Blessing Okenye
Lee University senior Blessing Okenye attended a “boot camp” and annual meeting of the International Association of Black Actuaries. Both events took place Aug. 4-8 in Miami, Fl.
According to Ms. Okenye, application for the boot camp took place in the spring semester of 2015, and she was one of 16 students selected to participate. The boot camp included multiple conference-style sessions taught by industry professionals, mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and problem-solving scenarios.
“The highlight of the boot camp was working on an actuarial case study,” said Ms. Okenye. “After being divided into groups, we were given a problem to solve. We had one day to prepare our solutions and give our presentations. My group also got to present to the IABA’s Corporate Advisory Council. It was a great experience to present our solution in a convincing manner to these professionals.”
As a boot camp participant, Ms. Okenye was also invited to attend the annual meeting of the IABA. The annual meeting, attended by over 300 participants, also included various presentations on the profession.
“Attending the meeting was a unique opportunity and a great experience as it provided good networking opportunities with various individuals and companies that were present,” said Ms. Okenye. “This whole experience has been better than I could have dreamed. I came back more knowledgeable, energized, and committed.”
Ms. Okenye, a double major, is studying two different emphases for her information systems major, systems development and systems operation. Her mathematics major focuses on actuarial science.
The actuarial science program at Lee is offered as an emphasis for mathematics majors. The discipline of actuarial science applies mathematics and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, finance, and other related industries.
“We are happy that Blessing was able to represent Lee by attending this boot camp and annual meeting” said Dr. Caroline Maher-Boulis, Lee associate professor of mathematics. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students as it positions them for industry-level achievements, whether in internships or entry-level opportunities. This will also raise awareness of our actuarial science program in the surrounding area.”
The IABA is a professional and student member organization whose mission is to contribute to an increase in the number of black actuaries and to influence the successful career development, civic growth and achievement of black actuaries.
For more information about Lee’s actuarial science program, contact Lee’s Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at 614-8275.