Vandana Khatri
Actuarial Science Summer 2019
Video |
Role
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I was assigned one project for the team I interned on. I was responsible for breaking up earnings targets into more granular components. This allowed management to efficiently assess underwriting execution against these targets. I had to work with other business groups to gather important information needed for my project. I also communicated my results to key business partners and management. Through my project I was able to develop my technical skills. We also had various case studies through which I learned more about the healthcare industry, Cigna, and the actuarial profession.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
My mentor helped answer questions and gave guidance about the actuarial profession, exams, as well as Cigna. I was also able to practice my end of summer presentation in front of my mentor through which I gained valuable feedback. Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes. The information I learned in the Health and Benefits Actuarial Capstone was very helpful and useful throughout the summer.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I interviewed at Cigna's Future Leader Day which entailed four back to back interviews. Cigna got back to me within two weeks with their decision.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
Yes, I was assigned one project for the course of the summer. I developed methodology for the earnings management team to calculate gross margin earnings targets on a case by case level. I was able to automate this target setting process in Excel so that key business partners are able to efficiently evaluate underwriting execution against these targets.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
I was provided housing in Philadelphia. They also had various intern social events throughout the course of the summer. Describe the company's internship program.
The internship program was a total of 11 weeks. There were a total of 13 actuarial interns in Philadelphia. We were all provided housing in the same building in the city. There were several professional and social events through which we had the opportunity to get to know the other interns as well as network with full time employees.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes the internship was what I expected. There was a good balance between working on our projects and learning more about the industry and company in general. It was also nice having social/networking events in order to build connections with other interns and full time actuaries.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
We were given off on Fourth of July.
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I was assigned one project for the team I interned on. I was responsible for breaking up earnings targets into more granular components. This allowed management to efficiently assess underwriting execution against these targets. I had to work with other business groups to gather important information needed for my project. I also communicated my results to key business partners and management. Through my project I was able to develop my technical skills. We also had various case studies through which I learned more about the healthcare industry, Cigna, and the actuarial profession.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
My mentor helped answer questions and gave guidance about the actuarial profession, exams, as well as Cigna. I was also able to practice my end of summer presentation in front of my mentor through which I gained valuable feedback. Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes. The information I learned in the Health and Benefits Actuarial Capstone was very helpful and useful throughout the summer.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I interviewed at Cigna's Future Leader Day which entailed four back to back interviews. Cigna got back to me within two weeks with their decision.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
Yes, I was assigned one project for the course of the summer. I developed methodology for the earnings management team to calculate gross margin earnings targets on a case by case level. I was able to automate this target setting process in Excel so that key business partners are able to efficiently evaluate underwriting execution against these targets.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
I was provided housing in Philadelphia. They also had various intern social events throughout the course of the summer. Describe the company's internship program.
The internship program was a total of 11 weeks. There were a total of 13 actuarial interns in Philadelphia. We were all provided housing in the same building in the city. There were several professional and social events through which we had the opportunity to get to know the other interns as well as network with full time employees.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes the internship was what I expected. There was a good balance between working on our projects and learning more about the industry and company in general. It was also nice having social/networking events in order to build connections with other interns and full time actuaries.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
We were given off on Fourth of July.
Dominic Vottero
Actuarial Science Summer 2019
Video |
Role
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
The summer was filled with the project, learning workshops, case studies, and networking events. My project was to help give more insights into financial results of our particular group term life insurance business.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
They were there for any questions I didn't want to ask my manager or intern coordinator.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
No
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Housing, Happy Hours, Phillies games, mini golf, etc.
Describe the company's internship program.
It was very intense but well worth it in the end. Gained a lot of hands on experience. Other employees were all open to grab coffee and give the interns advice.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
The summer was filled with the project, learning workshops, case studies, and networking events. My project was to help give more insights into financial results of our particular group term life insurance business.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
They were there for any questions I didn't want to ask my manager or intern coordinator.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
No
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Housing, Happy Hours, Phillies games, mini golf, etc.
Describe the company's internship program.
