When he started college, Ben Wright (BBA ’02) thought he had it all figured out. A computer science major with a passion for coding, he was on a clear path—until curiosity and a bit of family influence nudged him in a new direction.
“I changed majors from computer science to actuarial science in my junior year. It was a rare occurrence to be accepted to the B-School that late, but my strengths in math and coding aligned perfectly with actuarial science,” explained Ben. That pivot, inspired in part by his mother’s career in insurance, opened the door to actuarial science, which was a field he hadn’t considered before, yet quickly came to love.
“Insurance is really interesting! It’s where math meets humanity, where innovation meets tradition. We can be there for people when the unexpected and unthinkable happen. I was really drawn to it!” Ben’s level of excitement is typically high, and it elevated even more when he talked about how the industry helps people in need.
Ben gained experience through internships at American Family Insurance (AmFam) and at Wausau Insurance, which was bought by Liberty Mutual during his time there. After graduation, he joined AmFam as a life & health actuarial analyst, later transitioning to property & casualty. Thanks to UW–Madison’s rigorous actuarial science program, he felt more than ready. “The professors were great. The actuarial curriculum is geared towards helping students pass the earlier actuarial exams with ease, while also providing strong foundational knowledge of insurance. UW gave me a big leap forward past people who were educated elsewhere,” he offered.
That big leap didn’t stop with actuarial work. Driven by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, Ben moved into finance, then product development, and eventually product management. This breadth of experience prepared him for a senior executive position at AmFam, which is a role he never imagined through his humble formative years and his early professional life. Specifically, he oversees several divisions as the Enterprise Chief Underwriting Officer. He is proud of the internal relationships he has built that keep the organization moving forward productively and efficiently.
Part of that forward momentum includes AI reshaping the insurance industry, and Ben sees thrilling opportunities for today’s students. He explained that understanding AI will transform jobs and allow people to do things we couldn’t do before. He said that students are getting an education at an incredibly interesting and important time. They will learn to use AI to do difficult tasks that accomplish large amounts of work, and they can transform how jobs evolve. Being a student now and learning all about these tools is ideal.
Advice for Business Badgers
Whether you’re just starting out or figuring out your next step, Ben has some advice:
- Use your resources.
“College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with people who really want you to have a great life and career.” - Take care of your health.
“You’re young and you likely feel omnipotent physically and mentally. You’re not. Build healthy habits now.” - Be financially smart.
“It will take so much stress out of your life. Again, plan good habits now. A little saving goes a long way.” - Take risks.
“Especially early in life. Risks help you grow. And, failure is an important part of learning and growing.”
Ben’s story is a reminder that the most rewarding paths are often the ones we don’t plan for, and that with curiosity, courage, and community, anything is possible.
We are pleased to announce that Ben will begin serving on the Risk Management and Insurance MBA Advisory Board this fall. His depth of experience and leadership, his strategic outlook, and his enthusiasm will take our program in wonderful directions.
Categories: