Lilly Montenegro ’25, a business analytics and managerial economics major, will be starting a full-time role at Cigna in January, working in underwriting and risk analysis. She says that UHart has prepared her for career development through opportunities to meet notable alumni, attend networking events, and make important connections.
Lilly originally chose her field of study because of the growing demand for business analytics professionals and the increasing reliance on data in informed decision-making across industries. This demand is fueled by job opportunities in diverse career paths like finance, health care, retail, technology, and consulting, allowing for flexibility in career choices. After settling on her major, she hit the roadblock of starting her education during the pandemic. However, she says, “UHart made the college transition as easy as possible and gave me unlimited resources to be successful.” She says that Barney helped her get out of her shell and embrace the college experience.
This past summer, Lilly completed an internship with Cigna in its Risk and Underwriting Leadership Development Program. Her favorite part of the internship was meeting interns in all the other programs at Cigna and creating connections with the interns within her program. She also got the opportunity to meet the CEO, COO, and CFO and learn about their stories and individual roads to success. She thanks her advisor, Professor Ken Goroshko, for encouraging her to apply to internships and for giving her interview advice on how to be memorable.
During the internship, Lilly learned the importance of patience and resilience in the underwriting process. “I struggled with building resilience and coming back from low points, but I found resources to help me build it. A resiliency course provided by Cigna taught me how to take criticism and change my mindset. I also learned to maintain composure during tough conversations and how to react to good or bad news.”
Lilly says that critical thinking is crucial in the underwriting process, as it helps assess risks and determine insurance coverage terms. She also learned the value of professionalism, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and fairness. Lastly, she says that confidentiality is also crucial, and constant improvement is necessary to stay updated with industry changes and emerging risks. She says this can be achieved through ongoing education, seminars, and certifications.
Outside of the classroom, Lilly is heavily involved within Barney as a student ambassador and president of the Barney Leadership Council (BLC). Her favorite experiences during her time in the BLC included attending all of their events and the events sponsored by the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development, such as the Norgaard Etiquette Dinner and other networking events. Another BLC activity that she enjoyed was “JA in a Day,” which was supported by Junior Achievement. “This gave me the opportunity to teach aspects of business and leadership to young students and also to mentor and lead a group.” She also cites meeting prospective students, Open Houses, and Accepted Students Days as being enjoyable.
“I have learned that it is important to embrace uncertainty and embrace the unexpected. I had the guidance from professors, advisors, and friends that helped me succeed. I joined clubs, attended events, and found communities where I felt like I belonged. The Barney Leadership Council and Barney Ambassadors helped me meet new people and gain experiences. College to me was about growth, pushing beyond what I think I’m capable of, and figuring my way through this unique time in my life.”
In her personal life, Lilly enjoys watching football (the New York Giants) and hockey (the New York Rangers) with her family when she’s home. She also likes being with her friends, which gives her a break from school and work.
Lilly Montenegro ’25, Barney School of BusinessI had the guidance from professors, advisors, and friends that helped me succeed. I joined clubs, attended events, and found communities where I felt like I belonged. College to me was about growth, pushing beyond what I think I’m capable of, and figuring my way through this unique time in my life.