More than 100 industry participants joined students and alumni at Cal State Fullerton on Oct. 21 for iDay 2026, an annual event introducing future professionals to the many career paths in risk management and insurance. The theme of this year’s event was Bright Minds, Bold Futures, and USLI served as the title sponsor.

Hosted by the School of Risk Management and Insurance (SRMI) in the College of Business and Economics, the event generated more than 1,000 student engagements through networking, classroom visits and panel discussions.

Broadening Student Horizons by Providing Immersion into the Insurance Field

For those weighing internships or career options, Insurance Day – known as iDay – offers direct access to professionals with firsthand knowledge of the field. Conversations with participating organizations provide a closer look at the industry reaching far beyond traditional insurance roles.

Over 1,000 students explored opportunities in the college courtyard, where representatives from 30 insurance companies, brokerage and agency firms, wholesalers and professional organizations gathered to share their expertise.

The career fair attracted students from across campus, including engineering, public health and other non-business majors, where they learned how extensively risk management intersects with a range of disciplines. Students discovered how professionals in the field address challenges involving cybersecurity, natural disasters, health care and business operations – issues that call for varied academic backgrounds and perspectives.

Industry Executives and Alumni Share Their Insights

Learning also moved beyond the courtyard. Alumni and professionals visited classes, sharing career experiences and practical insights with more than 240 students. These discussions helped connect coursework with real-world applications while showing how academic interests can develop into professional pursuits.

Two keynote panels featuring executives and Cal State Fullerton alumni reached more than 200 students. Speakers reflected on their career journeys, lessons learned and changes shaping the insurance landscape. They also discussed leadership, professional growth and the importance of relationships, encouraging attendees to remain open to paths they might not have considered.

Mock Interviews Teach Real-World Skills

Mock interviews are a valuable tool in students’ professional development and give students the opportunity to prepare for the next step in their career. Throughout iDay, students had the chance to sit down with practicing talent acquisition specialists and industry experts to improve their interviewing skills.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Inspiring Future Talent

“Many students may not initially think of risk management and insurance when exploring career options, but the industry offers tremendous opportunities to apply their knowledge, solve real-world problems, and make a meaningful impact,” says Weili Lu, executive director of SRMI.

Lu emphasized that firsthand connections can help participants recognize how their abilities translate into careers. She also expressed appreciation for the alumni and partner organizations that contributed their time and expertise.

The strong turnout reflected a shared investment in preparing the next generation of talent. For participating employers and organizations, iDay created a setting to meet students with diverse interests. For attendees, it offered a chance to build networks and see how different areas of study relate to the profession.

For More Information

Learn more about risk management and insurance education at Cal State Fullerton by reading our articles on SRMI, or visiting the SRMI office at SGMH-4280. And for more on career or internship opportunities in risk management and insurance, visit the SRMI careers page.