On 11 April 2025, the IIG was invited, along with various insurers to an eventful day at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) where they hosted its Insurance Fair / career day, a landmark event designed to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world industry dynamics. As a representative of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG), I had the privilege of engaging with students across diverse faculties—including Accounting, Risk Management, and Law—to illuminate the multifaceted nature of the insurance sector and its evolving role in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Many students initially perceive insurance as a “traditional” or “complex” field. However, industry professionals illustrated how insurance impacts everyday life— from safeguarding homes to enabling entrepreneurial ventures. By contextualizing insurance within frameworks these students already understood, the event highlighted its dynamic, purpose-driven nature.
The fair’s panels featured professionals in many different roles from various organizations, proving that the industry extends far beyond actuarial tables. Students were particularly intrigued by discussions about the many avenues of career paths within the industry, emerging trends, including technology’s role in streamlining services and the growing emphasis on sustainability. What stood out most was the students’ curiosity. Their questions ranged from practical (“What certifications do I need?”) to philosophical. These exchanges underscored a shared desire to align personal values with professional aspirations.
Key Takeaways:
- Insurance is a people-first industry. While policies and data drive decisions, the fair reinforced that trust, empathy, and ethical judgment remain its cornerstones.
- The sector is evolving, and so are its opportunities. Roles are expanding to include tech-savvy problem solvers, sustainability advocates, and customer experience innovators.
- Collaboration is key. Events like this fair prove that academia and industry must work in tandem to prepare students for fluid, interdisciplinary careers.
- Education as a Launchpad for Innovation Continuous learning—paired with passion—is critical. Institutions like Wits and the IIG play a pivotal role in equipping students and industry professionals.
The 2025 Wits Insurance Fair was a testament to the transformative power of dialogue between academia and industry. Students from various faculties left the event with sharper questions and broader horizons, it became clear that the future of insurance lies not only in technological advancement but in cultivating a generation of professionals who view their work as a force for protection, equity, and progress.
A heartfelt acknowledgment to the University of the Witwatersrand for orchestrating this visionary event and to the students whose curiosity and critical thinking reaffirmed that the industry’s future is indeed in capable hands.
Claude Soobramoney | Broker Distribution – Auto and General Insurance
