Brittany Sakson
St. John's University
Alpha Iota Chapter
Executive Vice President
Major: Actuarial Science
Graduation: May 2015
What is your greatest takeaway from the Leadership Conference?
My greatest take away was definitely the network I created within those three short days. I listened to so many discussions and heard so many point of views that I now see GIS in a whole new light and not only having tunnel vision on my own chapter. There were so many great events and ideas shared that I definitely would want Alpha Iota to follow after. It is amazing that there are so many people who are willing to help each other to succeed, and I believe I now have an endless network.
What do you hope your chapter will accomplish this year?
After coming back to St. John's University from the Leadership Conference, I hope that we will take our chapter to new heights and limits. Being selected as a Superior Chapter for the first time builds much hype and excitement with many returning executive board members. I hope that we now have more confidence that we can accomplish many feats no matter how daunting, even capturing the Bower's Award at the National Conference in Dallas. Our chapter continues to grow and I hope some new members can really grow much interest in GIS and take this organization to new level of greatness.
What was your highlight of the summer?
The highlight of my summer was definitely traveling to Europe with a select group from St. John's School of Risk Management as a part of a Global Destination Leadership Class. We visited Germany, Switzerland, and ended on our Rome Campus. During our trip we visited Munich Re, Zurich Insurance, and Partner Re, where we saw and learned about their companies along with hearing how to become leaders in the insurance industry. This experience gave me the desire to finish my last year of college strong and to then strive to one day work abroad.
What is something personal that you hope to accomplish this academic year?
I truly hope to enjoy my senior year. As most people can relate, I spent most of my college career trying to do everything and anything. This year I hope to have fun while supporting St. John's Basketball team at Madison Square Garden, attend several Broadway Shows, and experience as many new things as possible, especially in New York City.
What was a pivotal moment in deciding to pursue a career in insurance?
In high school, I chose a career in Actuarial Science out of a love for math; I had no interest in dealing with insurance. However, last summer, I interned in Downtown Manhattan in Zurich's Global Corporate Department, and I realized that this is the industry I belong in. Until you see something in person and deal with it on a daily basis, you have no idea how you will feel about it. I never wanted that summer or for that matter, my career in insurance to end.
What would you say to students considering joining GIS?
My 30 second elevator pitch to someone who is considering GIS is where else can you make friends that could potentially be your classmates, best friends, and professional network for life! In addition to that, these relationships do not stop at your own school. I love that I can go to a job interview and GIS is something everyone knows about. GIS and the skill sets learned in it will be something I carry with me forever.
Have you benefitted from scholarships or other resources from any GIS partner organizations?
I am happy to say that I benefit from the Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship and also the GEICO, Angus Robinson, and NJ CPCU Society Scholarship. I attended RIMS in Denver, Colorado, which was absolutely amazing.
What is your hometown?
Olyphant, PA (Near Scranton)
A city where you would love to work...
New York City :)
A place you would most like to visit...
After visiting parts of Europe, I would love to visit Lloyd's of London to build on my insurance visits and Paris for enjoyment.
Little-known fact about you...
I am only 5'2", but in high school, I lived for playing basketball and shooting 3 pointers. My school even made it to the Final 4 in the state of Pennsylvania my senior year!