Lindsay Gearty ’21 knew for most of her adult life that she wanted to maintain her passion for mathematics. And so she has. A physics and mathematics double major, she’s spent the last four years involving herself in math-based courses and extracurriculars and now “can’t wait to start” her actuarial career with The Hartford.
“The Hartford is an insurance company that protects over 1 million small businesses. It excels in property and casualty insurance, group benefits, and mutual funds,” Gearty explained. As an actuarial intern, she will use her background in mathematics and statistics to help create “competitive and profitable” pricing policies and take on responsibilities “from personal and commercial pricing to claims to group benefits to corporate reserving.”
Interested in risk assessment and management, Gearty hopes to eventually obtain a fellowship as an actuary. Having already completed some of her actuary exams during quarantine last summer, she anticipates her internship with The Hartford will prepare her for completing other actuary requirements. “I think this internship will be a great opportunity for me to learn a lot more about the insurance industry, hone my analytical skills in the context of actuarial work, and also shape some of my goals for the future,” she said.
When looking at colleges, I knew I wanted a smaller school with a strong math program. I visited Hamilton and fell in love with its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to the professional experience the company provides, Gearty appreciates The Hartford’s humanitarian commitment to its employees and others. “It seemed like a great community that I wanted to be a part of. ... I was impressed with all the human achievement/volunteering programs The Hartford provides, as well as its driven and passionate workplace environment.”
Gearty said that her Hamilton education has shaped her analytical thought process. “When looking at colleges, I knew I wanted a smaller school with a strong math program. I visited Hamilton and fell in love with its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere,” she said. Over the course of her Hamilton career, she explored the math program to pursue and develop her interests. “I think a lot of the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills I’ve developed through physics [and all my classes] at Hamilton will prove extremely valuable in my endeavors.”
Majors: Mathematics and Physics
Hometown: Springfield, Mass.
High school: West Springfield High School
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Clark Bowman has taught Gearty in three consecutive classes. “Especially in applied courses, students tend to have a heavy focus on solving particular problems. Lindsay is the one student I've had who consistently comments on the theory and assumptions, and that's an invaluable skill in terms of making sure you're actually solving the problem you think you are,” Bowman said.
Outside the classroom, Gearty kept busy working for the Physics Department and tutoring students in math at the Utica Academy of Science Charter School. She also participates in Hamilton’s Association for Women in Mathematics, Society of Physics Students, Women in Physics, Mathletics, Women’s Club Basketball, and Scottish Country Dancing.
And though Gearty is excited to start her career with The Hartford, she knows she’ll miss “the Hamily.” “I’ll definitely miss all my friends and getting to hang out with them every day. Also, there are so many opportunities to try new things at Hamilton, so I’ll miss all the unique activities and events, from hiking trips to Yule balls to balloon launches,” she said. “I’ll also miss my peers and professors and the passionate academic community here. This really is a great place to live and learn.”
