Marcella Reynolds Beasley, an EKU Online Risk Management and Insurance student, is among 99 North American students awarded a Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship for 2022. Spencer’s merit-based scholarships are awarded to full-time master’s, part-time master’s, and Ph.D. students in the United States and Canada who plan to pursue a career in Risk Management and Insurance. Selection is based on academics, leadership, work/internship experience, and demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in the industry.
Beasley works for Capital Insurance Group as a regional senior underwriter, while pursuing her RMI degree. She recently shared her thoughts about her experience in the EKU Online RMI program.
How has earning this degree changed or aided your career?
Capital Insurance Group (CIG) has been very excited that I am able to earn credits towards my CPCU designation. In starting my career as an underwriter this past September, CIG was looking into beginning my CPCU courses, and when I said that I was already in the program to get started, that was even more of a selling point to get me hired!
What motivated you to get this degree?
Many of my prior education credits were transferred over to my online degree program. My advisors were extremely helpful in getting my courses lined up. They secured my graduation plan so that I could make progress in the program without getting overwhelmed. While I already have a B.A. and M.A. degree, I wanted something that was focused in risk management and insurance. I have been very motivated to earn a degree in this field to supplement my career.
What is your favorite part or the highlight of your time as an EKU Online student?
The faculty have been critical in helping me succeed in this program. Without the advisors, I probably would not have made it past the second semester. My dad passed away suddenly last summer and I knew I needed to take a semester off. The faculty and advisors were very understanding and were able to re-evaluate my graduation plan to accommodate this schedule change. Now I am back on track to graduate in the Fall of 2023.
What did you find surprising about the program?
I knew going back to school full time would be challenging, but I don’t think I realized how exhausting it would be while I was working in the industry full time as well. I also participate in the insurance industry by volunteering in events like the International Association of Insurance Professionals and The Institutes Society, so it feels like there are never enough hours in the day!
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become an EKU Online student?
Go for it. I never thought I would be back in school in my mid-30s, but here I am. It’s never too late to focus on your education and there are so many scholarships out there to help you along the way!
Interested in a risk management and insurance career?
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