Two dedicated students from UNLV's Lee Business School recently represented the university at the 2025 GIS Regional Conference in Richmond, Virginia. James Sarmiento, a finance major, and Jacob Ahmad, an international business major, attended this prestigious event to deepen their understanding of the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) industry and to connect with peers and professionals nationwide.

Anticipation & Preparation

Both students were eager to immerse themselves in the RMI industry and to network with like-minded individuals. James Sarmiento expressed his enthusiasm about connecting with other students interested in RMI and aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. To prepare, he researched Richmond, learned more about Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), delved into the conference's history, and explored accommodation options near the convention center. Jacob Ahmad was excited to visit a new city and state, and he looked forward to engaging with students from various universities. His primary goal was to become more informed about the RMI industry and to understand the culture and history of GIS. As a vice president of the UNLV chapter, he felt a responsibility to build connections with other GIS chapters.

Conference Highlights & Key Takeaways

The conference offered a wealth of knowledge through workshops, sessions, and networking opportunities. The opening speech at the inaugural breakfast was highly engaging, highlighting the significant role of private equity in commercial and brokerage insurance, the influence of politics on the IRM industry through regulations and executive orders, and the rising impact of Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF).

The Career Fair provided James and Jacob with the opportunity to engage with employers, obtain professional headshots, and expand their professional network. They met with Aon representatives and secured a potential speaker for a future UNLV GIS meeting. Additionally, they connected with Christine Timmerman from the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA), who expressed excitement about the upcoming WSIA symposium in Las Vegas.

Throughout the conference, the students participated in various sessions. The actuarial pricing workshop, titled "The Price is Right," introduced them to pricing and premium calculations. A session on Understanding Risk Management in Higher Education (URMIA) highlighted the importance of risk managers in universities and the opportunities available for students in this field. The Alumni Speed Networking event provided valuable insights from GIS alumni who are now working in the industry. A standout quote from this session came from Caleb Johnson, a Senior Underwriter at Gen Re, who described the industry as "insurance is the best-kept secret."

Post-Conference Reflections

The experience left a profound impact on both students. James gained a deeper understanding of the vastness of the RMI industry, recognizing roles for both analytical and relationship-driven individuals. He appreciated the welcoming nature of professionals and students alike, which heightened his excitement to pursue a career in RMI. A museum visit with students from Nichols College and their professor, Brendan Williams, shed light on the growing need for cyber insurance due to the evolving digital landscape. James realized the essential role of insurance in sustaining businesses and the economy, noting that the industry has existed since ancient times and will always be a necessity. Despite not having taken an RMI class yet, the conference deepened his understanding of the field, showcasing it as an extensive ecosystem beyond just sales.

Jacob was struck by the diversity of opportunities in RMI, noting roles in sales, marketing, finance, and more. He was surprised to learn that many professionals in the industry did not major in RMI during university. Jacob emphasized the importance of networking at such events, advising students to introduce themselves confidently, as many opportunities can arise from simple introductions.

Both students are enthusiastic about UNLV's continued participation in these conferences, believing it will establish the university's presence as a top RMI program. They acknowledge that a strong reputation will open up more job opportunities for students as employers recognize their talent. They also expressed immense gratitude to the PHLY Foundation for making this experience possible, acknowledging that such support is instrumental not just for them but for future students as well. Investing in opportunities like this will drive the growth of both the Katie Caples Insurance and Risk Management (KCIRM) program and UNLV GIS, ultimately benefiting everyone pursuing a career in Insurance and Risk Management.

About the Students

James Sarmiento is a finance major at Lee Business School, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jacob Ahmad is a BSBA international business major and serves as the Founder & President of the UNLV Music Business Club, Director of Social Media for UNLV NABA, and Director of Social Media and Marketing for Color Business Association at Lee Business School.

We are incredibly proud of James and Jacob for representing Lee Business School on this national stage and look forward to seeing how they continue to empower and inspire others!