It was very intense but well worth it in the end. Gained a lot of hands on experience. Other employees were all open to grab coffee and give the interns advice.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes
Jessica Zimmerman
Actuarial Science Summer 2019
Video |
Role
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science & Risk Management and Insurance
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
Each intern was assigned an individual project for the team he/she was working on. I was placed on Cigna's Medical Economics team, which is part of Cigna Medicare Solutions and formerly known as Cigna HealthSpring. My project was to develop a preferred cardiologist network for Cigna's Medicare Advantage Business in the local Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic markets. I used SQL server and Excel to analyze the unit cost and utilization of various procedures, tests, etc. for a given cardiology practice. Also, I communicated with Cigna's Network Operations team and Cigna's clinical staff to gain alternative perspectives on how to build a preferred cardiologist network. Throughout the summer, Cigna also had a speaker series, case studies, technical trainings, and trips planned to the Delaware and Connecticut offices. These events allowed us to network with other interns and Cigna professionals. Also, they informed us about the various actuarial roles and business units at Cigna.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
Cigna gave each intern two mentors. One mentor focused on providing feedback and checking in. The other mentor was not part of the internship decision making process and was more there to offer advice and answer any concerns. Most mentors were three to seven years out of college.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Dr. Drennan's human capital risk class explained terminology and insurance products offered in the healthcare insurance space. Also, Dr. Drennan's articles on current news such as the Cigna and Express Scripts merger and economic trends gave me a better insight into the industry as a whole enabling me to better understand Cigna's business.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I interviewed with Cigna at the career reception and then, a few days later, I had a second round interview on campus. The 3rd round was a full day of interviewing at Cigna's Philadelphia office. I sat with six people for about 45 minutes each. One of the interviews was over lunch.
Were you assigned any special projects?
Yes
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Aside from the events listed above, there were also social events such as a Phillies Game and Escape the Room as well as FSA lunches where interns could invite FSAs to get lunch to discuss career advice and more in-depth questions.
Describe the company's internship program.
The atmosphere was very supportive and friendly. You were primarily evaluated on your project and the other events were supplemental in an effort to increase your understanding of the insurance industry and Cigna. Housing was provided to all interns.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
The internship was much more developmental than I had anticipated. There was feedback provided frequently on the project and other aspects of the internship.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but you could request time off if needed.
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2019
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science & Risk Management and Insurance
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
Each intern was assigned an individual project for the team he/she was working on. I was placed on Cigna's Medical Economics team, which is part of Cigna Medicare Solutions and formerly known as Cigna HealthSpring. My project was to develop a preferred cardiologist network for Cigna's Medicare Advantage Business in the local Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic markets. I used SQL server and Excel to analyze the unit cost and utilization of various procedures, tests, etc. for a given cardiology practice. Also, I communicated with Cigna's Network Operations team and Cigna's clinical staff to gain alternative perspectives on how to build a preferred cardiologist network. Throughout the summer, Cigna also had a speaker series, case studies, technical trainings, and trips planned to the Delaware and Connecticut offices. These events allowed us to network with other interns and Cigna professionals. Also, they informed us about the various actuarial roles and business units at Cigna.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
Cigna gave each intern two mentors. One mentor focused on providing feedback and checking in. The other mentor was not part of the internship decision making process and was more there to offer advice and answer any concerns. Most mentors were three to seven years out of college.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Dr. Drennan's human capital risk class explained terminology and insurance products offered in the healthcare insurance space. Also, Dr. Drennan's articles on current news such as the Cigna and Express Scripts merger and economic trends gave me a better insight into the industry as a whole enabling me to better understand Cigna's business.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I interviewed with Cigna at the career reception and then, a few days later, I had a second round interview on campus. The 3rd round was a full day of interviewing at Cigna's Philadelphia office. I sat with six people for about 45 minutes each. One of the interviews was over lunch.
Were you assigned any special projects?
Yes
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Aside from the events listed above, there were also social events such as a Phillies Game and Escape the Room as well as FSA lunches where interns could invite FSAs to get lunch to discuss career advice and more in-depth questions.
Describe the company's internship program.
