An Actuary Shares Why She Works at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

“I wanted to work for the industry’s best,” says Lydia Tolman. The actuarial services manager specifically chose us because of Blue’s reputation.

“At my old company, an actuarial consulting firm, everyone said, ‘the Blues are doing this… the Blues are doing that.’ BCBSAZ helps shape the industry. That’s why I wanted to work here. I’m not exaggerating when I say that have a great reputation in the industry.”

As an actuary, Lydia manages risk, which includes forecasting financial results, setting premium rates and ensuring there is enough money set aside to honor all commitments.

“We balance several factors and get to solve difficult problems. Coming up with solutions that may impact the entire industry excites me,” she says with a smile.

Lydia personally enjoys our unique telework perk. After six months, actuary department employees, as well those in some other areas, can telecommute from one day a week to five.

Lydia appreciates our company culture. People support one another, she says. The company cares about employees’ health, which translates into work-life balance, as well as an onsite fitness center and a cafeteria with healthy food options.

“Blue Cross helps us meet our health and wellness goals with support and reimbursement programs, which isn’t the case everywhere,” Lydia says. “And my manager cares that I have a life outside of work and about me as a person. He knows me, my family and my career goals.”

She respects our value of always doing the right thing, which is similar with her own.

“We really care about our members. I feel good about us as a company. We’re working to make Arizona healthier.”

Within her first two years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, she was promoted to the manager of actuary services.

“BCBSAZ gives me opportunities to advance and grow in my career, and I get to help my team grow their skill sets and develop their careers,” she says.

Her last piece of advice: people considering a career as an actuary them to take an internship and see if they like this job then try to get as many of the certification exams out of the way while still in college.

To actuaries and other professionals, she says they should definitely consider applying to BCBSAZ.

“Every day you will do something industry-leading, and at this company, you’re going to be able to develop and grow in your career. I also love it here so much that I’ve talked about my great job so often that my husband applied here.”

We would love to hear from you today. See some of our job openings on LinkedIn or, for a full list and how to apply, visit azblue.com/careers.