From Drake to Optum: Nicholas Nix ’21 Takes on the Challenge of Actuarial Science

As young adults step into their professional lives, it’s easy to see the coming years as a series of résumé lines to conquer. Slowing down and allowing success to grow out of one’s own formation isn’t always easy.

This profile is part of a series highlighting young Minnehaha alumni who are pursuing their work with thoughtfulness and purpose. Rather than chasing short-term wins to build their LinkedIn profiles, these alumni are asking deeper questions about who they are becoming—and making choices that reflect the passions, personality, and gifts God has placed within them.

Nicholas Nix '21

Drake University
Actuarial Sciences

Spot on the Map 

I studied business administration, actuarial science, and data analytics at Drake, one of only twenty U.S. universities recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence. I now work at Optum in Eden Prairie. 

Choosing the Challenge 

I like solving problems. Even in elementary school I enjoyed the logic and structure of math. When I discovered the intense professional certification exam path of actuarial science, I wanted to take that challenge on.

Formed Through Failure

I did well in my college math and actuarial courses but I underestimated the difficulty of my first post-college exam. I showed up overconfident and didn't pass. Over the next five to seven years I expect to take one to two exams per year, allotting 300–400 study hours per exam. Recognizing this, I'm using my math skills in a new way: to strategically structure my work, study, and rest time.

Self-Discipline Wins

Both debate and track and field helped me develop the personal discipline and responsibility that I need daily. Public speaking was never my "thing," but I took on the challenge of Mr. Johnson's debate course. I learned how to prepare well so I could stand up and speak confidently on our topics. Track and field reinforced those lessons. That was especially true when pandemic struggles left us without a jumps coach my senior year. I decided to coach myself and assist the other jumpers, making sure everyone stayed on top of their jumping drills. That year I took first at sections and went to State.

Formed for More

Minnehaha emphasizes more than just achievements. We learned to weave responsibility, faith, kindness, and excellence into all we do. These aren't disconnected pieces. Whether it was Mr. Swanson challenging me to perform my best in physics or using my abilities to serve children in Roatan during CFE, I learned to integrate these concepts. That is what I took away from MA, and what I hope to live out today.