The atmosphere was very supportive and friendly. You were primarily evaluated on your project and the other events were supplemental in an effort to increase your understanding of the insurance industry and Cigna. Housing was provided to all interns.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
The internship was much more developmental than I had anticipated. There was feedback provided frequently on the project and other aspects of the internship.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but you could request time off if needed.
Rajan Gandhi
Actuarial Science Summer 2018
|
Role
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Please list your major(s) and minor(s)
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I worked on the Global Health Benefits Middle East team and created a pricing model to show decrements for different plan designs. I used experience rated data to see what the impact of different plan designs on specific benefits (maternity, outpatient drugs, consultations, etc.) had on price of the plan to create plan design differentials.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
He was an additional resource to help answer any questions I may have fely uncomfortable approaching my manager with. He also provided a perspective of someone on a different team so I got to learn about an additional line of business.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes. While the math in my AS classes did not apply at all, the concepts discussed, such as a deductible in AS 1501 helped me understand the impact of co-insurance on medical plans.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
Be prepared to answer STAR questions and relate them to previous experiences. Also be knowledgeable about the company, its current proceedings and potential mergers, and lines of business.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
I created a tool for underwriters to accurately quote new small to employer business with variable plan designs.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
There were several internship lunches that interns needed to initiate, along with lunch & learns. We were provided housing on 9th and Market St. There is an intramural softball league that is available, even though I did not personally participate. There are a handful of happy hours throughout the summer, most notably on the first and last day of the internship. There were also many social events such as mini-golf, Escape the Room, and zoo trips.
Describe the company's internship program
The internship is rigorous and requires a lot of attention to detail and also results oriented. On the flipside, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in the company culture.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes. The interviewing and hiring process is extremely vetted and you know what you are getting into.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but this can be negotiated directly with your manager. Several other interns had to take days off for personal matters and this was easily accommodated.
Actuarial Intern
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Please list your major(s) and minor(s)
Actuarial Science
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I worked on the Global Health Benefits Middle East team and created a pricing model to show decrements for different plan designs. I used experience rated data to see what the impact of different plan designs on specific benefits (maternity, outpatient drugs, consultations, etc.) had on price of the plan to create plan design differentials.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
He was an additional resource to help answer any questions I may have fely uncomfortable approaching my manager with. He also provided a perspective of someone on a different team so I got to learn about an additional line of business.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Yes. While the math in my AS classes did not apply at all, the concepts discussed, such as a deductible in AS 1501 helped me understand the impact of co-insurance on medical plans.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
Be prepared to answer STAR questions and relate them to previous experiences. Also be knowledgeable about the company, its current proceedings and potential mergers, and lines of business.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
I created a tool for underwriters to accurately quote new small to employer business with variable plan designs.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
There were several internship lunches that interns needed to initiate, along with lunch & learns. We were provided housing on 9th and Market St. There is an intramural softball league that is available, even though I did not personally participate. There are a handful of happy hours throughout the summer, most notably on the first and last day of the internship. There were also many social events such as mini-golf, Escape the Room, and zoo trips.
Describe the company's internship program
The internship is rigorous and requires a lot of attention to detail and also results oriented. On the flipside, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in the company culture.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes. The interviewing and hiring process is extremely vetted and you know what you are getting into.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but this can be negotiated directly with your manager. Several other interns had to take days off for personal matters and this was easily accommodated.
Shannon O'Connell
Actuarial Science Summer 2018
|
Role
AEDP Intern - Pharmacy Pricing Methodology Team
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2018
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science + Risk Management and Insurance
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I constructed a model used to conduct a state level rate review and update the area factors utilized when pricing pharmacy premiums. I communicated my initial results with Market Pricing Leads to make sure my rate action proposals would align with their specific market strategies. Finally, I presented my final results to senior leaders to receive approval of my rate action proposals and area factor updates so they could be implemented into the engine used to produce pharmacy manual rates.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
My mentor was there for any questions I had related to the internship and also served as a great source to talk about exams and career paths.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Absolutely. If I hadn't taken RMI3501, I wouldn't have felt as adequately equipped as I did coming into my internship. It really helped to understand how healthcare in America works before diving into my project and enabled me to also quickly identify well-known acronyms used in the industry.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Happy hours, housing (at the Franklin), Phillies games, lunches, trip to HQ in Connecticut, and tons of other fun events in the city.
