Cigna's Nathan Thomas was impressed with Clarissa Nowak's academic ability, communication skills and community involvement. Photo / Supplied
Cigna's Nathan Thomas was impressed with Clarissa Nowak's academic ability, communication skills and community involvement. Photo / Supplied
Former Whanganui High School student Clarissa Nowak has been awarded the 2018 Cigna Actuarial Scholarship, worth $5000.
Nowak, 20, is currently in her third year at Victoria University of Wellington where she is completing a bachelor of science.
"The Cigna scholarship was advertised on the Victoria University website, so Iapplied for it and I got it," Nowak said.
"I was really quite amazed because [Cigna is] obviously a big company, so for me that means a lot, not only financially, but also in terms of my future career."
Actuaries apply mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, finance and other industries.
"Then I found out about actuarial science, so I took that up and now I'm doing a double major in maths and actuarial science."
Nowak said that Cigna has a really good team spirit and that she may get the opportunity to do an internship with the company.
Assessing risk is already a big factor in Nowak's life. During Summer she patrols Castlecliff and Mowhanau beaches.
"I'm originally from Germany, we moved here in 2010, my brother found out about being a surf lifeguard and got me into it," Nowak said.
"I've always enjoyed being in the water and around the water and I'm very confident in it, so being a surf lifeguard is ideal because that way I can also help the community."
Head of customer propositions and value at Cigna, Nathan Thomas, said he was impressed by Nowak's academic ability as an A+ student and her well-roundedness.
"Apart from being an outstanding candidate academically, Clarissa showed through her community involvement that she's passionate about helping others and making a positive difference.
"She's a good communicator and her involvement in the community really impressed us. We think an actuarial career will be a great fit for Clarissa."