Students at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business learn the value and importance early in their college career of having an internship before graduation.
Over the summer, Ivy students took part in a wide range of internships that added real-world experience to their resumes. Meet Mairead Willimack, who shared why her summer internship added value to her college education.
Willimack, a junior from Dewitt, Iowa, is studying actuarial science and finance, with a minor in management. She chose the double major and minor because actuarial science combines math and critical thinking skills, and finance and management complement actuarial science well and help round out her education with a broader understanding of how a business operates.
As an actuarial intern at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa, Willimack worked with the financial reporting team within the organization, specifically focused on capital management. Her day-to-day responsibilities consisted of spending a lot of time using Excel, improving and updating a process her team relies on, and spending time looking into adjusting different risk charges by product to improve their profitability for the company.
Willimack and other actuarial interns participated in a Code Jam event, collaborating and working together to solve a real problem that another team faces using data analysis and automation. This helped build experience in working with unfamiliar datasets and technical programs.
“To anyone pursuing an internship, be 100% authentic. It might sound simple, but being yourself takes real intention during the interview process. Companies can read your experience on paper. What they are really looking for is who you are. Be genuine, confident, and personable. That’s what makes you a memorable candidate.”
— Mairead Willimack
A favorite part of her internship was the opportunity to get to know her fellow actuarial students. As part of the internship program, a weekly social event was held for the actuarial interns and students. Willimack enjoyed the community these events created, feeling supported by everyone and developing genuine friendships with others at Principal Financial Group.
Willimack found her internship on Iowa State University’s CyHire platform and learned more about it through the Actuarial Science Career Night. She decided to apply for it because she was familiar with other students who had interned at Principal previously and had fantastic experiences. After learning more about Principal’s intern and student programs, Willimack was hooked.
“To anyone pursuing an internship, be 100% authentic. It might sound simple, but being yourself takes real intention during the interview process. Companies can read your experience on paper. What they are really looking for is who you are. Be genuine, confident, and personable. That’s what makes you a memorable candidate,” said Willimack.
The Ivy College of Business has provided Willimack with incredible support throughout her time at Iowa State that has prepared her for this internship. From professionals introducing Willimack to aspects of the industry, to staff in the business career services and undergraduate student services offices offering personalized guidance, she has consistently felt equipped with the tools needed to succeed. Being involved in Ivy’s Actuarial Science Club has also been a game-changer. The club provides exposure to a wide range of companies, allowing her to understand what they offer and to connect with professionals in the local industry. This support from Ivy played a huge role in building Willimack’s confidence and preparing her to navigate the interview process with clarity and purpose.
To connect with Mairead Willimack or follow her collegiate and professional career, visit her LinkedIn profile.
