Anthony Guzman, a student in the M.P.S. in Insurance Management program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) and vice president of Internal Affairs for the SPS Student Government (SPSSG), keeps passion at the center of his work. An established professional working as a technology and private equity underwriting specialist at CNA Insurance, Guzman credits his involvement in student government with helping him reconnect with a core motivator: making sure people feel heard and empowered to act. “SPSSG can be that resource that helps people feel more connected and engaged,” Guzman said. “Because let's be real, NYC can be incredibly lonely, and having a community that actually supports you makes all the difference.”
Guzman’s path to insurance leadership was not a straight line. He began his career at Verizon in sales before transitioning into the insurance industry, earning his MBA from Hult International Business School in 2024 and clarifying the direction he wanted his career to take. That journey ultimately led him to SPS, where he continues to refine both his professional focus and his leadership approach.
At the cusp of earning his second master’s degree at SPS, he views his leadership position at SPSSG not as an extracurricular but as a passion project essential to his growth. “Many people write off these experiences as volunteer work, but I want to push back on that,” he shared. “This is real leadership. It’s a story to tell that has truly become a part of who I am.”
As vice president of Internal Affairs, Guzman works closely with program representatives to elevate student concerns and make sure they reach appropriate channels. Among recent accomplishments is the reduction of internship credits from 3 to 1.5, an important change that alleviates students’ financial burden. “It’s so rewarding to realize that we pushed for this change, and now we’ve seen it,” he said.
Outside of his academic and professional commitments, Guzman enjoys gaming, watching reruns of The Office, and cheering on the Yankees. To current and prospective students, Guzman offers simple advice: “Don’t let the idea of commitment hold you back from becoming involved in the Columbia community.” Despite the M.P.S. in Insurance Management being a fully online program, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to participate, connect, and take an active role in the SPS community.
To him, SPSSG is, above all, an opportunity to support fellow students while making the most out of the Columbia experience. He hopes that through his leadership, every student feels empowered to create meaningful change in their time at SPS.
About SPS Student Government
The mission of the SPS Student Government (SPSSG) is to create a unified community for all students across SPS programs. The SPSSG is elected by their peers to represent each master’s program as well as the student body at large and advocates for student interests before the SPS administration, faculty, alumni, and the greater Columbia University Community.
About the Program
The Master of Professional Studies in Insurance Management is for career professionals who want to accelerate their advancement to leadership positions or broaden their expertise in the industry. It accommodates both professionals already working in insurance and those looking to make a career change. The program is part-time, online, and instruction is asynchronous to accommodate working professionals.
Applications are reviewed and candidates are accepted on a rolling basis for the M.P.S. in Insurance Management program. Learn more about the program here.
