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The Need for HAIVE

Unlike other countries, Canada has very few university programs in Risk Management & Insurance, which makes it harder for students to enter this field and for the industry to attract fresh talent. At the same time, new challenges like cyber threats, climate change, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the industry faster than it can adapt.  This gap creates both a challenge and an opportunity, and the industry urgently needs skilled young professionals who are ready to make a difference.

The HAIVE program was created to meet this need by giving students the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience to launch successful careers in RMI.

What is HAIVE?

HAIVE (Hybrid Academia-Industry Internship via Virtual Engagement) is a unique 16-week part-time internship program developed by RISC that strengthens academia–industry collaboration by connecting top students from the University of Toronto and York University. Students are placed into interdisciplinary inter-university teams and paired with two mentors:

  •  A risk expert  who frames a live business challenge or policy issue relevant to their organization.
  •  An academic expert  (PhD-level), who guides the methodological and theoretical framing of the
    project and helps develop solutions.

HAIVE Industry Partners

The success of the HAIVE program grows out of the team of dedicated Risk Management & Insurance industry leaders that help interns hone all the necessary skills to launch successful careers right upon graduation.

RBC
Wawanesa
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Clearsum
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Canada Life logo
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Cooperators
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How does it work?

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Gain real-world experience

Interns are grouped into teams of three. Each HAIVE team will be matched with an industry mentor, who will frame the problem for the team to solve, and an academic mentor who will guide the process and provide academic support and tools needed for analytical rigor.

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Paid internship

The internship, held once each semester, provides each intern with a salary of $22/hour. Mid-term and final presentations are delivered to industry executives to demonstrate progress and learning outcomes.

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Hybrid working environment

The program operates in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions with virtual communication and collaboration tools, such as Virtual Reality, making it accessible to participants from different locations and inclusive of individuals with physical disabilities.

Virtual Reality Technology

HAIVE incorporates the use of Virtual Reality technology as part of the hybrid component of the internship. Interns are required to submit a presentation in the mid-program presentation section.

 

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Past Project Snapshots

HAIVE Interns work on a diverse set of projects, including but not limited to, climate risk, cyber risk, emerging risks, SDGs, ESGs, and others.

View more projects below!

Insights from our HAIVE Intern

John Seo

Former HAIVE Intern and current RBC, Junior Trade Support Analyst Intern

Testimonials

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Rubie Ling - Industry Mentor

Senior Director, CIBC

"Being part of the HAIVE program has been a truly inspiring journey. HAIVE stands out as a transformative platform where innovation and education intersect. It’s been wonderful to see students take on real challenges in climate modeling and AI-driven insurance, growing their skills and confidence while making a real difference in the risk management field. We are grateful the partnership with RISC who have supported us along this journey."

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Asifur Rahman - HAIVE Intern

AI Risk Analyst at CIBC

As an international student transitioning into the professional landscape, HAIVE provided me with a valuable opportunity to collaborate closely with both industry and academic mentors. This experience strengthened my confidence and ability to present technical findings. HAIVE is also a part in helping me secure a co-op opportunity at CIBC. Looking back, joining HAIVE was a great decision and I am truly grateful to the mentors, my team members, and the entire RISC team.

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Jenny Tran - HAIVE Intern

Portfolio Manager at the Laurentian Bank of Canada

"I have had a great experience working as a team lead - project management with RISC-WSIB. Not only have I been able to work side-by-side with brilliant team members and industry mentors, but this internship has also helped me learn to transform complex data sets into meaningful stories. In addition, I learned how to harness the power of data analytics for risk mitigation, which became a competitive advantage for me in landing my first full-time job as a portfolio manager."

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Deborah G. - HAIVE Intern

Institutional Analyst at Fidelity Canada

The HAIVE program was one of the most impactful experiences in my academic journey at York University. Our team explored insurance gaps affecting Indigenous communities and northern infrastructure in Canada. I’m leaving the program with stronger analytical skills, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the impact that thoughtful, well-informed decision-making can have.

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Peter Natsias - HAIVE Intern

P&C Advisor, Desjardins

"Navigating the world of insurance can be daunting, especially for younger individuals, and it’s an industry often overlooked. RISC provided me with the perfect opportunity to delve into this fascinating sector of the financial world. Through RISC, I've gained valuable insights that have not only deepened my understanding but also enhanced my appeal to future employers."


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Sayed Hossain - HAIVE Intern

"My experience with RISC working on a project for York Region enhanced my understanding of energy efficiency, retrofitting, and sustainable practices, and how they align with the SDGs. This project sharpened my research skills and my ability to translate academic knowledge into practical strategies, paving the way for informed decision-making."



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Anika Tabasum Amreen - HAIVE Intern

HAIVE has been one of the most meaningful and enjoyable parts of my graduate experience. As a newcomer, the program introduced me very quickly to a completely new industry and to so many inspiring people, helping me build meaningful connections from the very beginning. The collaborative and creative environment really stood out to me.

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Robert Okine - HAIVE Intern

Participating in the HAIVE program was a highly rewarding experience that strengthened both my technical and professional skills. The program’s strong academic and industry mentorship helped me refine my analytical approach and effectively communicate complex insights to non-technical stakeholders. The collaborative learning environment, including the Virtual Reality component, enhanced my teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving abilities.