Inside Peak into PDI
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) is a three-day conference hosted by Travelers for Travelers EDGE Scholars, designed to develop professional skills and expose students to career pathways within the insurance field. During the first week of the new year, 17 EDGE Scholars from Augsburg traveled to Connecticut to attend sessions at Travelers Claim University, where they participated in critical thinking case studies, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities focused on professional growth. For many Travelers EDGE Scholars, PDI represents a unique opportunity to learn from corporate leaders, gain more insight into the insurance industry, and explore opportunities for career growth.
The program began with icebreaker activities such as Find Someone Who Bingo and the Spaghetti Tower Challenge, which helped scholars connect with one another by breaking the ice and working together to creatively build the tallest tower. The following day included a welcome from Jody Rodrigues, who encouraged scholars to make meaningful connections throughout the experience, followed by panels featuring Travelers EDGE alumni who shared their experiences transitioning from college and building successful careers at Travelers. Scholars then worked in groups on a critical thinking case study focused on risk management in a Super Bowl halftime show scenario and each group proceeded to give presentations on their findings. After the case study, scholars attended workshop sessions such as The Art of Small Talk, Exploring Travelers Career Pathways, and Money Management. Following the workshop sessions, scholars attended a networking dinner at Travelers Plaza Café where they were able to make connections with leaders from Travelers. The final day of PDI included a personal storytelling session led by Godfrey Simmons Jr., along with an interview preparation and elevator pitch workshop, and wrapped up with a group reflection on the PDI experience.
Scholar Reflections:
Gay Ler: Hello everyone! I am a third-year Travelers EDGE Scholar at Augsburg University studying Finance. 2026 marked my third time attending PDI, and each year has offered a new experience. In particular, the program included more group activities, giving scholars greater opportunities to share their ideas and perspectives. This year, I felt more confident in my ability to network and ask thoughtful questions. One of my highlights was the Exploring Travelers Career Pathways session, where experienced Travelers professionals shared valuable advice on being successful in interviews, the importance of networking in opening career opportunities, and the value of building a personal brand to establish trust and strong relationships within an organization. I would like to thank Ivelisse and everyone at Travelers who spent a lot of time making this event possible and giving all of us EDGE Scholars a meaningful experience!
Poe Meh: Hello everyone! I’m a second-year Travelers EDGE scholar at Augsburg University studying Accounting and Finance. During PDI this year, my biggest highlight was on the third day when we did the storytelling activity with Godfrey. We all stood in a big circle and each of us had to repeat our names several times even including actions that represent us which then everyone else copies. Although this made me feel uncomfortable at first, as we kept doing it I started to have fun repeating people’s names and actions and even ended up viewing it as a very important exercise before we head into the storytelling section. I was able to relax and enjoy sharing my story to my tablemates therefore connecting and bonding with them. We also practiced the elevator pitch for interviews which was very helpful to me as I got to hear not only my own but my peers’ which helped me see how I could shape and improve my pitch. I am very grateful to AJ Taddio and all the other emerging programs representatives who were willing to volunteer their time to assist the scholars with sharing their stories and improving their elevator pitch. The third day sessions as well as the prior days of PDI taught me to be present and genuine about the bonds and relationships I make with others because you never know the story of another person until you sit down and really listen to their experiences. Even though this is my second time at PDI, the lessons and advice I garnered from all the people and activities certainly hasn’t lessened! I want to thank Ivelisse, the panelists, the volunteers, and everyone at Travelers who invested their effort and time to make this year’s PDI an experience full of learning and enjoyment!
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