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What she does:
- Jenna K Thune is a financial analyst for KBM Management, Inc. located in East Syracuse, NY. As an analyst Jenna is responsible for writing financial reports for the self-funded benefit clients that KBM Inc. serves. Her duties include forecasting and analyzing claim costs and developing budgets and premium rates for alternatively funded health care programs. Jenna started with KBM in the fall of 2004. Before this position Jenna was a benefits analyst for an actuarial and consulting firm, Milliman USA in Albany, NY.
Math on the job:
- On a typical day Jenna uses a variety of statistical and forecasting techniques to project costs for budget planning. She prepares detailed reports showing clients how changes in benefit plans can affect changes in premiums, out-of-pocket co-pays and changes in coverage. “My position requires that I synthesize large amounts of data into a workable report for professionals without an accounting background.” Jenna works directly with the account executives to provide accurate and comprehensive analysis.
- A new project that KBM Management, Inc. has taken over is to broker Health Saving Accounts (HSA) to their alternatively funded benefit clients. This new aspect of brokering has prompted Jenna to receive her license in Accident, Life and Health Insurance. Her duties will include developing models that shows clients cost savings from switching to a high-deductible health benefit plan.
Jenna's background:
- Jenna has a B.S. in Mathematics from St. Lawrence University (2002). Her first job was working as a benefits analyst for Milliman USA. Jenna then had a long-term substitution position as a high school mathematics teacher for 8 months. She then completed her MBA at Clarkson University in 2004 and started working for KBM shortly thereafter.
Advice for students:
- “My advice to students considering mathematics is to find a passion in its application. On the surface majoring in mathematics may seem very theoretical but it’s all in how you use it. Consider physics, economics, education, research, accounting, etc when deciding on a mathematics degree. You will likely find some interesting careers that require an in-depth knowledge of mathematics. The earlier you can start honing in on your passion the easier it will be to find a job that fits you best.”