Alumni Spotlight

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Name: Susan H.

Employer: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company

Title: President

What do you do?
Oversee entire operation of $50 million regional property/casualty insurance company in small town of DeWitt, Iowa. Manage Vice Presidents of Marketing, Underwriting, Claims, IT, and Administration. Serve on board of directors, participate in community and charity committees and events, support professional development and lifelong learning of employees and local students.

How did you get your job?
I was hired as an accountant before I had completed my undergraduate degree. Over the next 10 years I earned my undergraduate degree, passed the CPA exam, and earned an MBA from Iowa. Promotions through various management positions in the organization took place during that same period.

What is your educational background/degree(s) earned?
B.A. - Accounting and Business Administration, Mount St. Clare College, Clinton, Iowa 1992 CPA - 1992 MBA - University of Iowa, 2001 CPCU - (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) 2005

Which degree(s) do you recommend for this career field?
B.A. - Business Administration Risk Management studies

What talents, skills, or personality traits help someone do well in this job?
Communication, "people" skills with both customers and employees, curiosity/eagerness to learn, integrity, emphasis on customer service, high quality standards

What are the challenges of this job/career path?
Balancing work and home life, responsibility and desire to excel at both,

Any misconceptions about your job?
The President doesn't "do" anything. While there may not be specific tasks or outputs of this job, there are many projects and areas to monitor and coordinate to ensure the operation runs smoothly and effectively.

What do you know now that you wish you knew as an undergraduate at The University of Iowa?
Anything about the insurance industry and its MANY career opportunities, the unique regulatory environment of the insurance industry

Final words of advice...
Be Bold - keep learning and giving your best to everything you touch!