Gamma Iota Sigma Student Newsletter                           
December 2016
 
In This Issue
Welcome Ohio Dominican University!
Scholarship Opportunities
Industry Career Opportunities
SOA Webcast
Amazon Smile
Chapter Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni News
GIS Resources
GIS on Social Media
GIS Merchandise
Quick Links

Mark Your Calendar!
  View all  scholarship deadlines  and events.
Executive Committee
  Meg Allwein

President

 

Glenn Dorr

Executive Vice President

 

Jason Warden

Vice President

 

Jeff Henry

Vice President

 

John Hammond

(Immediate Past President)

 

Sabrina Hanitz

Secretary

 

Wes Griffiths

Treasurer

 

Jake Timmins

Alumni Representative

 

Jacob Galecki

Industry Representative

 

Dr. RB Drennan

Faculty Representative

 

Dr. Karen Epermanis

Faculty Representative

 

Celeste Azubuike

Student Representative

 

Sarah Rumon

Student Representative

 

Noelle Codispoti 

Executive Director

 

The Ohio Dominican University Chartering is Days Away! 
Welcome Beta Omega!


The Beta Omega Chapter chartering is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6th at 5:00 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail Chapter President Alison Baker at [email protected] or Grace Grant at [email protected] . Congrats ODU!

 
Scholarships Available:
Do You Need Money to Pay for School? Apply today!

There are many scholarship opportunities available for stu dents studying to pursue careers in insurance. See below for application and deadline information for upcoming opportunities. 

Actuarial Foundation Scholarships: Applications open January 2017
http://www.actuarialfoundation.org/programs/actuarial/scholarships.shtml

Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship: January 31 st


For additional scholarship opportunities visit:  http://gammaiotasigma.org/resources/deadlines/


GIS Features Industry Opportunities:  
Don't miss out on these great opportunities, apply today!

C heck out the GIS  Career Center , the only centralized location for you to search through and apply for  internship and entry-level opportunities across the industry.   Employers can also search through student profiles, so be sure to get  your resume on there!  It's  easy:
            1. Go to the Career Center website
            2. Upload your resume
            3. Check out the posted jobs and internships
This is an exclusive benefit for Gamma Iota Sigma members  to be seen by companies and organizations who are actively recruiting and to apply for internships and jobs. Don't miss out!
on
Below are just a sample of some of the opportunities that await you in the Career Center. Go to 
for additional opportunities!


Society of Actuaries Webcast
December 8, 2016 - Predictive Analytics for Future Actuaries


Predictive Analytics for Future Actuaries
You've heard a lot about this-big data and predictive analytics are often talked about topics. The Society of Actuaries (SOA) has included predictive analytics in its new ASA curriculum. Do you know how actuaries are working with predictive models? What skills actuaries need to accomplish a predictive analytics project? And how you can prepare for a career in this emerging area?
 
On Dec. 8, from Noon-1:30 p.m. ET, the SOA Candidate Connect Webcast: Predictive Analytics for Future Actuaries will explore the important role actuaries play in predictive analytics and data analysis and the opportunities these fields bring to the profession.
This interactive webcast will have a Q&A session where you can submit your questions to the presenters in real time, or you can submit your questions in advance at SOA Engage or via email .
 
Registration is free, sign up by December 6!
 
 
Practical Tips to Find an Actuarial Job
You've read the articles and best job listings that rank actuary as one of the best jobs, majored in actuarial science and are looking forward to a great career in this wonderful profession. But wait! What happened to the line of employers looking for graduates? How do you realistically enter the actuarial field and start your career? What skills will give you the advantage in a buyer's market; and what alternatives are available if you are not successful in the first round?
 
A panel of experts brought their insider insights as recruiters, hiring managers and actuaries to discuss these topics during the Society of Actuaries Candidate Connect webcast "How Do I Get a Job?" on Sept. 30.
 
Miss the live broadcast? Good news! You can still listen to the webcast recording and ask questions online!
As You Holiday Shop, Support GIS Using Amazon Smile!
It's Easy and Free!


Go to
http://smile.amazon.com/  and select "Gamma Iota Sigma" where  every time you shop, GIS will receive a donation from Amazon of 0.5% of your eligible purchases with no cost to you!  

Simple, effortless and free! Thank you!
 
Chapter Spotlight: 
Xi Chapter at University of Connecticut

On October 16, the Xi Chapter gathered for a creative and generous community service project. The students went apple picking, then donated the apples to a local food bank. Thank you, Xi, for sharing photos of the event, and great job giving back!





Student Spotlight: 
Attention GIS Students! 

Are you interested being considered for the Student Spotlight?

If you are interested in being featured on social media, newsletters, or other GIS communications, please fill out the form in the link below! Thank you!
https://gammaiotasigma.formstack.com/forms/gis_student_profiles
Alumni Spotlight:
"Soak up every bit of information that you can and don't take the beginning of your career for granted. "

Name:  Traci Smith, Underwriter Trainee, Markel Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ
Alma Mater: Appalachian State University   
Chapter:  RHO Chapter
Major: Risk Management & Insurance 
Graduation Date: May 2016

Why did you join GIS, and what benefits did you experience through your participation in the organization?