Describe the company's internship program.
The work you're doing is definitely real work and you should be busy at all times, whether you're working on your project, going to speaker series, getting coffee with a senior leader, or something else of importance during the work day. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work, including a final presentation at the end of the summer that is attended by most of the Philly Actuarial Community. After work hours were over, I was able to balance attending almost all the social events as well as studying for an exam during the summer and was fine.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Absolutely! I was told I would be given my own project to work on throughout the summer, and that it would be work an actuary (presumably my manager) would be doing if I was not there. My work actually had an impact on the company and I even had the chance to learn so many new technical skills.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but if there is a conflict (i.e. doctor's appointment), you can usually add on the hours you missed to a different day or stay late if you get approval from your manager first.
AEDP Intern - Pharmacy Pricing Methodology Team
Location
Philadelphia
When did you work there?
Summer 2018
Please list your major(s) and minor(s).
Actuarial Science + Risk Management and Insurance
Provide a general description of the work at your internship.
I constructed a model used to conduct a state level rate review and update the area factors utilized when pricing pharmacy premiums. I communicated my initial results with Market Pricing Leads to make sure my rate action proposals would align with their specific market strategies. Finally, I presented my final results to senior leaders to receive approval of my rate action proposals and area factor updates so they could be implemented into the engine used to produce pharmacy manual rates.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
My mentor was there for any questions I had related to the internship and also served as a great source to talk about exams and career paths.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
Absolutely. If I hadn't taken RMI3501, I wouldn't have felt as adequately equipped as I did coming into my internship. It really helped to understand how healthcare in America works before diving into my project and enabled me to also quickly identify well-known acronyms used in the industry.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay?
Happy hours, housing (at the Franklin), Phillies games, lunches, trip to HQ in Connecticut, and tons of other fun events in the city.
Describe the company's internship program.
The work you're doing is definitely real work and you should be busy at all times, whether you're working on your project, going to speaker series, getting coffee with a senior leader, or something else of importance during the work day. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work, including a final presentation at the end of the summer that is attended by most of the Philly Actuarial Community. After work hours were over, I was able to balance attending almost all the social events as well as studying for an exam during the summer and was fine.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Absolutely! I was told I would be given my own project to work on throughout the summer, and that it would be work an actuary (presumably my manager) would be doing if I was not there. My work actually had an impact on the company and I even had the chance to learn so many new technical skills.
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
No, but if there is a conflict (i.e. doctor's appointment), you can usually add on the hours you missed to a different day or stay late if you get approval from your manager first.
Kelly Petrarca
Actuarial Science Spring 2017
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Provide a General Description of the Internship. Include daily tasks completed, the company and its employees, and any other information.
I was given one project to work on for the whole summer. The majority of my time was taken up by working on this project. About a quarter of my time was taken up by speaker series, case studies and technical trainings.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
I had a mentor on my Intern Committee. They provided feedback on how we were doing with participation in the speaker series and other corporate events. We could ask them any questions about the summer or the hiring process, but they were mainly for feedback. I had another mentor outside of the Intern Committee. She was close to may age and was more of a peer mentor. She helped with questions about the transition from college to the workforce and other similar questions that we might not feel comfortable asking the Intern Committee since they had an influence in our hiring decision.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
I thought the material learned in my modeling classes was the most applicable especially the reserving material. Knowing insurance terms and abbreviations helped a lot, and basic knowledge of Excel made it easier when trying to learn Access and working with more advanced skills in Excel.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I had an initial 10 minute interview with the recruiter at the intern reception, and then I had a second round on campus. The second interview lasted around a half hour and was mainly getting to know you questions with a few critical thinking questions like describing an actuarial concept to someone who does not know really anything about math or estimating the number of taxis in New York City. Then I had a super day. I went to Cigna's Philadelphia office for breakfast where I met my interview buddy, who just showed me around all day. After breakfast I had three 45 minute interviews, first with the AEDP program director and then other senior directors. Finally I had a lunch interview. It took only a few days to find out about the super day and about my internship offer. I had to apply online after my second round interview and then they sent my offer through their employee portal which I needed to accept online.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
I had one side project that I worked on briefly throughout the summer. It was adding a new feature into Cigna's manual underwriting tool for their European/global healthcare business. I worked on the excel version of the underwriting tool and had to use both Access and VBA to complete the task.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay? (Internship Lunches, Housing, Sports Games, Happy Hours, etc.)
