On Thursday, October 8, a group of first and second year Truist Business Fellows spent the day in Raleigh for meetings with leadership at the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI), a visit to the N.C. General Assembly and a tour of the Raleigh Founded entrepreneurship hub’s Gateway location. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Mark Steckbeck, program director, and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Insurance Michelle Osborne, who is currently on leave from her position as assistant professor at Campbell University.
In addition to learning about the functions and opportunities of the department from Osborne, the students also engaged with Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. and Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Fraud Control Group Marty Sumner.
“When you hear ‘Department of Insurance,’ many of us have a limited perception of what that means, what services they provide, and what opportunities could be in the organization. Hearing from leaders across the department was not only an inspiration, but it opened my eyes – and the eyes of our students – to the depth of resources and opportunities out there,” shared Director of Leadership Development and Student Success for Campbell Business Renee Green. “Dr. Osborne and her team were gracious hosts, and it was obvious that they are not only dedicated to their work on behalf of the state, they also love what they do.”
In addition to the meetings at DOI, the students had the opportunity to sit in on a session of the N.C. House of Representatives to watch the legislative process in action. Later in the day, the group met with entrepreneurs at Raleigh Founded, an entrepreneurship hub offering programs, shared workspace and office suites for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators, with which Campbell partners. While at Raleigh Founded, the students heard about innovative marketing strategies and how to make connections over coffee and conversation.
Derek Prillaman, a second year Trust & Wealth major, reflected: “One key takeaway from the trip is to never take the people you meet for granted. Almost every single one of the professionals who spoke to us were able to get their jobs based on recommendations from other people that they had encountered during their career. Oftentimes in business, professionals bounce ideas off each other all it takes is one recommendation to open the door to a new opportunity. You never know the impact that one conversation can have on your life.”