Learn how a fellow URMIAn came to higher education risk management
Paving Her Own Road
Caitlin Cai, currently the risk and insurance program manager at the University of Tennessee System Administration (UTSA) Office of Risk Management, offers a unique perspective on navigating the world of risk management and insurance. Since joining UTSA in 2021, Cai has quickly carved a path in the field, evolving from an insurance coordinator to her current role. In our interview, Cai shared her journey, experiences with the CPCU designation, and involvement with URMIA’s YoPro Community.
From Anthropology to Risk Management
Cai’s path to risk management was anything but conventional for most careers, but in risk management that seems to be the norm. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in anthropology, Cai started her career at Travelers Insurance as an insurance service representative. Her role at Travelers helped her develop a foundation in the industry, but it wasn’t until she joined UTSA that her professional journey in insurance truly took off.
At UTSA, Cai is responsible for a wide array of risk management tasks. These include managing insurance renewals (with an increased focus during the summer), reviewing contracts, administering a risk management information system (RMIS) utilizing Origami, and overseeing campus-specific insurance needs, such as campers' insurance for minor programs. Her work also includes overseeing lost control programs with the state, covering a range of risks from fine arts catalogs to water intrusion initiatives.
The Decision to Pursue the CPCU
When Cai first joined UTSA, she had little experience with commercial insurance, having come from a personal lines background. However, her supervisor, Pamela Kerney, director of risk management, encouraged her to pursue continuing education, including the CPCU designation. As someone who knew little about the technicalities of commercial insurance, Cai saw this as an opportunity to supplement her knowledge and bridge the gap between her existing skills and her new role.
"The CPCU was a good idea for me because I knew nothing about commercial insurance, and it provided an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills," Cai explained.
One of Cai’s favorite aspects of the CPCU program is the sense of community it offers. “When you tell someone you’re on the CPCU journey, you immediately have a connection,” she said. Despite the thick, technical material, Cai found the CPCU books to be extremely useful as a reference and enjoyed learning from the program’s comprehensive structure.
For those considering the CPCU, Cai offered practical advice: "Apply as much of it as you can to real-life situations. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material, but if you connect it to what you experience in your day-to-day role, you will retain the information better."
Getting Involved with YoPro
Cai’s involvement with YoPro, an initiative focused on providing networking and professional development opportunities for young professionals in the risk management and insurance industries, began when Teresa Ransdell, senior director of marketing and membership for URMIA, reached out to her. Cai thought back to her first conference, she reflected on how much more knowledgeable others seemed and wanted a space to connect with like-minded professionals in similar situations.
“YoPro is a great space to find people you can relate to,” Cai said. “It helps you realize you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask questions and learn.”
One of Cai’s favorite aspects of the YoPro Community is its community conversations, where she said she felt a sense of shared learning with peers. YoPro’s first Community Conversation took place in mid-November when Michelle Powell, ARM (risk manager, Florida Polytechnic University) and Kate Miller (risk management analyst, Christopher Newport University) talked about their first years as risk managers.
A Vision for YoPro’s Growth
As someone who enjoys volunteering and being involved with organizations like URMIA, Cai has a vision for the YoPro Community’s future. She hopes to see the group grow its membership and evolve into an even more supportive space for young risk professionals. Her dream is to foster discussions that allow newcomers to feel comfortable asking questions and sparking valuable conversations.
"I’d like to see YoPro’s membership grow, and I want it to be a place where new professionals can feel at ease and confident in their development," Cai said.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Cai plans to continue expanding her professional knowledge, potentially pursuing an MBA to complement her risk management experience. With her dedication to both her role at UTSA and her commitment to continuing education and networking through organizations like the YoPro Community, Cai is poised for continued success in the field.
For anyone navigating the early stages of their career in risk management and insurance, Cai’s story offers valuable insights—whether it’s through pursuing the CPCU designation or finding community and mentorship through groups like YoPro.
12/17/2024
By Olivia Watson, Risk Manager, Colorado School of Mines
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