I joined GIS as a sophomore after transferring into the business school from the Actuarial Science department. Before changing my major, GIS offered me the opportunity to attend a RIMS Shadow Day where I would spend a day in the city shadowing a risk manager. I had an incredible experience learning about the day-to-day life of a Risk Management professional. 

As I learned about all of the opportunities provided to students through local GIS chapters, I couldn't imagine turning down such a great opportunity! In the last 2 years of my college career, I attended 10+ conferences, held 2 internships, served on the board for a Surplus Lines Association, and eventually interviewed for my current job- all through connections afforded by GIS!


What advice would you give to students considering joining GIS

Stop considering, and just do it! 

The opportunities far outweigh any hesitation about commitment that you may have. There are an immeasurable amount of internships, jobs, and connections to be made in the world. Starting to build that network while you are in college could be one of the best decisions of your career.

What advice would you give to students wishing to pursue a career in the insurance industry? 

I would give two pieces of advice. First, take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you. You never know who you might meet if you agree to go to that happy hour, guest speaker, or social. You could end up talking to your future boss. 
And second, always hold tight to the connections you make. When you meet someone at an event or an interview- send a follow up email or handwritten note if appropriate. If they have asked you to let them know how your summer internship went- let them know! Never burn a bridge and stay connected to the relationships you create. 

How has your career been impacted by your college and alumni involvement in GIS?

Had I not been involved with GIS during college, I would not be where I am today with my current job! I met so many wonderful people through the GIS International conference as well as the events I attended through my local chapters. Industry professionals really do want to invest in our career development. Meeting so many wonderful people led me to the career I have today..  

Is there any advice you wished you had before graduating college with regards to the insurance industry, GIS, or your career path?

Be patient and be thorough. As a brand new college graduate, not everyone can be expected to be in a top-level, glamorous position on day one. Take the time to get to know your company and the role that you are training for. Spend time with other professionals and ask tons of questions. Soak up every bit of information that you can and don't take the beginning of your career for granted. Now is the time to build a solid foundation and meet some incredible people.  
 

Alumni News
Calling All GIS Graduates! 

Alumni and alumni to be, please take a few minutes to fill out the Alumni Update Form. Help us to stay in touch with you, and keep you in the loop on all things GIS!

There are many ways to stay involved as an alumnus of GIS, and by providing your new information we can keep you informed with newsletters, e-mails and about important information and upcoming events. We look forward to watching your careers grow!
  



The New York City GIS Alumni Council hosted a Fall Happy Hour at Revival Bar at 129 E. 15th St. in Manhattan on Wednesday, October 19. Their invite and a photo from the event are shown above. Congratulations on a great turnout and exciting group event!

Students, please consider joining one of our alumni chapters if you are looking to continue your involvement with our organization upon graduation. Our alumni chapters are growing in current cities and expanding into new cities. We are looking for alumni who would like to be involved in starting new chapters in new locations!  
 
For more information on the GIS Alumni Council, please contact one of the regional chapter leaders below or Alumni Council President, Jake Timmins at [email protected] or Vice President, Sabrina Hanitz at [email protected] for information on starting a chapter in your area! You can also visit the Alumni Council Webpage to contact your local leaders.

GIS Resources!
#GammaIS Insuring Your Future

Interested in a career in insurance? Not sure how or where to start, or what the right fit for you might be?
 
Be sure to check out the Career Resources Hub, a  widely collaborative effort spearheaded by GIS in partnership with trade groups and professional associations to avail the industry's collective resources to YOU, the next generation of insurance professionals!
 
Through a combination of dedicated career path pages, career tools, roadmaps, surveys, and quizzes, the Career Resources section will introduce you to many different insurance industry careers and provide you with resources to help you find your fit. Not only can you access valuable career planning and professional development resources, you can also learn about the organizations offering these resources.
    
Your connection to the network is imperative in the future of your career. Connect with the industry by utilizing our Find A Chapter map, where you can find local leaders for the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS),  Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Society (CPCU), Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA),  International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP), Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), and Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS). You can access the map through the following link - www.gammaiotasigma.org/find-a-chapter.
GIS on Social Media:
Please be sure to like, follow, and join! #GammaIS

Did you know that Gamma Iota Sigma is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn?
 
Share your photos and events, and f ollow us on social media to get updates on upcoming events, hear from other chapters, and get information on industry scholarships and opportunities!
 
We hope to see you on social media! 

Gamma Iota Sigma Grand Chapter on  Facebook , Instagram LinkedIn , and Twitter .


 

GIS Online Merchandise Store
Order Today!

GIS has partnered with an online vendor to conveniently provide customized Gamma merchandise to you such as polo shirts, fleeces, pins, padfolios, table cloths, coffee mugs, and graduation stoles.


Check out the  site at the link below to order your Gamma Merchandise today!


 

The GIS Pom-Pom shirts that were so popular at the Annual Conference will be coming soon to the Merchandise Store! Stay tuned!
 

Gamma Iota Sigma Merchandise Store 

Sincerely,
  
Noelle Codispoti                                            
Executive Director                                         

Sharla Floyd
Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives

Grace Grant
Director of Chapter Services

Alyson Koehler
Director of Marketing & Communications


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