With Smart Networking, Two Students Land Offers from AIG

Colleen Raga ’14

Among the many things that Woody Allen is famous for is his line, given to The New York Times in the 1970s, that “showing up is 80 percent of life.”

That’s a lesson that two Adelphi students learned last fall when they participated in an Adelphi-sponsored networking trip to the New York offices of insurance giant American International Group (AIG). Students invited on the trip had the opportunity to meet CEO Robert Benmosche, who spoke to them about leadership and what it takes to excel in the job market, and afterwards addressed their questions. Colleen Raga, a senior majoring in international studies, took the opportunity to ask Mr. Benmosche for his insight into a number of related topics.

Shortly after the trip, AIG contacted Ms. Raga to request her résumé. She happily obliged and thus began the process of applying for a distribution analyst position. In the spring, she learned—with joy and relief—that she landed the job and will start after graduation in May.

Anustha Shrestha spoke with AIG CEO Robert Benmoshe at an Adelphi networking event.

“Without the Adelphi-sponsored the trip to AIG, I would not have had the chance to interact directly with AIG senior leaders and ultimately earn the position,” Ms. Raga said.

Ms. Raga will be responsible for bringing AIG’s products and services to the marketplace and further enhancing AIG’s relationships with producers and clients. “AIG is a truly international company and is currently in the process of expanding its international scope and influence,” she said. “I believe that my international background will provide me with a unique perspective and an opportunity to grow along with the company.”

Just this month, Anustha Shrestha, a dual economics and math major who also attended the AIG event, learned that she was selected for AIG’s Summer Internship Program. She will be working with the finance department. 

During the AIG visit, Mr. Benmoshe asked Ms. Shrestha for her résumé on the spot. Fortunately, she came prepared. “I got a head start with the application process before internship positions were even posted online,” she said. “During the trip, I also got a better understanding of the operation and the core values of the company.”