From St. John's to Lockton Re LLP: How a Master's Degree in Actuarial Science Unlocked a Successful Career

The Yardley, PA, resident is Associate Actuary at Lockton Re LLP, in Philadelphia, PA. This reinsurance business helps large insurance companies purchase policies from other insurers to limit their exposure to unexpected events or disasters.  

What are your primary responsibilities in your current position? 

I help insurance companies understand their profitability and price reinsurance options. I attend client and reinsurer meetings to discuss the metrics and methods used to price the reinsurance desired. 

How did your St. John’s education help prepare you for your career and current employment? 

My St. John’s education helped me pass four Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) exams and prepared me for several other CAS exams by introducing me to certain relevant topics. My education introduced me to the programming language that I use in my job. I also obtained my summer internship through a connection made at the St. John’s University Career Fair, which led me to other opportunities in Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance.  

What attracted you to St. John’s for this degree and to GSRM?  

The Manhattan campus is the first thing that attracted me to St. John’s. I applied to all universities that have a Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science within the Philadelphia, PA/New Jersey/New York City area. While all of the programs had benefits, the fact that St. John’s master’s in Actuarial Science was recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries made the St. John’s program the best choice.  

Did St. John’s large network of alumni connections help you move forward with your career?  

Yes, I landed my first actuarial experience through a summer internship at a P&C insurance company that I earned because of participating in a career fair at St. John’s. This internship allowed me to get a glimpse of what a reserving actuary does working for a P&C insurance company. 

How did interactions with chief executive officers (CEOs) and industry leaders in the GSRM program impact your education and career? 

I took the Global Development course and traveled to Dublin, Ireland; London, England; and Zürich, Switzerland, with my professors and classmates to meet and learn from industry CEOs and professionals. It was an experience that launched me into the industry and is something I will never forget. 

What would you say to someone who is considering a degree from the Greenberg School of Risk Management? 

Just do it! The programs are filled with people who have tons of connections and who genuinely want you to succeed. You learn so much and there are opportunities you can take advantage of to get financial aid, travel, and learn skills you will undoubtedly use in your future career. You make connections with intelligent, like-minded people with similar career interests.  

Is there anything that you liked best about your experience at St. John’s? 

The graduate assistant program, the global development program, and the career fair were all experiences that led me to where I am today in my field. 

How did the University, faculty, administrators, and staff support you while you pursued your degree? 

My professors were willing to meet in person or virtually to help me with assignments. The University Career Services staff provided lunch-and-learn sessions with industry professionals and continuously emailed students job and internship opportunities. 

Did St. John’s provide you with financial assistance to help you pursue your degree?  

I received a full scholarship in exchange for my work as a graduate assistant. The financial aid was a significant factor in my decision to attend St. John’s and pursue my Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science.