Risk management and insurance (RMI) is facing a talent gap that is exacerbated by an increasing employer demand for technology-based skills. This research explores whether an undergraduate curriculum-based professional certificate influences college students' RMI career choices. Using a mixed-methods research approach, the researcher surveyed a sample of 95 college graduates who, as undergraduates, were enrolled in one or more risk management and insurance courses that fulfilled both their degree coursework requirements and the requirements toward an RMI-industry certification. Through analysis of both survey data and interview data, the researcher investigated whether an RMI certification was viewed as important, the influence such a certification has on students' career choices, students' perceptions of the RMI certificate as influencing their time-to-placement, graduates' decisions to remain in RMI 3 years after graduation, and the motivating factors behind why graduates who pursued and obtained careers in RMI intend to remain in them. The study finds that graduates perceived having a curriculum-based risk management and insurance certification to be important. A majority of participants felt that having a curriculum-based certificate shortened their time to placement, and they stated they are more likely to remain in their careers three years post-graduation and into the future when asked to consider a next hypothetical job search. Additionally, students who graduate with the certificate achieve their desired RMI careers (versus careers in other industries), have a capacity to learn and take leadership roles in RMI's digital transformation, and will seek out and remain with employers who will financially support them in their journey to continue their attainment of credentialing and professional development. Implications of the study are further discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]