Risk management and insurance students attend the TMPAA Summit, receive scholarships and hands-on experience
Two Moore School risk management and insurance students received the ’24 Target Markets Scholarship at the Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s 24th Annual Summit, held during the fall semester.
Eric Locke and Matthew Moyer, who both graduated from USC in December 2024, attended the summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona, with more than 1,700 registrants for three days of networking, education and deal-making.
During the summit, top industry leaders like the Moore School’s Robert Hartwig provided updates on the economy and state of the insurance industry while other sessions covered emerging issues such as nuclear verdicts, AI in program business and talent recruitment. Hartwig is the director of the Moore School’s Risk and Uncertainty Management Center and a clinical associate professor of risk management and insurance.
Hartwig also presented at the conference about the economic pressures facing U.S. households. During his presentation, he described the U.S. Plaintiffs' Bar as “the best-funded, best organized, best politically connected special interest group in the world,” highlighting the challenges of managing legal costs in the insurance industry. He also discussed the impact of "tort taxes," which he explained cost U.S. households an average of $3,600 annually.
For students like Locke and Moyer, the event was a unique chance to learn directly from senior-level industry executives.
“It’s critically important for students to gain exposure to these leaders,” Hartwig says. “That exposure gives students a direct view into the complex decision-making process and helps them understand key industry issues. It also allows them to make contacts that can propel their careers.”
For risk management and insurance majors, the Summit provided valuable opportunities. Risk management and insurance is a relationship-driven field, and events like the Target Markets Summit give students the chance to interact one-on-one with experienced professionals.
“Strong interpersonal skills are critical in this industry,” Hartwig says “This conference creates a unique opportunity to develop and refine those skills.”
As the insurance industry continues to face a talent shortage, students at the Moore School are well-positioned to step into these career gaps, armed with the skills and connections needed to succeed.
Entering the job market in 2025, Locke will join GenStar as an underwriting associate in commercial property in Chicago. Moyer is continuing at the Moore School as a student in the Master of International Business program.
Locke and Moyer received support from the Target Markets scholarship for their junior and senior years; the Target Markets has supported USC risk management and insurance students since 2018, Hartwig said.
“In addition, scholarship recipients have multiple opportunities to travel to the TMPAA conference and connect with industry leaders,” he said. “USC’s RMI program is grateful for the continued support of TMPAA over the years!”
-Christian Osborne