This blog post introduces specific methods and examples for authentically expressing your reasons for applying to an insurance company in your application essay.
My Growth Journey
“Solving math problems was my childhood hobby, and that small interest shaped who I am today.”
From a young age, I was a child who particularly loved math. My parents recall that even in elementary school, I approached anything related to math with curiosity, always eager to listen and understand. Seeing this in me, my parents spared no effort in supporting my early interest in mathematics. They hired a tutor for me and enrolled me in math study groups. Thanks to this, I was able to gradually broaden my understanding of math through various counting games and educational programs, feeling myself grow day by day.
Building on this foundation, upon entering middle school, I joined preparation classes for math Olympiads and competitions, where I began seriously honing my skills. I achieved strong results in competitions, earning selection as a school representative, and in Olympiads, though my scores placed in the upper-middle range, I won awards and gained recognition. Upon entering high school, I enrolled in a science high school and was fortunate enough to be selected for the school’s special gifted program in math and science, receiving intensive education for two years. This gifted program was highly appealing for its diverse math and science learning opportunities. Studying alongside peers who shared similar interests and passion provided mutual motivation; we shared progress and content, enabling deeper, more profound study.
Naturally, I pursued mathematics at university, but this marked the beginning of a new challenge. While I had always enjoyed and excelled at math, the rigorous mathematics taught at the university level was significantly more theoretical and profound. The realization that many classmates were far more talented than me also hit me hard. Initially, this caused me stress, but by my sophomore year, I resolved to ‘find my own path rather than compare myself to others.’ This mindset became a major turning point for me. While diligently pursuing my major studies, I broadened my interests toward practical fields and turned my attention to insurance mathematics. Whenever related programs or lectures were offered, I actively sought them out and enrolled. Through this process, I grew increasingly confident that the field of applied mathematics was a better fit for me, and naturally began to solidify my career path with employment in mind.
Looking back, I realize that my childhood hobby of simply enjoying math laid a crucial foundation for who I am today. What began as an interest deepened into study, expanded into a specialized field connected to real life, and ultimately clarified my career path. Moving forward, I aim to further cultivate practical thinking and capabilities that use math as a tool to solve real-world problems and contribute to society.
Personality
“Emotional yet rational, with a generous heart and a tendency to cry easily”
I am quite good at mathematics and value rational judgment based on logical and systematic thinking. When making purchases, I avoid impulsive decisions. Instead, I prioritize essential items by creating a list beforehand and plan the most efficient spending based on that list. Because I possess a realistic mindset, I don’t engage in vague or abstract thinking. I always consider my available resources and thoroughly weigh the costs and benefits before making decisions.
However, judging me solely by this rational side would be a misunderstanding. I am a person who is warm-hearted and emotional. While rationality and planning are evident in practical aspects of life, my rich emotional sensitivity strongly manifests in daily interactions. Especially when watching sad movies, I become so deeply emotionally invested that holding back tears is nearly impossible. My emotions are so delicate that I actively avoid such genres altogether. When interacting with people, I tend to open my heart easily. In friendships, I am the one who shows consideration and gives first. I find joy in looking out for others and sharing what I have.
This tendency is particularly evident when volunteering. I make it a point to visit places like orphanages or nursing homes at least once a month. There, I strive to offer genuine help to someone. Beyond just visiting, I focus on being hands-on and feet-on, doing whatever I can, and thinking from the other person’s perspective to show consideration. Spending time this way brings me deep fulfillment, along with the moving realization that ‘I am someone who can be helpful to others.’
This warm heart and empathy towards people will also be a significant strength when performing my duties. While I aspire to work in insurance planning at a life insurance company, directly interacting with customers and collaborating and communicating within the organization will also be crucial roles. I believe that’s where my true character shines. I am someone who seeks harmony with those around me and reaches out first, rather than stubbornly insisting only on my own tasks or acting unilaterally. I believe that getting along well together, even if it means taking a loss, is more valuable than acting selfishly to gain only for myself.
Therefore, based on this personality and mindset, I wish to build a more meaningful and rewarding career at your company. With my ability to understand people, share emotions, and possess realistic judgment, I am confident I can adapt harmoniously and grow in any environment.
