Preparing the Next Generation of Insurance Professionals Through Cyber Risk Education

As part of its mission to serve as the global community for the professional liability insurance industry through essential knowledge, thought leadership, and career development opportunities, the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) continues to expand opportunities for emerging professionals to gain meaningful industry education. One example is PLUS’s ongoing partnership with the University of Colorado Risk Management and Insurance Program, which provides students with access to PLUS Curriculum Module 23: Cyber Risk.

We recently connected with lecturer John Wethey about the program, the importance of cyber risk education, and how the PLUS Curriculum helps prepare students for careers in insurance and risk management.

The University of Colorado’s Risk 4509/6509 Global Risk Management course is designed to combine academic learning with real-world industry perspectives. The hybrid course gives students a unique opportunity to engage directly with the insurance marketplace, including traveling to London to meet with brokers and underwriters operating in the global insurance industry.

According to Wethey, one of the primary goals of the course is to expose students to current and evolving industry issues rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts. That focus made cyber risk education a natural fit for the program.

“Cyber risk is identified as one of the key concerns of risk managers,” Wethey explained. “I felt that it was important for students to have background knowledge of the regulatory environment and the exposures. The PLUS Curriculum responded to this requirement in a manner that was the most effective.”

Module 23: Cyber Risk provided students with foundational knowledge that directly supported classroom discussions and industry conversations during their time in London. Wethey noted that the curriculum helped students confidently engage with professionals on a topic that continues to shape underwriting, claims, coverage, and risk management discussions across the professional liability insurance industry.

“I used the PLUS Curriculum as the base of our learning and, based upon the students’ ability to understand discussions concerning cyber risk in London, it was obvious that the material is comprehensive,” Wethey shared. “I think that the layout of this module is very effective as it is both logical and builds knowledge on a well-structured basis.”

The value of cyber risk education extends well beyond the classroom. As more students pursue careers in insurance, risk management, underwriting, brokerage, and claims, a strong understanding of cyber exposures and the evolving regulatory environment is increasingly important.

“Many of these students are planning on careers in insurance and will continue to be exposed to issues concerning cyber risk,” Wethey added. “Having a solid foundation will stand them in good stead.”

PLUS remains committed to supporting the next generation of professional liability insurance professionals through accessible, practical, and industry-relevant education. The PLUS Curriculum includes 26 modules covering key professional liability topics, helping learners build foundational and advanced knowledge across the industry.

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PLUS Learning Paths

The PLUS Curriculum includes 26 comprehensive modules that help professionals advance their careers while building expertise in critical areas of professional liability insurance. Modules can be completed as part of individual learning goals, or can be used to earn PLUS certificates and designations.

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Cyber University | September 15 – 17

Ideal for beginners, this instructor-led virtual program provides essential knowledge on coverage dynamics, breach response, emerging risks and market forces in cyber business. Earn CE/CLE credit while also checking off one of the requirements for the CPLP Designation.

Register Here