As competition for talent intensifies across the insurance industry, employers are rethinking how they recruit and retain the next generation of professionals. In a recent Insurance Insider article, Dr. Robert Hartwig, director of the Risk and Uncertainty Management Center at the University of South Carolina, emphasized the importance of engaging students early in their college careers. Hartwig noted that companies can no longer wait until senior year job fairs to identify top candidates, stating, “You can’t parachute down on the date of the job fair and expect that you’re going to get the cream of the crop.” The article highlights how internships, mentorship opportunities, authentic workplace cultures, and clear career development pathways have become critical factors for attracting Gen Z talent. Hartwig also pointed to the growing appeal of specialty insurance lines, noting that the E&S market offers opportunities that can spark student interest and showcase the industry’s dynamic nature. To read more about this issue, click here.