Extracurricular Activities
“Frequently attending lectures and gaining relevant part-time work experience”
Around the time I graduated from university, my primary focus was attending lectures and part-time work in related fields. Specifically, while preparing for employment, the first thing I did was seek out and attend various lectures and seminars. Although I majored in mathematics, I felt that areas closely tied to actual industries, like applied mathematics or insurance mathematics, required separate study. So I actively began seeking out relevant lectures and seminars, and in the process, I developed a strong interest in acquiring new knowledge.
What impressed me most was that the speakers were mostly practitioners actually working in the career paths I aspired to. Their vivid personal experiences and practical advice meant far more than just attending lectures. Since I was preparing for the insurance actuary exam at the time, I could receive practical help from the instructors whenever exam prep felt overwhelming or difficult. One instructor told me, “If you have any difficult parts, talk to me anytime,” and even after lectures, during casual drinks, they often gave me career-related advice. Beyond simply conveying information, their very presence was a huge motivator for me and truly gave me a lot of strength.
Meanwhile, I also took on part-time work to gain relevant experience. Initially, finding suitable opportunities was difficult, but while focusing my search on insurance companies, I discovered a part-time job involving ‘reviewing and confirming insurance policy revisions’. Honestly, I hadn’t even known such work existed before. Insurance policies are actually very long and complex, requiring meticulous reading and careful revisions. Since I aspire to plan and design insurance products long-term, I saw this hands-on experience with policy terms as more than just a part-time job—it was a crucial opportunity to deepen my practical understanding.
The actual work involved meticulously reviewing policy content, making necessary revisions, and organizing the material. Sharing the finalized work with the team and receiving feedback allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how insurance products are structured and designed logically. While the work was sometimes demanding, I immersed myself in it, viewing the process as essential training for preparing for my desired career path. The practical experience gained through the part-time job and the knowledge acquired from lectures interlocked, making this a period of significant growth for me.
Through these activities, I was able to gain experience that went beyond merely accumulating knowledge, cultivating practical capabilities. Moving forward, I intend to continue this practice-oriented learning and experience, designing my career path with an even broader perspective.
Motivation for Application and Aspirations
“I will become an actuary representing KDB Life Insurance.”
KDB Life Insurance is a leading insurer boasting the top cumulative position in the online insurance sales sector. I have long aspired to join your company and have consistently prepared for the recruitment process. I have thoroughly prepared for the written exam and interviews, and I have studied with deep interest and passion, particularly for the insurance actuarial department I am applying to.
Insurance operations are divided into various fields such as sales, design, product development, and actuarial work, among which actuarial work is closely related to product development. An actuary plays a pivotal role throughout the entire product development process, bearing the crucial responsibility of evaluating the value of insurance products and measuring risks. I majored in mathematics in college, systematically studying insurance mathematics and building a solid theoretical foundation. As a result, I can confidently state that I have no theoretical shortcomings in performing actuarial duties at your company.
Of course, I do not yet have extensive practical experience. However, I believe this aspect can also be sufficiently compensated for. I have built my theoretical foundation through self-study and supplemented my knowledge through external training and online courses, preparing myself for the practical demands of the role. I am well aware that organizational life and hands-on experience are aspects I will need to learn and master after joining the company. However, I possess a high level of interest and knowledge in various insurance products, including pension insurance, savings insurance, fund products, variable insurance, and universal insurance. This gives me the confidence that I can adapt quickly and deliver results from the moment I begin actual work. I am prepared to master practical tasks within a short period, not just through passion, but based on my rapid learning ability and practical skills.
Specifically, I am proficient in statistical tools like SAS, MATLAB, and Excel, acquired through computer statistics courses, and these skills will be a significant strength in performing actuarial duties. I possess an attitude of continuous learning and growth and am ready to contribute to the organization by giving my best effort to any task assigned.
I aspire to grow alongside KDB Life’s vision and establish myself as an actuary who can lead the company’s future. If you invest in my capabilities and potential, I will undoubtedly repay that trust with commensurate results and a strong sense of responsibility. I will grow to become an actuary representing KDB Life. Thank you.
