt that all scholars are now a step ahead of the game, as we had the chance to learn things beyond the scope of a traditional insurance education. The extensive networking was an amazing opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of fields. In addition to that, it certainly helped me develop and get more comfortable with networking as the days passed. Coming back to school, I noticed that even public speaking became easier for me, and I’m sure the conference was the reason behind that.

I started this experience not really knowing which insurance field would be a better fit for me once I graduate. After a week of total professional immersion, I had a clearer picture of the industry and a better understanding of which paths I want to take.”

“Thank you for such a great experience that the Foundation created for me! I will never forget the value of what you have done for me. This Conference was my first experience of being in a Canadian community and helped me to understand my future career and set my expectations.

The Conference itself was a valuable experience, and the combination of what the Foundation did for the students with the well-organized plan made it more worthwhile. At the same time, the opportunity of meeting and talking in person with the most successful people in the industry made the conference even more beneficial.”

“The days were full-on, up first thing to prepare for a long day of speakers and educational courses. Then a full evening of being whisked around to many events where we would be introduced to influential individuals in the industry as well as possible future employers

The amount of networking I was able to do was amazing! I did my best to maximize my exposure over the short conference; being invited to so many evening events really allowed that to happen. It led to many long nights, but it was truly worth it. I have already been contacted for possible employment opportunities.

I was very happy to see how the McGannon Board received me and the other students. I can tell they are all champions of the industry and are sincere in their commitment and support of the students. Thank you very much, I hope one day I will be able to return the favour to the students of tomorrow.”

“Attending the 2017 RIMS Canada Conference exceeded all my expectations. It was a pleasure getting to know all the Foundation directors and network with so many successful risk management professionals across Canada. Additionally, the opportunity to meet such brilliant students involved in risk management and share my expectations and challenges of the Conference with them. As we got along so well, it made my experience even more amazing.I really appreciated the Director’s efforts put into the Foundation and for the time and consideration with us in Toronto. The McGannon Foundation made me feel very welcomed by the Risk Management community. Beginning with my interview, Joe and Marley were very pleasant and explained all the details of the Conference if I was chosen. Wayne did an exceptional job coordinating and supporting us for over a month by organizing the trip and making sure we all were accommodated properly. Our organized schedule for meeting and receptions allowed us to use our time wisely and the business cards were a plus on this experience as they made me feel like a professional. The Foundation provided us unconditional care and attention by introducing and connecting us with countless successful people in the Risk Management industry.

I was delighted to see how the Risk Management industry was welcoming and pleasant to share their experiences and advice to the next generation of Risk Managers. All the business cards, networking and advice will help me to shape what possible career paths to pursue. It was very exciting to take away so many options of careers in mind.”

“My overall impression of the experience with the McGannon Foundation was very positive. I felt extremely welcomed by the Foundation. The schedule was great, and I really enjoyed being busy all the time with the Conference and various events. The McGannon Foundation successfully presented every opportunity for the students to network with, and to learn from, various professionals in the industry.

I really enjoyed the education sessions, I felt every single one I had attended had a really great take away that I could use in my education and in my professional career. The networking was another highlight for me as I felt I have made lasting connections with professionals in the industry. These are people that have made me feel confident in contacting them with questions throughout my career, and this holds an exponential amount of value for me.

In my opinion, the McGannon Foundation nailed the experience for us students, and there is nothing that I would do different for the upcoming students. I feel the foundation, executed the entire event wonderfully.”

“My entire experience with the McGannon Foundation and the Student Involvement Program was exceptional, from start to finish. The application process was relevant, thorough, thoughtful, and really helped me understand why I wanted to be a part of it, and what I intended to take away from it. I’d also like to speak to those involved in the program alongside myself. The other students who attended were kind, encouraging, and an absolute joy to share the experience with. I am excited to have made such genuine connections with people who will ultimately becoming my future colleagues and professional peers. The Board Members who mentored us along the way were also far and beyond what I could have hoped them to be. They made me feel so warmly welcomed, right from the start, and were constantly encouraging us to break out and meet new people and to take full advantage of every opportunity the RIMS Conference had to offer.

The plenaries were engaging and inspiring, and really encouraged me to explore fields beyond what I am used to. My favourite plenary was the one about Catastrophic Risk Management, by esteemed speaker Erwann Michel-Kerjan. Erwann shared with us a unique and incredibly interesting perspective on how modern organizations can adapt to changing conditions and protect against risks associated with potential catastrophic events of many different kinds. The other sessions I attended were incredibly varied and perfectly relevant to current industry topics, including cyber risk, the sharing economy, drones, and social media.

Another invaluable takeaway from my experience was the extensive networking opportunities. I truly believe that developing and maintaining positive professional relationships is a huge part of succeeding in the risk management industry, and am incredibly grateful to the McGannon foundation for having given me the chance to connect with so many kind, interesting, and supportive members of the industry. If given the chance, I would do this program again in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to learn more about the risk management industry, to network with professionals, and to explore future career opportunities.”

“I loved my experience of attending the RIMS Canada Conference. The entire McGannon Foundation team was very cordial with us. As soon as we arrived, they made us feel at ease. I learned a lot by going to the RIMS Canada Conference. First, we had the opportunity to do a lot of networking, which allowed me to meet the elite in risk management. Some of the companies that were present were not familiar to me. I have met leaders from all over Canada. I really appreciated that the Foundation organized a lot of networking activities that allowed me to talk to the RIMS members about myself (background, studies, etc.), the Foundation and about what I learned during the Conference. They are fantastic people., I was even able to expand my network with French Canadian Risk Managers from Quebec and Montreal.

The main topic of the RIMS Canada 2017 was “Community” and I think that we felt it throughout our stay with the different speakers. The conference of Dr. Erwann Michel-Kerjan was captivating and I learned a lot. The sessions were definitely worth my time! I went to a session called “Commercial Drones: Implications and Applications for the Insurance Industry”. It was interesting to learn about how drones are used right now and how they are involved in the risk management of companies. The speaker helped us to think about the future and the regulations that should be added to Canadian law. As a student from the millennium generation, I think it is important to be aware of new technological issues such as social networks and autonomous vehicles. It will be our responsibility as future risk managers to ensure a good integration of this technology within the companies.”

“First of all, I would like to thank the McGannon Foundation and all the members that made this experience so wonderful. The other students and I immediately felt welcomed and a part of the group. Everyone was eager to learn about us and share with us. Everything was well organized, as the schedule was busy but well planned.

Educationally, there was an opportunity to learn on diverse topics. Indeed, I learned a lot about the industry and took a lot from the plenaries. Attending the Conference also allowed us to build our professional network. Everyone in the industry was really kind and willing to spend the time to talk with us and talk about their company and the opportunities that were available to us. It also greatly furthered my interest in my career choice.

Another amazing aspect of the program was meeting the other students. We immediately connected and formed a close bond with each other. We spent a lot of time together during the Conference and I ended up feeling like I had known them for a long time. Being able to experience the conference with such amazing people made the experience even more amazing. I know for sure we will stay in touch as we progress in our careers. The overall experience was amazing and truly a life-changing one. I would encourage everyone to apply for the Student Involvement Program.”​