Olayemi Sanusi is a second-year graduate student at Ball State University pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science. Originally from Nigeria, she brings a global perspective and a bright personality to her academic and professional journey. A fun fact about her? She’s an excellent dancer, though she claims her best moves come out only when no one is watching.
Discovering an Opportunity at Swiss Re
Over the summer, Olayemi interned with Swiss Re on their actuarial valuation team. She discovered the opportunity at a career fair organized by Ball State’s Actuarial Club, where Swiss Re representatives gave a compelling presentation on their internship offerings and company culture. Inspired by what she heard, she applied and was selected for the role, setting the stage for a summer of professional growth.
Applying Mathematics and Communication in the Workplace
Throughout her internship, Olayemi gained hands-on experience in actuarial modeling, teamwork, and reinsurance operations. She also honed her programming skills, particularly in R, as she worked on a major project titled “Developing a GLM to Determine Lapse Rate Assumptions Using R.” Her coursework in Actuarial Science—and especially in generalized linear modeling (GLM)—proved crucial for her success. In addition to the technical aspects, she learned the vital role of clear communication in conveying actuarial findings to diverse audiences.
Facing Challenges and Finding Reward
One of the challenges Olayemi faced was learning to express her analyses clearly and confidently. However, she rose to the occasion, completing her projects efficiently and receiving strong feedback from her manager. The most rewarding part of the experience was seeing her hard work recognized and appreciated. She credits her success to dedication, optimism, and faith in God—elements she believes carried her through the more difficult internship moments.
A Future in Actuarial Science
This internship has significantly impacted Olayemi’s career outlook. It gave her a clearer understanding of how mathematical concepts are applied in the insurance industry and highlighted the importance of effective communication alongside technical expertise. By working on real-world projects involving GLMs and actuarial modeling, she has further solidified her skills and clarified her professional goals within the actuarial field.
Questions She Would Ask—And How She’d Answer
If she were an undergraduate student seeking advice, Olayemi says she would ask a graduate intern, “What skills—both technical and soft—are most important for success in an actuarial internship?” Her answer would emphasize the importance of communication: being able to explain complex analyses to non-actuarial audiences and present projects clearly to teams or leadership is critical. She also underscores the value of curiosity and asking thoughtful questions, enhancing technical depth and interpersonal effectiveness.
Advice for Aspiring Actuarial Interns
Olayemi offers thoughtful advice for students pursuing internships in actuarial science:
- Polish your resume and keep it up-to-date with relevant skills, projects, and exam progress.
- Pursue professional development by studying for actuarial exams and improving leadership and communication abilities.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews, focusing on how your experiences align with the roles you’re applying for.
- Stay positive and proactive—attend career fairs, networking events, and industry conferences to build connections and learn from professionals in the field.
With her academic excellence, practical experience, and passion for the field, Olayemi Sanusi exemplifies the drive and determination that make Ball State’s actuarial science program shine.
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