Like many students this summer, Bowling Green State University senior Kojak Valentine is completing an internship as part of his actuarial science program. His paid internship with The Hartford, a Fortune 500 company, highlights a significant achievement.

“I am beyond excited for my internship,” Valentine said. “Not only is it going to provide me with additional hands-on learning opportunities in the real world, but it’s also with a company with an impressive reputation.”

The 10-week internship, which includes housing, allows Valentine, a Macomb, Michigan, native, to live and gain hands-on experience in Hartford, Connecticut.

“Bowling Green has allowed me to build a solid foundation and prepared me for this internship,” Valentine said. “I already passed my first professional exam last summer, and now I’m ready to put my skills to the test in the real world.”

Valentine initially considered a career in engineering but became interested in actuarial science's unique combination of math, risk management and problem-solving.

“Actuarial science is more than a career for me,” Valentine said. “With the combination of math, insurance and economic theories, it’s like constantly working on a puzzle. Being an actuary is a career of continuous learning, and I am so excited I chose BGSU for my education.”

BGSU recently earned Advanced Curriculum status for actuarial science from the Society of Actuaries, a distinction that further prepares graduates to meet the growing demand for risk management in insurance, finance, healthcare and the public sector. The advanced curriculum prepares students for five actuarial exams needed to become an actuary.

“Bowling Green is one of the few schools that prepares students for all of the exams,” Valentine said. “It has been so helpful to have intentionally designed coursework and support from faculty and staff. I feel very prepared heading into my senior year.”

Outside the classroom, Valentine has immersed himself in the industry through involvement in the International Association of Black Actuaries and Gamma Iota Sigma, an educational organization for students in insurance, risk management and actuarial science.

“I was awarded a scholarship from the International Association of Black Actuaries, allowing me to travel to a conference and talk with different companies about employment opportunities,” Valentine said. “I actually met with The Hartford at the conference, and that led to my current internship.”

As a member and president of Gamma Iota Sigma, Valentine has connected with key industry professionals, attended conferences and benefited from professional development that has improved his leadership skills.

Valentine plans to apply skills gained from the internship in the classroom while preparing for the remaining four exams.

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