Bernice Wabwire - Aon Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited

Name: Bernice Wabwire Studied: Bsc. in Actuarial Science Location: Nairobi, Kenya Company: Aon Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited Position: Account Executive

The actuarial profession in my view is the most dynamic and mentally challenging career. It brings with it the joy of always learning and doing new things, non-repetitiveness and constantly growing dimensions.

Why the UK actuarial qualification

I decided to take the UK actuarial qualification because of my love for mathematics. It also impressed me that the UK actuarial qualification provides course content that is relevant to the dynamic market. Add on top of that the challenge and the adrenaline rush prior to an exam. It’s an exciting course to pursue and immensely enjoyable.

Opportunities that it has opened for me

Pursuing the UK actuarial qualification has opened up the opportunity to interact with other professionals in the same field. It has given an opportunity to feel connected to the rest of the actuaries in the world; the opportunity to feel I am part of a much larger community of like minds.

The route through my qualification

The route through my qualification is quite challenging but exciting. A lot of work has to be put in as study is majorly self-study.

Advice to anyone wanting to get into the industry

My advice to any one wanting to get into the industry is to go for it. If you are looking for a challenging career and out of the ordinary non-monotonous work, then this is it.

Work/ Life balance

There is a good work/life balance especially if you have a “to do” list and you stick to it, obviously allowing time for fun and spontaneous events.

Challenges working as an overseas member

The main challenge working as an overseas member would be due to underdevelopment of the profession in our country.

Benefits of the UK qualification to my working life

The UK qualification has assisted me in my career in that it has given me a view of things that is different especially in situations that require an out of the ordinary solution. The exams have also assisted in engraining in me a quick thought process.

My typical day

My typical day starts early rising with my morning devotion and then going to work.  Since I am in a client facing position, a typical day involves a lot of interaction with company clients, providing solutions for them. A lot of policy underwriting is also involved as part of the process of providing client value. All evenings are spent with family and late studying.

Managing my work/life balance

To manage my work/life balance, I try to ensure that I finish the bulk of my work during the day. Therefore the rest of my time is spent away from work with friends and family. Any other spare time apart from the mornings is used studying apart from the late evenings.

The future

In future, I would like to complete my exams and become a fully qualified actuary. I would also like to set up an actuarial enterprise as this are few in Kenya.