Connor Thomson is a second-year law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. After graduating summa cum laude with University Honors from Saint Joseph's University's Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management in 2022, he matriculated to Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. In March 2023, at the age of twenty-three, Connor earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation and began his tenure at Stickley Law, LLC, a boutique insurance defense firm that specializes in fighting fraud. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Connor consider what Gen-Z is looking for in the insurance industry, what compelled Connor to earn his CPCU designation at such a young age, and what the future of the insurance industry could look like.

Key Takeaways

• Connor is a law student and one of the youngest CPCU designations ever.

• Claims is the aspect of insurance that most appeals to Connor.

• The value of earning a CPCU designation at an early age.

• The impact of internships on a successful start to the insurance industry.

• Volunteer work during law school has helped Connor identify his future.

• Connor's experience on the stage at In2Risk.

• Ocular disability has impacted, but not limited, Connor's determination to succeed.

• Writing and researching are key elements of Connor's continued education.

• Connor's message to Gen Z about a future in the insurance industry.

• A five-year look at the future of the insurance industry.

• Connor's advice to his early career self.

Quotes

• "I didn't know much about insurance at the time, but I did a lot of research and learned that insurance is about more than selling policies."

• "Claims is the perfect intersection of the law meets business."

• "To me, it was an easy choice to pursue the CPCU designation at a very young age."

• "There is clearly a dire need for young talent in the insurance industry."

• "I think the one strategic business unit that is not getting that much attention is claims."

• "The insurance industry has done a great job of investing in the next generation of insurance talent."

• "When we get back together in five years, I don't think we'll be discussing this talent shortage anymore."

• "There are more people today than ever before making a conscious decision to study risk management and insurance in college."