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LIRA

Laurier Insurance & Risk Association

About LIRA

At LIRA, our mission is to raise awareness about the under-appreciated, lucrative, and diverse fields of insurance and risk management. We are dedicated to teaching, encouraging, and connecting Laurier students to these dynamic industries. Through our networking events, case competitions, and the Assigned Industry Mentor (AIM) program, we provide invaluable career guidance, extensive networking opportunities, and pathways to explore exciting careers. Throughout the year, we host events designed to educate students about the field while also giving them the chance to engage with industry professionals and peers. At LIRA, we strive to help every student discover their potential in insurance and risk management, fostering a community of informed and connected future professionals.

Assigned Industry Mentorship (AIM) program

LIRA has an Assigned Industry Mentorship (AIM) program, where each student is connected with a professional in the insurance or risk management industries. All students (mentees) and industry professionals (mentors) fill out an entry questionnaire so that each student is matched with a professional that is best suited to help them achieve their career goals. Students meet with their mentors throughout the semester to discuss career goals and plans, and to seek actionable advice from mentors on how to achieve these
goals. Mentors provide their mentees with the necessary knowledge, tools and connections to help them secure internships or to lead them to their desired career path.

Questions and Answers

Why was LIRA formed?

Laurier Insurance & Risk Association was formed in 2018 by Laurier
alumni, Nick Molkoski. His vision was to introduce Laurier students to the
insurance and risk management industries through a unique mentorship (AIM)
program which would help students receive career advice and entry into these
industries with the guidance of insurance professionals. LIRA is continuing to
build on Nick’s vision by constantly striving to introduce students to the
insurance industry through the AIM program, networking events, case
competitions, and many more initiatives. In the coming years, we hope to keep
growing our student base and continue to help students acquire the necessary
skills to succeed in the insurance and risk management industries.

Why should I join LIRA’s AIM program and attend their events?

By being involved with LIRA, you will have the opportunity to learn all
about the insurance industry and receive invaluable career advice from our
industry leading professional mentors and sponsors. The hands on advice
provided by AIM mentors allows students to truly grasp a thorough understanding
of the industry, while also developing a lasting relationship. At our events,
we ensure that students are able to walk away with an idea of where they belong
in the industry, as well as giving you the opportunity to create lasting
networks. Through our events, we have heard countless times, “I never
considered the insurance industry, I didn’t realize the opportunities that the
industry offered!” This is why we continue to strive for the best possible
experiences for our attendees.

How do I register for LIRA events or sign up for AIM?

Why insurance and risk management? What makes the industry so special?

We want to be honest here: insurance and risk management is too often
overlooked. The insurance industry is becoming very young, as many
professionals are retiring, so innovation is driving this industry. With the
diversity of the individuals, the variety of work, the social element, and the
handsome compensation offered, this industry is a place where you can find your
career. Not to mention, the most common answer to the question, “How did you
get involved in insurance?” is “I just fell into the industry, and now I never
want to leave it!”