Senior / Alumni Spotlights

John Bielak '12

John Bielak '12

John Bielak graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management. During his time at GVSU, he served as the president of the university’s ASSP student chapter, gaining leadership experience and building connections with industry professionals. One of the program’s standout features was its emphasis on real-world application through internships. John completed three internships as a student which provided valuable hands-on experience and enhanced his understanding of the risk management field. These opportunities were instrumental in shaping his career path, with his final internship leading directly to a full-time position at CNA Insurance.

John began his career at CNA as a Risk Control Trainee, where he applied the principles of exposure identification, risk evaluation, and hazard control that he had learned at GVSU. Working in commercial insurance allowed him to build expertise across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, real estate, healthcare, and technology. This variety has kept his career dynamic and engaging, as each industry presents unique challenges and learning opportunities that foster continuous growth.

Over time, John advanced into a Director role, where he now leads a team of skilled professionals conducting risk assessments and delivering tailored client services to insureds across the globe. Every day brings new challenges and insights, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the risk management field—a dynamic environment that GVSU prepared him to thrive in through its emphasis on adaptability and lifelong learning.

“The combination of academic learning and real-world application that GVSU emphasized has been the cornerstone of my success,” John Bielak shared. “For students considering multidisciplinary careers, the GVSU OSH program offers a comprehensive education and invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience. These elements are essential for building a fulfilling and impactful career.”

 

We love hearing from our alumni, if you are interested in being highlighted, please send a photo of yourself, a short bio, and a statement outlining how you think your GVSU OSH Degree assisted you in your career, to [email protected].

Interest Area(s)
Occup Safety/Health Mgmt

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Page last modified December 10, 2024