The University of Findlay - Laura Heitkamp ’06

Class of 2006, Math Major

Laura Heitkamp loves math. She loves the mind-boggling questions and the challenge of finding the answer, and after graduating in May with a math degree, she gets to do what she loves every day as an actuary trainee with Celina Insurance Group.

Part of Laura’s job involves calculating the increase or decrease of insurance premiums for things like homes, automobiles and motorcy cles. She also calculates the potential financial risk for businesses, farm machinery and catastrophes.

Determining those values requires Laura to apply the things she learned at Findlay to her work. She uses her math skills to calculate present values, factors and credibility. She also uses probability and statistics, and she examines financial statements while considering accounting concepts. She noted that “working in a business, the knowledge of how the service sector works, the knowledge of impact of the economy and being aware of the competition and consumer needs are all very important.”

Equipped with her math education and minors in accounting, computer science and business administration, Laura began her career just two days after graduation. She credits her employability to being a hard worker and an involved student. While on campus, Laura focused on her studies and worked as a student assistant and an office assistant in the math department.

Laura also utilized the knowledge of her professors by asking questions and communicating with them. She advises other students to cultivate good relationships with professors because they “know each student’s strengths and weaknesses, and they can make an impact on an employer’s decision.” Laura’s professors not only taught her what she needed to know in class, but they also served as references during her interview process.

“I enjoy what I am doing and hope to continue learning and expanding my horizons,” said Laura.