From political science to insurance underwriting
UC grad takes advantage of skills to find new career
A career in insurance wasn’t on his mind when Max Roberts pursued a political science degree at the University of Cincinnati, but that is where he landed.
“I originally thought I’d pursue law or public policy,” said Roberts. “Political science gave me a strong foundation in critical analysis and communication, skills that turned out to be surprisingly relevant in the insurance world.”
UC political science grad Max Roberts. Photo/Provided
How does a student go from studying political science to working as an underwriter for Great American Insurance Group, one of the most prominent life insurance groups in the industry?
For Roberts, it was UC’s co-op opportunities that got him look outside the original path he set for himself.
“Students can work part-time or full-time in career-oriented roles, be paid, and receive credit on their transcript,” said Jessica Lee, an assistant professor in the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. “It's a win for all.”
Co-op experience was invaluable
“Coming from a serving job at a brewery, I knew nothing about what life is like in the corporate world or how to be a professional,” said Roberts. “The co-op experience was absolutely invaluable to shaping how I pictured professional life.”
UC is the founder of co-operative education, having invented it more than 100 years ago. Today, UC’s commitment to experience-based learning is embedded through the Bearcat Promise, which delivers real-world experience and career-readiness, with both a degree and a future plan in place.
Roberts is among many students transitioning from university to the corporate world.
How is a student with a full-time course load supposed to know what to expect from a corporate environment when they haven’t had the chance, or the time, to be in one?
I wholeheartedly believe that through learning by doing students are more engaged.
Max Roberts, UC political science graduate
Generations of learning by doing
“I wholeheartedly believe that through learning by doing students are more engaged versus learning about concepts without hands on experience,” said Lee.
For Roberts, someone who had trouble pinning down a specific career fit for him, a co-op was the perfect opportunity. And luckily, he had someone in his inner circle convincing him of the value of the program.
“My mom was a student in DAAP at UC, and she landed her first job through a co-op she took through UC. So, for me when I got my acceptance letter I knew where I wanted to go,” said Roberts.
The co-op program was established at UC for students facing this exact dilemma.
“Learning by doing, or as others call it, experiential learning or work integrated learning, is a key tenant of UC since Dean Herman Schneider established the co-op program in the early 1900's,” said Lee.
And it was from experimenting that Roberts was introduced to the pros of having a background consisting of a different area of study.
Growing your skillset
It also allows Roberts to flex his unique perspective in a field where not many have a Political Science background.
“I have never felt behind because I didn't take a business or insurance class in college,” said Roberts. “Political Science taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly, and navigate complex systems. Those skills are essential in underwriting, where you’re constantly analyzing data.”
As Roberts found, pursuing a co-op position that may be typically associated outside of your major isn't a weakness. It can actually be considered a strength.
“Students reflect on cross-cutting skills they have gained in and outside of the classroom and how they can bring those skills to a job,” said Lee. “No matter the job, students can reflect on what they did, how it made them feel, and where to go from there, all the way utilizing these skills in a multitude of job opportunities.”
“Students like Max see the ah-ha moment when they learn that even if their major isn't necessarily the "right" one for the job, they can still positively contribute to the role.”
Featured image at top: Man writing at a desk. Photo/StartupStockPhotos for Pixabay.
By Emily Widman
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication
arstscinews@uc.edu
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