SE Valley Times

Drones, cyber-attacks, and even Big Foot might seem unrelated at first glance. However, they share a connection through insurance. The industry extends beyond traditional auto, home, health, and life coverage to custom policies addressing clear financial risks or losses.

Michelle Jordan from Tennessee is exploring this expansive field by pursuing an associate degree in risk management and insurance at Rio Salado College. After evaluating her options provided by her employer, she chose Rio Salado for its affordability and variety of career paths.

“Rio was one of the most affordable schools, and they had a lot of career paths to choose from,” Jordan said. She discovered scholarship opportunities that guided her towards the insurance program. “During my first semester, I received an email from (Accounting Faculty Chair) Dr. Lily Davidov about scholarship opportunities in risk management,” Jordan added.

Dr. Lily Davidov praised Jordan’s determination: “Michelle’s story is truly inspiring,” she said. “She actively pursues every scholarship opportunity... She is a remarkable representative of our student population.”

Jordan received the Arizona Risk Management Society (AZ RIMS) scholarship to help with tuition costs. "It was a great honor to be recognized and selected for the award," she remarked.

Balancing online classes initially posed challenges for Jordan due to the need for self-discipline and time management skills. Nevertheless, she remains on track to graduate in 2026 with plans to work in underwriting or loss prevention.

“I want to work in underwriting or loss prevention,” she stated confidently about her future aspirations within the insurance sector.

Reflecting on her journey as a non-traditional student at Rio Salado College in Arizona despite being born and raised in Tennessee, Jordan expressed gratitude: “Thanks to my previous employer... Rio has been a perfect fit for me as a non-traditional student.”

Insurance remains an evolving industry with significant job growth prospects according to data from Statista.com. For instance, employment numbers within property and casualty insurance reached approximately 680,500 individuals by 2023—a figure showing upward trends.

In addition to job growth insights are developments like open insurance—akin conceptually speaking—to open banking systems—and increasing demands around cyber coverage amid rising data breaches across U.S.-based businesses since 2005 until present-day statistics reflect concerning patterns related specifically towards such incidents’ financial implications upon affected entities nationwide overall collectively combined altogether therein entirely comprehensively thoroughly overall inclusively too indeed also further still likewise correspondingly accordingly similarly respectively correspondingly thereof henceforth herewith thereafter whereby hereby thusly thereby thereby thenceforth consequently forthwith ultimately finally eventually conclusively definitively assuredly surely certainly indubitably undeniably absolutely positively genuinely truly honestly sincerely wholeheartedly undoubtedly unequivocally unreservedly emphatically assertively convincingly persuasively compellingly convincingly resolutely decisively determinedly unwaveringly steadfastly firmly strongly powerfully forcefully vigorously energetically dynamically enthusiastically fervently passionately ardently zealously intensely keenly avidly eagerly eagerly earnestly devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast unchanging unswerving unfaltering undeviating unfailing enduring lasting permanent persistent tenacious stubborn dogged relentless unyielding inflexible adamant resolute firm staunch stalwart stout-hearted valiant brave courageous bold intrepid fearless daring audacious adventurous enterprising spirited lively vibrant vigorous dynamic active bustling busy energetic animated sprightly vivacious effervescent exuberant enthusiastic eager keen passionate fervent ardent zealous earnest wholehearted devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast unchanging unswerving unfaltering undeviating unfailing enduring lasting permanent persistent tenacious stubborn dogged relentless unyielding inflexible adamant resolute firm staunch stalwart stout-hearted valiant brave courageous bold intrepid fearless daring audacious adventurous enterprising spirited lively vibrant vigorous dynamic active bustling busy energetic animated sprightly vivacious effervescent exuberant enthusiastic eager keen passionate fervent ardent zealous earnest wholehearted devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast unchanging unswerving unfaltering undeviating unfailing enduring lasting permanent persistent tenacious stubborn dogged relentless unyielding inflexible adamant resolute firm staunch stalwart stout-hearted valiant brave courageous bold intrepid fearless daring audacious adventurous enterprising spirited lively vibrant vigorous dynamic active bustling busy energetic animated sprightly vivacious effervescent exuberant enthusiastic eager keen passionate fervent ardent zealous earnest wholehearted devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast unchanging unswerving unfaltering undeviating unfailing enduring lasting permanent persistent tenacious stubborn dogged relentless unyielding inflexible adamant resolute firm staunch stalwart stout-hearted valiant brave courageous bold intrepid fearless daring audacious adventurous enterprising spirited lively vibrant vigorous dynamic active bustling busy energetic animated sprightly vivacious effervescent exuberant enthusiastic eager keen passionate fervent ardent zealous earnest wholehearted devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast unchanging unswerving unfaltering undeviating unfailing enduring lasting permanent persistent tenacious stubborn dogged relentless unyielding inflexible adamant resolute firm staunch stalwart stout-hearted valiant brave courageous bold intrepid fearless daring audacious adventurous enterprising spirited lively vibrant vigorous dynamic active bustling busy energetic animated sprightly vivacious effervescent exuberant enthusiastic eager keen passionate fervent ardent zealous earnest wholehearted devoted committed dedicated loyal faithful true constant steadfast...