Liz Onobikoty
Ask Liz Onobikoty why she chose The University of Baltimore and she'll tell you, "UBalt chose me."
Liz was set to attend another university to pursue a degree in accounting when, about a month from her first day of classes, she received an email that would cause her to quickly change her plans. That email, from the Maryland Insurance Administration, introduced her to a new program focusing on insurance management and the only program of its kind in the state of Maryland was looking for applicants at UBalt.
She didn't hesitate to apply and is now a student in the B.S. in Business Administration program, specializing in Risk Management and Insurance.
"I didn't even think twice. The moment I received the email, I'm like, this is it, this is really what I needed."
Liz had already been working as an independent insurance agent, but wasn't sure of it as a career because she had no academic background in the area. UBalt's program was her chance to fill build the foundation she needed to better excel in the field.
Liz initially became interested in insurance as an opportunity for some additional income. Over time, she would recognize how important it was and how much it was misunderstood or overlooked.
"We pay our car insurance because it's mandatory by law and maybe health insurance when we can, but taking proactive action in terms of investing for the future, the majority of people doesn't see that," she says.
The more she started learning about people's habits related to insurance, the more she realized there were opportunities for her help more people and someday, maybe even start her own enterprise.
"The learning process is really sharpening my mind. I see myself in two or three years working in the government and changing the insurance world."
Liz has taken every opportunity she has at UBalt to prepare for a career after graduation. That includes helping bring a chapter of Gamma Uta Sigma organization, an insurance group for students, to UBalt. She became its vice president.
She's also been able to find internship opportunities she didn't expect.
"I knew that I made the right choice when I started to see emails about opportunity linked to UBalt. The University of Baltimore is really connected to almost every industry."
For Liz, UBalt's flexibility and online options are key to her overall experience.
"I have been able to take like 80 percent of my classes online, which is great for me because I live in Frederick, I am a single mom of two, so I still have to handle daycare issues. Having the possibility to take online classes as really made the difference for me."