We had some work happy hours and went to a Phillies game. We were also given the opportunity to purchase one manual at Cigna's expense and were provided housing.
Describe the company's internship program(atmosphere, work load, work, housing, outside work activities, etc.).
The internship was a fun experience. Everyone was very approachable even people who were three or four levels above me. They were willing to answer any questions over coffee or go to lunch. The community was very close knit. We had trainings for both Excel and Access. We also had a speaker series which touched on all the different segments and roles within Cigna that actuaries typically hold. Finally there was a series of case competitions to help simulate real business situations that Cigna faces. There was definitely a steep learning curve but the work load was not unbearable and my manager was a great resource.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
We were not given time off because our internship was such a short period of time.
I was given one project to work on for the whole summer. The majority of my time was taken up by working on this project. About a quarter of my time was taken up by speaker series, case studies and technical trainings.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes
If so, how did he/she help you during your internship?
I had a mentor on my Intern Committee. They provided feedback on how we were doing with participation in the speaker series and other corporate events. We could ask them any questions about the summer or the hiring process, but they were mainly for feedback. I had another mentor outside of the Intern Committee. She was close to may age and was more of a peer mentor. She helped with questions about the transition from college to the workforce and other similar questions that we might not feel comfortable asking the Intern Committee since they had an influence in our hiring decision.
Did you feel your RMI/AS classes better prepared you for the internship?
I thought the material learned in my modeling classes was the most applicable especially the reserving material. Knowing insurance terms and abbreviations helped a lot, and basic knowledge of Excel made it easier when trying to learn Access and working with more advanced skills in Excel.
Interviewing/Hiring Process Comments:
I had an initial 10 minute interview with the recruiter at the intern reception, and then I had a second round on campus. The second interview lasted around a half hour and was mainly getting to know you questions with a few critical thinking questions like describing an actuarial concept to someone who does not know really anything about math or estimating the number of taxis in New York City. Then I had a super day. I went to Cigna's Philadelphia office for breakfast where I met my interview buddy, who just showed me around all day. After breakfast I had three 45 minute interviews, first with the AEDP program director and then other senior directors. Finally I had a lunch interview. It took only a few days to find out about the super day and about my internship offer. I had to apply online after my second round interview and then they sent my offer through their employee portal which I needed to accept online.
Were you assigned any special projects? If so please describe.
I had one side project that I worked on briefly throughout the summer. It was adding a new feature into Cigna's manual underwriting tool for their European/global healthcare business. I worked on the excel version of the underwriting tool and had to use both Access and VBA to complete the task.
What were the supplemental benefits besides the pay? (Internship Lunches, Housing, Sports Games, Happy Hours, etc.)
We had some work happy hours and went to a Phillies game. We were also given the opportunity to purchase one manual at Cigna's expense and were provided housing.
Describe the company's internship program(atmosphere, work load, work, housing, outside work activities, etc.).
The internship was a fun experience. Everyone was very approachable even people who were three or four levels above me. They were willing to answer any questions over coffee or go to lunch. The community was very close knit. We had trainings for both Excel and Access. We also had a speaker series which touched on all the different segments and roles within Cigna that actuaries typically hold. Finally there was a series of case competitions to help simulate real business situations that Cigna faces. There was definitely a steep learning curve but the work load was not unbearable and my manager was a great resource.
Was the internship what you expected after the interviewing/hiring process?
Yes
Were you provided time off besides the weekend?
We were not given time off because our internship was such a short period of time.