Dylan West recently graduated from the insurance and risk management program, accomplishing his degree in just three years at OC. He began his college career dual enrolled through his high school insurance program in Eaton Rapids, and the rest is history.
Once Dylan discovered insurance and risk management was his passion, he knew attending OC and the transition would set him on the path to success.
“One of the most influential reasons that I chose Olivet was the fact that I had credits that would transfer in from my dual enrollment and allow me to graduate in three years,” Dylan said. “The friends that I made and the faculty that I met during that class are what made me realize how passionate a lot of the professors were at Olivet. That class taught me how fun insurance could be, and the professor made the material truly interesting. I also learned how rewarding the insurance industry can be by helping people and how much job security comes with it.”
Not only did the dual enrollment program inspire Dylan to pursue a career in insurance, but it also instilled a passion for OC in him.
“I was involved with multiple organizations while at Olivet. I joined Gamma Iota Sigma, the College’s professional insurance and risk management fraternity, during my first year and became a recruiting officer,” Dylan said. He also pledged to the Alpha Lambda Epsilon co-ed Greek society and served as the treasurer of the house for three years.
During Dylan’s junior year, he became the chartering treasurer for the newly founded The University of Olivet Optimist Club, in addition to serving as the Intersociety Council treasurer during his senior year.
“These experiences were great to meet new people, make productive and meaningful use of my time and give myself some great experiences in leadership positions, Dylan said. “I always tried to be incredibly involved with different organizations to get as much experience as I could in leadership.”
This leadership experience and Dylan’s strong work ethic earned him the Student Engagement Greek Life Award during Honors Week this spring. “It was very heartwarming to receive that award as it felt wonderful to be recognized for all of the hard work that I put into my positions, though much of my success in such roles would not have been attainable without the help of many of my friends in those organizations beside me,” he said.
Not only did Dylan work hard within the college campus, but he also took the opportunity to help others and explore the world through service learning and study abroad trips.
“Some of the best experiences of my life have come from Olivet, including my experiences abroad with Professor Mike Fales on service learning trips and the trip to Lloyds of London with the insurance program,” Dylan said. “These travel experiences sparked a huge interest and desire for me to continue to travel and see the world. My overall experience as a Comet taught me so much about many different things – from money management to making friends, getting involved and pushing myself to do better. I would encourage a student to attend The University of Olivet because there are some fantastic people on campus and professors who are genuinely interested in helping students succeed.”
Working diligently through three years, Dylan is set for success in his field. During his time at Olivet, Dylan even earned his Property and Casualty Insurance Producers license and the University Associate Certified Insurance Counselor (UACIC) and University Associate Certified Risk Manager (UACRM) designations. He also earned the National President’s CPCU Scholarship and is working toward his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Finishing six of the eight tests he needs for his line of work, Dylan’s future goals are to finish his CPCU, continue to get more designations, work as a commercial underwriter, and one day, have a role in excess and surplus lines insurance.
“Sometimes the world certainly felt overwhelming, graduating in three years and having so many positions, but with enough effort, anything can be done, especially with the help of others,” he said.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by rising junior Chad Enwright, Marketing and Multi-Media Student Associate. He is a resident adviser, member of the football team, chief recruitment officer for Phi Beta Lambda and a business administration major who aspires to invent and operate his own high-tech, home security and automation business.
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