Published: June 14, 2008 10:23 pm         

Indiana State student wins national internship

TERRE HAUTE — Kelly Fortner, senior insurance and risk management major in Indiana State University’s College of Business, has been awarded a prestigious summer internship by the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices.

The NAPSLO Internship Program awards approximately 10 paid internships each year to college students interested in an insurance career. Interns spend nine weeks with member firms learning all aspects of the surplus lines industry. They receive a competitive salary from their host firms and the association provides a stipend, covers travel, housing and various other expenses. Interns also compete for an additional internship in London in summer 2009.

Fortner will serve her internship with Markel Essex insurance, a more than 75-year-old surplus lines company in Glen Allen, Va., and Westrope in Kansas City, Mo., the seventh-largest privately held commercial insurance brokerage firm in the U.S.

“I feel very fortunate to have received this internship. The NAPSLO internship is looked upon highly by excess and surplus lines companies. I know that I will learn so much about this side of the insurance business and also be able to connect with many people through this experience. I am looking forward to the unique opportunity ahead,” Fortner said.

“The insurance and risk management program, along with the Networks Professional Development Program, have helped me so much in being able to achieve this goal. The people in the insurance program office started helping me even before the application process,” she said. “The professional development program has given me skills and experience with resume writing and interviewing. Someone from Indiana State – whether faculty or staff – has given me advice every step of the way.”

Students work five weeks for an insurance company and four weeks with a wholesale broker firm. Interns gain experience in all areas, including accounting, brokerage, claims, marketing, regulatory compliance, reinsurance and underwriting.

A 2005 graduate of North Putnam High School, Fortner is the daughter of Nick and Donna Volz of Indianapolis and Danny Fortner of Coatesville.