I’m Chris McKeon, and I am a part of the first cohort of Columbia’s Insurance Management masters program.
I have more than 20 years in the commercial P&C insurance industry and will probably spend close to another 20 in the business. I decided to pursue this program because I wanted to refresh my knowledge and update my skills in areas that weren’t taught when I started in the industry, like InsurTech innovations and data analytics.
I’m in my second semester now of the program and am really enjoying it. The courses are relevant to industry issues of today, as well as a sharp focus on anticipating where the insurance industry is headed in the future. I’ve also been very appreciative of our instructors who have been incredibly accessible and giving of their time and knowledge. Not only am I learning about new and emerging areas of the industry, but I have even picked up a few techniques like an actuarial method for analyzing Probable Maximum Loss that I’m surprised I never learned before with all my years in the business. All these studies have been done within a problem-based learning framework, and in an asynchronous format, which has been extremely helpful in allowing me to balance school, work and family life.
From a coursework and topical perspective, the program has certainly met my expectations, but I have been really excited by all ways my expectations have been exceeded. It’s been a pleasure to work with my fellow students and learn about their diverse backgrounds in the industry. Many of them live and work overseas or on the opposite side of the United States from where I live. While I knew the virtual nature of the program allowed for a geographic spread of students I didn’t realize the benefits of it until I began the program. I’m also happy to say, having had two semesters to work with many within our cohort, several of my peers are now friends. The other surprise about the program is the opportunity to learn beyond the Insurance Management program itself. I have attended live streaming events and webinars hosted by many of the other sixteen masters programs within the School of Professional studies and have been so impressed with what I’ve learned--much of which I can apply at work or in my Insurance courses. Beyond SPS, the University at large hosts so many different kinds of events and I’ve taken advantage of as many of them as possible. Not only have the events been fascinating or fun, but they’ve allowed me to make a connection to the university and other students while in a virtual environment.
All in all the Insurance Management program has exceeded my expectations and I’m very glad I applied and grateful to have been accepted and given this opportunity. I’m making the most of it and I hope many others will too. Thank you for your time and attention.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person or entity.