Amy Baginski (Kolesnik)

Current Position: Senior Account Underwriter at Travelers

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

Mathematics Major Shares GMercyU Experience

I chose Gwynedd Mercy University for many reasons, but the first reason is the great scholarship opportunities I was offered as a transfer student. The small class sizes with personalized attention were also a big selling point for me. I came for a campus visit and sat in on Cryptology, a math class, that was really interesting to me. I visited the campus a few times, and each time I was met with warm, welcoming faces. GMercyU seemed like a great community, and I got to experience that community after transferring. I also loved how small the math program was, because I was able to work with the professors often.

My experience at GMercyU was great once I got involved. I worked at the Academic Resource Center (now called the Student Success Center) on campus tutoring math and physics. Working with Stephanie and Meredith over at the ARC was such a great experience. They are both so inspiring and supportive, and provided me with a lot of information and advice on a professional level and on a personal level.

I participated in the externship program during my first semester, where I shadowed a certified financial planner for a day. It was a great way to be introduced to the professional world and network with an alum of GMercyU.

I also had an internship the summer between my junior and senior year with Merrill Lynch. Career Development played an integral role in helping me prepare my resumes, cover letters, and references. I remember working with Nick the morning of a phone interview, asking him for advice. It was so last minute, but he was totally on the ball and responded right away. I ended up getting the internship with Merrill Lynch. I worked with one of the most well-respected wealth management directors at Merrill Lynch, who also happens to serve on the board of trustees at GMercyU. I gained a lot of experience with data and data analysis, as well as a general background for investing.

During my senior year, I was a peer mentor in the E-STEM program. I worked with two students throughout the year, and the whole program met a couple times a month. I met some great students on campus and it was fun to work with them and talk with them to learn about what their future plans were. I also enjoyed supporting the students that I mentored. The E-STEM program ended up being a close-knit community and I ended up making friends with everyone in it. The activities were so fun and it really solidified my interest in mathematics.

I worked at ACE Group as a Professional Associate in Underwriting. It was an entry-level position where I participated in a lot of training to get a solid foundation in the field of insurance.

My courses prepared me for the real world by giving me a diverse background of knowledge, with a focus on my major. Although I don’t use math every day, my courses really helped build my analytical skills and learn how to manage my time properly.

My current job title is Senior Account Underwriter at Travelers. I am a senior level underwriter of Management Liability and Cyber Insurance products that wre offered by Travelers as part of the Private & Non-Profit group withint he company. i am also the "resident expert" on my team for the adoption and use of Salesforce by our team to achieve our goals. I also serve as a resource to our younger staff members and interns to help train them and informally mentor them.

I really enjoy working there because my team and the overall working environment are really supportive like it is at Gwynedd. I enjoy helping people and doing analytical work and my job feels like a nice balance of each of those things. 

Since graduating, I earned my RPLU (Registered Professional Liability Underwriter) from an organization called PLUS (Professional Liability Underwriting Society). This designation is really helpful in my field of work, and the organization provides great networking opportunities to members through various local events. 

                                         

In 2019, I bought a house with my now husband, my high school sweetheart, in Blue Bell, and we got married in 2020. A few months after our wedding, we got an Australian Shepherd and named him Odie! In 2022 we finally got to take our honeymoon in Hawaii and went back in 2023.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, and family. I also enjoy riding my Peloton, cooking and baking new recipes to share, and going to the beach. I also enjoy reading and doing math-related puzzles.