Panashe

When I first stumbled across the Technical Business Analyst co‑op posting for Acturis on my university job board, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was new to Canada, had no background in insurance, and didn’t even know what broking meant. But something about the role and the company intrigued me. It felt like the kind of new challenge I was ready for, so I took the leap and applied.

Looking back now—after a year and a half with Acturis and completing multiple co‑op terms—I’m grateful I trusted that instinct. This experience hasn’t just helped me grow technically and professionally; it’s genuinely reshaped the direction I want to take my career.

Starting Fresh in a New Industry

Because insurance was completely new to me, everything I learned felt fresh and meaningful. I didn’t come in with preconceived ideas, so the learning curve was steep but exciting. Entering a field, I knew nothing about actually helped me stay curious and open‑minded.

I still remember thinking, “This is a new thing for me—but I think I can do this.” And it turns out, I could.

Adjusting From University to Full‑Time Work

Acturis was my second co‑op, but it was the one that truly taught me how different professional life is from university. Moving from a schedule filled with labs and unpredictable hours into a consistent workday was a breath of fresh air.

I loved knowing exactly when my day started and ended. Starting at seven and finishing at four gave me a sense of balance and structure I really enjoyed.

What made the transition even smoother was the support I received. Mentors, teammates, and the close-knit environment created natural opportunities to interact, ask questions, and learn quickly.

The Skills That Changed Everything

When I think about what I’ve gained from my co‑ops, the list is long. I learned how to communicate with managers, supervisors, and clients. I also learned how to navigate deadlines and expectations. These were things I could only learn by doing, and they’re skills I know I’ll utilize forever.

Before Acturis, I had never worked with Structured Query Language (SQL) or Extensible Markup Language (XML). I wasn’t familiar with many of the tools we use internally but through the support and teachings of my teammates I was able to gain expertise in these tools and more. I was able to pick up many skills for my toolkit. Each co‑op built on the last and every new task or project introduced another layer of technical depth that expanded what I thought I was capable of.

In university, deadlines and expected project flows are handed to you. In the workplace, you receive desired outcomes and must create time to satisfy them. I learned how to estimate timelines, manage my workload, and take ownership of my deliverables. This shift—from following plans to building them—changed the way I approach work entirely.

How Acturis Shaped My Career Direction

Before joining Acturis, I didn’t see myself working in tech. I hadn’t had the chance to explore but working here changed that.

Through coding, problem‑solving, and learning systems from the inside out, I discovered that I actually enjoy this kind of work. I love figuring things out, breaking down problems, and building solutions. My co‑op experience sparked a real interest in computing and technology that I didn’t have before.

My co-op experiences not only added skills to my resume but shifted my long‑term goals.

Why I’d Recommend the Co‑op Program

After three co‑op terms here, I can confidently say that Acturis is a great place for students to learn, grow, and experiment with different paths.

The environment is supportive, the people are kind, and there are so many teams and projects to explore that you’re almost guaranteed to find your place. You’re not boxed into one direction forever and there is always an opportunity to grow.

If what you start with isn’t the perfect fit, there’s room to explore. You can transition to other teams or roles and get exposed to different areas of the business.

That flexibility allowed me to discover what I truly enjoy, and I think other students would benefit from the same exploration.

Looking Back—and Looking Forward

When I think about the moment I applied for that co‑op, I’m grateful that I chose to embrace something unfamiliar. I walked into Acturis with no insurance experience and no specific tech dreams. I’m leaving with real skills, newfound confidence, and clarity about the career I want to pursue.

My journey is proof that sometimes the opportunities you know the least about can become the ones that shape you the most.