School of Business Hosts Discussion with Risk Management Industry Executives
The Mercy College School of Business (SBUS) hosted an event with two executives in the risk management profession to discuss the experiences and learned skills that lead them to be successful in their careers. The event was held on the Dobbs Ferry Campus on Tuesday, April 11 and the MercyManhattan Campus on Wednesday, April 12 and also took place virtually.
The executives were Terry L. Burston, vice president, assistant general counsel and chief compliance officer of USI, Inc. and Mary Gibson, vice president of enterprise risk management and corporate counsel for Major League Soccer. The discussion was facilitated by SBUS Associate Dean and Assistant Professor Victor Petenkemani.
SBUS Dean Lloyd Gibson provided welcoming remarks during the event saying, “We’re excited to run this series of speaking events on risk management careers and opportunities for our students so that they can learn more about these careers. We had two great speakers today representing two different career paths and opportunities.”
“The Mercy College School of Business is constantly finding high demand, rewarding career pathway opportunities to highlight, and believe risk management in the insurance industry would offer students such an experience,” said Petenkemani.
Burston and Gibson mentioned the best entry-level positions for recent graduates and ways to have a competitive advantage when entering the job market. They noted that risk management firms are looking for graduates with accounting and finance degrees, and that recent graduates may benefit from entry-level safety specialist and research jobs, among others.
They also spoke of the importance of strengthening skill sets throughout one’s career and the need for professional development in key areas. “What I would tell my younger self is to be better in tune with changing technology. Also, the other thing that I would suggest – understand data,” said Burston.
As for Gibson, she encourages students to exercise lifelong learning. “I love learning, and I think that continuous learning is important,” said Gibson.
Carolina and Rocio Mendoza ’23, sisters from Chile who are enrolled in Mercy’s MBA in Healthcare Management Program, found value in attending the discussion. “I appreciated learning about the skills and education you need to excel in these professional environments,” said Carolina Mendoza. “I can apply the lessons discussed to my career area of interest, and think the lessons also apply to other fields.”
“The discussion was focused on what matters to students, and I believe the speakers’ recommendations will help me succeed,” said Rocio Mendoza.
The Mercy College School of Business offers opportunities for students to learn from seasoned business professionals. To learn more about past distinguished speaker events hosted by the School, please click here.