2016 Rhind Scholarships
Scholarships: Financial Support for the pursuit of insurance education
The Insurance Institute is pleased to offer four scholarship programs that provide financial incentive to pursue education that leads to and/or enhances a career in the insurance industry.
CIP Society’s Rhind Scholarships – National (closed May 31st, 2016)
In June, the CIP Society’s Rhind Scholarships awarded $1,000 scholarships to two worthy candidates. Brendan Cove of Dartmouth, NS, and Nicolas Ouellette of Langley, BC, are both graduating from high school and pursuing post-secondary education with career aspirations within the insurance industry. Congratulations to Brendan and Nicolas on their current achievements and future successes! Click here to find out how you or your dependents may qualify for a CIP Society Rhind Scholarship.
Continue reading to learn about three-time Rhind Scholarship recipient, McKenna Gaetz, now a university graduate starting her career in the insurance industry.
These three additional opportunities have deadlines that are fast approaching:
Toronto Insurance Conference (TIC) Scholarships - National
Now in its fourth year, The Toronto Insurance Conference (TIC) is proud to offer the first ever university scholarships for applicants sponsored by TIC brokers, partners and staff, as well as other applicants who intend on a career in an insurance brokerage. Managed by the Insurance Institute of Ontario, the TIC Scholarship Program annually offers financial assistance in the form of up to three (3) $5,000 scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing full-time university undergraduate studies in Canada.
Deadline: Friday, September 9, 2016 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund - Ontario
The John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund annually offers financial assistance in the form of up to two (2) scholarships of $2,500 and up to two (2) scholarships of $1,500 to be given to an eligible Ontario resident(s) pursuing full time post-secondary studies at a recognized college or university level. In operation for over 23 years, the Fund is named in honour of John E. Lowes, BA, FIIC, CIB (Ont) as a tribute to his continuing dedication to professionalism in the property and casualty insurance industry. We also thank the numerous individuals and organizations that have generously supported the scholarship program over the years.
Deadline: Friday, September 23, 2016, 5:00 p.m. EST.
Lloyd King Scholarships - Atlantic Provinces
Introduced in 2009, the Lloyd King Scholarships award financial assistance for up to two (2) qualifying residents of Atlantic Canada who are pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be employed in the property and casualty insurance industry or a dependent of, or immediately related to, an individual who is employed in the property and casualty insurance industry and a member of the Insurance Institute within Canada.
Deadline: Friday, September 23, 2016, 5:00 p.m. EST.
It should be noted that the industry also gives generously to support students and graduates in the full-time insurance programs across the country. If you know of someone pursuing insurance education at one of the 12 college and university programs, please ensure they are aware of the many scholarships available. Click here to visit the Career Connections webpage for the list of scholarships and bursaries available.
By encouraging students to apply, by attending events in support of the scholarships, and by giving generously, members and industry organizations make it possible for scholarship programs to continue to provide for those who could most benefit.
Click here for more scholarship information or contact your local institute or chapter office.
McKenna Gaetz, a rare three-time recipient of the CIP Society Rhind Scholarship, has graduated from university and is pursuing a career in the insurance industry, working as an Associate Insurance/Financial Advisor for the RMG Agencies Ltd. with The Co-operators in Leduc, Alberta.
As a Finance major at the University of Lethbridge, McKenna knew early on in her studies that she wanted to pursue a career in the insurance industry. Both of her parents are insurance agents, and McKenna is now the 5th generation in her family to work in the industry, “I almost feel like it is in my blood”, jokes McKenna. “When I was younger, I was not all that interested in the industry but after I had a chance to work in my mother’s agency I realized that I actually quite enjoyed it.”
McKenna says that receiving the Rhind Scholarship from the CIP Society for three of her university years was a great addition to her resume when she was looking for insurance experience in between her studies, “I started working at one of The Co-operators agencies in Lethbridge as an Associate Insurance Advisor while I was entering my third year of university and I am certain that being a recipient of the Rhind Scholarship helped me in being hired for that position.”
Now a full time insurance professional, McKenna works mainly on the life, investment, accident, and sickness side of the spectrum, with some involvement with auto, home, and travel insurance, “The Co-operators sells all types of insurance so I hope to become commercial and farm insurance trained in the near future.” McKenna recognized the value of education and the benefits of the Rhind Scholarship when she decided to move towards a career in the insurance industry. On top of holding a Bachelor of Management in Finance, McKenna also earned her General Level 2, Life, and Accident and Sickness Licenses. This September she will begin her Certified Financial Planner designation and hopes to start to earn her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation in the next few months.
McKenna aims to own an insurance agency with The Co-operators and is currently working under her mother’s guidance of over 30 years of experience in the industry. Having a finance background has been beneficial for McKenna’s future goals as well as working at The Co-operators, which sells investment products. When asked what she enjoys most about working in the field, McKenna says she has always had a passion for helping people, “This is an industry where I get to do that every day. I love being able to protect people’s assets whether it be their homes, their vehicles, their families, or their futures. I am truly passionate about what we do.”
McKenna recognizes that the insurance industry is changing, and needs to continue adapting to the needs of the new generation of consumers requiring products and services unique from the generations before them. McKenna believes “The industry will probably need to shift from paper to user-friendly online methods of purchasing/changing policies.”
As a young adult starting her career in the insurance industry, McKenna has some great advice for people in her generation, “If you like to constantly learn new things, this is a great industry for you.” The CIP Society is proud of McKenna’s accomplishments and is excited to follow her career as she pursues her CIP designation at the Institute.