Alumna Credits St. John’s with Providing Professional Resources to Build Actuarial Science Career
Itashna Geerwar ’22GSRM earned a Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science from the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science (GSRM) at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business on the Manhattan, NY, campus of St. John’s University.
St. John’s access to various professional resources, including networking events and career fairs, helped me build my career and expertise. I secured an internship—as well as a job offer—even before graduating.
A resident of Cleveland, OH, Ms. Geerwar is a Senior Actuarial Analyst at AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in health-care solutions for people with low-income levels and/or chronic illness. Headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, it is one of the largest Medicaid-managed care organizations in the nation, serving approximately five million members in 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Please describe your job responsibilities.
In my job, I perform medical cost projections for the annual budget process, and assist in developing cost projections for contract period negotiations. I track experience against initial budget projections and expenses. I develop revenue models as part of the monthly financial reporting package and assist in preparing actuarial memorandums for filing with the state and other outside agencies. Preparing internal and external communications, including those with regulatory authorities and internal management, is another primary responsibility of my position. I uphold best-practice models and other industry-recognized pricing tools. In addition, I apply actuarial principles in the performance of job responsibilities.
How did your St. John’s education help prepare you for your career and current employment?
My education at St. John’s helped me to work on my personal development, in addition to my knowledge and skill set. It enhanced my credibility in actuarial science, which benefited me when searching for jobs and working in my profession. St. John’s access to various professional resources, including networking events and career fairs, helped me build my career and expertise. I secured an internship—as well as a job offer—even before graduating.
What attracted you to St. John’s to pursue this degree? What attracted you to the GSRM program?
The first thing that attracted me to St. John’s to pursue a master’s degree in Actuarial Science is that GSRM is recognized by the Society of Actuaries® as a Center of Actuarial Excellence since 2009, is a winner of the University Award from the Casualty Actuarial Society, and is a Global Center of Insurance Excellence designated by the International Insurance Society.
Were there any other significant factors that drew you to St. John’s?
I was awarded a prestigious Insurance Leader of the Year Fellowship (ILOTY), which provided me with significant financial assistance.
Did St. John’s extensive network of alumni connections help you move forward with your career?
When applying for internships during my graduate program, I secured a full-time internship at Everest Re, based in Warren, NJ, with the help of one of St. John’s alumni who is employed there. Even at my first job postgraduation at The Segal Group, Inc., I worked with multiple St. John’s alumni.
What was the nature of your internship at Everest Re?
I completed a three-month internship at Everest Re during the Summer of 2021. I conducted a line of business study to determine loss and premium development factors to be used as benchmarks for future pricing analysis by the international team. I had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow interns and pricing actuaries to research and present a model on space and cyber insurance. It was a great learning experience, and I made some amazing connections.
How did interactions with chief executive officers and industry leaders in the GSRM program impact your education and career?
They were a source of inspiration. They shared great advice, which was very motivating.
What would you say to someone who is considering pursuing a degree from GSRM?
I would completely encourage them to pursue a degree from GSRM. It was an incredibly enriching experience, especially for someone looking for a competitive advantage in the industry.
Is there anything that you liked best about your experience at St. John’s?
I met amazing people, made good friends, and created unforgettable memories in New York City. I am proud to be an alumna of St. John’s University.
How did the University’s faculty, administrators, and/or staff support you while you pursued your degree?
The faculty have always supported me, not only while I pursued my degree but even as an alumna. They’ve provided excellent references during my job-hunting process. The career advisers helped me polish my résumé, and prepare for interviews.
Would it have been possible for you to enroll at St. John’s and get your degree without financial assistance?
As a recipient of the ILOTY Fellowship, I was able to enroll at St. John’s and earn my degree.
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