AXIS Risk Management Academy
Explore where a career in risk management can lead
In the AXIS Risk Management Academy, students from across campus collaborate to explore professional development resources and experiences to enhance their interest in risk management.
The Academy helps students:
Explore: Learn how a career in risk management is purpose-driven, helping people and business prepare and recover
Experience: Tour businesses, attend industry events, and learn how the industry really works
Network: Work one-on-one with industry professionals on individual mentoring and development
Advance: Learn first-hand how risk and insurance careers offer paths to leadership and global assignments
About the AXIS Risk Management Academy
The Academy was established in 2018 in collaboration with global specialty insurer and reinsurer AXIS. AXIS is generously funding the development and management of the AXIS Risk Management Academy in partnership with the Office of Risk Management and Insurance Research.
Applying to the academy
Applications to the AXIS Risk Management Academy are accepted each semester, and the number of students accepted is limited. To get the most out of the Academy experience, students are encouraged to apply during their freshman or sophomore years, yet all are welcome who demonstrate academic potential and a desire to understand the balance of opportunity and reward that comes through effective risk management. Many of those admitted to the Academy enjoy the experience so much they continue to participate for multiple semesters.
Experience for any degree
Students who have joined the AXIS Risk Management Academy are pursuing degrees in many fields, including the following.
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Computer Science
- General Business
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- Fine & Applied Arts
- Industrial Engineering
- Statistics
"The best part of AXIS is being matched with a professional who aligns with my goals and is passionate about helping me grow and develop. My mentor has helped me spark an interest in bringing more minority women into the corporate world and inspire change in the workforce for future generations."
Misha Gandhi,
Information Science '26
"Being part of the AXIS Risk Management Academy has made me the person I am today. Since joining, I have been able to connect with companies and industry leaders in a meaningful way, apply to and receive exclusive scholarships and internship opportunities."
Tyler Gabis,
Accountancy '24
Meet the director
As director of the AXIS Risk Management Academy at Gies College of Business, David Beigie focuses on providing experiential learning for the next generation of insurance and risk professionals. He has more than 20 years of experience in the field of risk management, including positions as chief marketing and communications officer at T-Mobile and chief communications officer at State Farm. Most recently, David led global communications at Chubb, one of the world's leading P&C insurance companies. He is currently an advisor with COUNTRY Financial, the largest provider of insurance services to farm owners in Illinois. David and his family live in the Bloomington-Normal area.