Reflections on Selective’s College Competition (featuring Jessica Medlin)

During the month-long competition, teams of students—many pursuing risk management, insurance, finance, or actuarial majors—from schools within Selective's regional footprint collaborate to manage virtual agencies and obtain hands-on business and management experience.

This year, teams are being fielded by:
Appalachian State University, Le Moyne College, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Gallaudet University, Temple University, University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

The competition teaches students how to build market share, develop products and services, grow profits, promote their virtual agency, and contend with competitors. Industry experts from Selective and our independent insurance agency partners mentor the students throughout the competition, providing valuable career-building insights.

Finding My Path

“I remember sitting in a Business Law class at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as the head of the Risk Management and Insurance department talked to our class about the RMI program and Insurance degree. As I listened, I knew I was hooked. The professor described the work, expected compensation (with higher-than-average starting salaries directly out of school), and how agencies actively recruited interested participants. That same week I changed my expected major from Marketing to Risk Management and Insurance and joined the RMI program

I was going to be a risk manager!

I also joined Gamma Iota Sigma (the professional insurance fraternity) and, six months later, became the organization's president.

Although the RMI program was much smaller when I was in school, I can now recognize that the cornerstones were already in place to help participants leaving the University of North Carolina at Charlotte build careers. Watching the program evolve, develop, and expand has always brought me joy, and I am proud to be a part of that journey.

Building A Career

I know firsthand how much professors and program facilitators care about each student. I have personally benefited from the lifelong bonds in this program and have seen many others share my experience. Without the RMI program, I would not be where or who I am in my career, and that is one of the many reasons I support the program today.

Another professor advised me to go into sales. I must admit that talking to people all day and working on commission seemed, at first, unappealing and a little scary. Despite my doubts, I recognized the opportunity and took his advice: I dove headfirst.

I chose sales rather than the safer route of working for a company. I also felt that after settling into a stable career, I might not have the ability or desire to take that same risk again.

Paying It Forward

After almost 20 years in the industry, I am still one of the only woman producers in our area. The journey has not always been easy, and I've had to make difficult choices, but I can also say how rewarding my work has been. I could not imagine doing anything else. Selective's College Competition is one way I can encourage and guide more women to try this career path."