1. What was yo
ur major/minor and when did you graduate?
I was Business Administration major at UMW and I graduated in 2017. Then I earned my MBA in 2019.
2. What is your current position (title, company, location)? Can you describe a typical day?
I am currently an Associate Underwriter in the Life Sciences Division at Kinsale Insurance in Richmond, VA. My main job every day is to assess risks associated with different products. These products range from biologics, clinical trials, dietary supplements, durable medical equipment, health and beauty products, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Brokers submit files, and we are tasked with either sending out a quote or a decline. The ultimate goal is to write as many policies as possible and hope that there are no claims.
3. How did your major prepare you for your current job?
Taking classes in management, marketing, and business communication have been key to help me succeed at my current job. Business Communication is definitely the class that has prepared me the most. In my profession, we are writing many emails in a day. All of the different pieces we had to write in that class has prepared me for all types of communication with brokers daily. We also go on marketing trips (Zoom calls right now due to COVID-19) and have to speak about what we are looking to insure in front of a team of brokers. The skills I learned in my marketing classes and public speaking have helped me get through these trips.
4. How did you become interested in your field?
My mom (UMW Class of 1992) began her career as an underwriter at Geico. Once COVID-19 hit and sports went down (I was an Assistant Sports Information Director at UMW prior to starting my current job), I started looking into insurance jobs because no matter what, people will always need insurance. My mom helped me understand what a typical day as an underwriter looks like, and I realized that underwriting was something that I was interested in. Something that I really like about my job is that it is not repetitive. We’re constantly evaluating different products, and this makes every day interesting and enjoyable.
5. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
6.Was there a professor, advisor, or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were at UMW?
In undergrad, Professor Woody Richardson was somebody that made an impression on me. His classes were always interesting and he was always passionate about the subjects that he was teaching about. He was always available outside of class and made a big impact in the UMW community. When I was getting my MBA, Professor Martinette really helped me grow in a professional manner. We worked on a project for a barbecue company in Richmond to help them expand their business. This project gave me a great understanding how to translate the concepts that we were learning about in class into real life.
7. What’s your fondest memory of UMW?
I have two great memories. The first was meeting my now wife, Caroline Porco (Class of 2017), and the second was making the Elite 8 in basketball my freshman year.
8. Are there any special accomplishments you’ve achieved after college that you’d like to share?
After I graduated from undergrad, I stayed at UMW to pursue my Masters and work in the Athletics Department as a Graduate Assistant. I married my wife whom I met my freshman year at UMW in Alvey Hall. We have now bought a house together and we are excited for what is ahead of us in the future!
9. How would your family or friends describe you in seven words or less?
Positive, Easy Going, Loyal, Committed
10. In one sentence, what advice would you give current business students?
Enjoy your time at UMW! It goes by very quickly. Take advantage of all of the extra-curricular activities that the COB puts on because they could open doors for you in the future.
