Our “Intern Spotlight” series features past and present interns of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND). The following is a spotlight for Genesis Paul, who just completed our 2021 summer internship program.
Stumbling across the actuarial field
Genesis wasn’t sure what she wanted to do before college. She loved math but wasn’t a big fan of science. She worked at a credit union but didn’t feel a drive for accounting. Then one day, her grandma suggested actuarial science.
“My grandma stumbled across actuarial science and mentioned that I should investigate it. After researching, I found it highlighted many of my strong suits and would challenge me. I haven’t looked back since,” shared Genesis.
As an undergraduate student at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Genesis is majoring in Mathematics & Statistics (Pre-Actuarial Science). She is also minoring in Business Administration, Computer Science and Economics. Finally, she is working on a Finance certificate.
Genesis currently serves as NDSU’s Math Club President, ambassador for the College of Science and as a representative on the North Dakota Youth Leadership Board.
Finding BCBSND’s internship program
At BCBSND, the Actuarial Department helps manage risk by using math, statistics and financial theory to analyze future events. Although Genesis had a general idea of what an actuary does, she wanted to find out firsthand.
“I wanted to find an internship with an established company in the Fargo-Moorhead area that would expose me to the Actuarial field,” Genesis said.
She first applied for the 2020 Actuarial Underwriting Intern position but was not chosen. Then in 2021, she applied again – this time, she got an interview. After talking with her interviewer, Genesis knew that BCBSND’s Actuarial & Underwriting department would be a great place for her professional growth.
Experiencing BCBSND’s culture
After some time on the job, Genesis noted how BCBSND’s flexible workplace and incentives for employee wellness were promoted in a way she hadn’t experienced before.
“I’ll never forget the way my team invested in both my professional and personal growth,” she recalled.
Becoming an accredited actuary
There is an exam process to become an accredited actuary. This can be a tough step for those drawn to the field. Genesis found some helpful insight from the BCBSND Actuarial team.
“Each team member took the time to meet with me and share their experience as well as advice – something I will carry with me throughout my journey to accreditation.”
Advice for future interns
After completing her internship, Genesis has “new admiration for the complexity of the health insurance industry.” She urges future interns to learn all they can while interning at BCBSND.
“Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of those within your department,” she advised. “The internship program is an opportunity to gain valuable understanding in your field and learn from the experiences of others.”
