If anyone has displayed how hard work and persistence can pay off in the long run, Angela Banerjee ’93 has done just that. Not only has she been awarded as a distinguished alumna for Illinois State University, but she has also received various designations that include her CSP, ALCM, and ARM.
Banerjee now works as the director of loss control at Acuity Insurance where she oversees 27 employees who operate in 25 states. Throughout her career, she has found that being able to provide valuable information to clients and companies in so many different job functions has been the most rewarding. Watching those clients come to those “ah ha” moments have been her most fond experiences.
Banerjee is one of a few students who have gone through the Illinois State safety program starting as a freshman. From 1989 to 1993, she was a part of the program and had a promising future ahead of her. Because of the University Career Days and fairs she was able to pursue her ambitions of being involved with safety through loss control upon graduation and has been moving forward ever since. On top of her full-time position with Acuity, Banerjee is heavily involved with student outreach and Women in Safety Engineering to promote the exciting and rewarding career opportunities.
From being in the field and learning how the business works, Banerjee has come to realize that there has been an increased awareness for safety as of late due to much technological and scientific advancement. Her largest learning experience however has been being able to build credibility and experience in many industries.
Banerjee believes that Illinois State’s safety program gave her a “strong backbone” in safety and that she was prepared. She also encourages students in the program now that once they get out in the field to focus on listening to the workforce and their experience because that is where you will learn the most. Make sure you ask the workers questions to get their opinion on issues or other matters. She also encourages up-and-coming safety majors to make their field more known to the younger generation.
