"I can’t pinpoint exactly where it all began, but I know the fascination with space, astronauts, and the stars started when I was about three or four. Growing up, I was always fascinated by numbers and problem-solving, and I loved working with people. After high school, I ventured into the events management industry before transitioning to the sales division of an insurance company, which ultimately laid the foundation for my career in insurance and risk management.”
While she will always remain interested in space exploration and astronomy, she is deeply passionate about the current field she works in. “In this field, I have the opportunity to help businesses navigate uncertainties and make informed decisions.”
As a Client Executive in Risk Management Practice, Nicole thrives on the challenge of identifying coverage gaps, analysing risks, and reassuring clients as they safeguard their assets. She may not be doing it from a cockpit, but she certainly found her mission – helping people protect what is important to them.
Her role involves carefully reviewing insurance policies to pinpoint gaps, developing customised strategies to mitigate risks, and helping businesses avoid significant financial losses. "It’s incredibly rewarding when clients express gratitude after an incident, recognising how our proactive solutions have protected them from potential pitfalls. That validation reinforces my commitment to this industry and highlights the vital role I play in safeguarding their interests.”
When Nicole transitioned to the world of risk management, she had to navigate a new and uncertain course – a return to studying. As someone accustomed to face-to-face classrooms, the idea of studying at home online was initially daunting. “To be honest, the initial step into online studying was quite intimidating. I found myself questioning whether I could truly manage it independently. Thoughts like, "What if I encounter difficulties?" and "What if I can't meet my deadlines?" kept running through my mind.”
As soon as she began the programme through Milpark, the support offered by the institute allowed her to stay in control of her life and grow in ways she did not anticipate. “The best aspect of my experience at Milpark was the flexible learning options, which enabled me to study while working. You learn discipline. You start to rely on yourself a lot more, which sharpens your adaptability and problem-solving skills. But at the same time, Milpark made sure we were not alone. The online platform had all the resources I needed.”
With responsive lecturers, well-structured online resources and a supportive sense of community through student groups, Nicole thrived in her BCom degree with a major in Short Term Insurance at Milpark.
Her goal: To gain a comprehensive understanding of short-term insurance and risk management to enhance her career prospects while acquiring the necessary qualifications to advance into a more strategic role within her organisation. “The courses also allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, which made what I was learning feel immediately valuable.”
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While Nicole is currently completing a ‘Women in Leadership’ course, her ambition has no off switch. She already has her next goal in sight – a postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management through Milpark, which she plans to begin next year. “I like the way Milpark does things. It works for me. It allows me to effectively manage my time while maintaining my job responsibilities and pursuing continuous learning. I believe that personal and professional growth through ongoing education is essential.”
Not only is Nicole interested in uplifting herself, but she is also committed to helping other young professionals in her circle navigate the complexities of the industry. “I recently started mentoring one of our graduates, and it has been so rewarding. It's not just about providing answers; it's about encouraging them to think independently. It is about guiding them while allowing them to grow. Just like I am mentoring someone now, I also have my own mentor. That journey of learning and sharing never really ends.”
She identified that in many businesses, there is still a gap in insurance knowledge, even in large companies. “I see part of my job as not just offering a service but teaching them what to look out for. It is not about us. It is about them and protecting their assets, their people and their future.”
Nicole had the opportunity to visit NASA during a trip to the United States in recent years, and she was certainly inspired. “Seeing everything in person was mind-blowing. If I ever get the chance to work in the astronomy or aerospace industry, even indirectly, I’d take it in a heartbeat. But I have also realised that everything I have learnt can be applied across industries. Whether I’m working in space or insurance, the goal is the same - making a meaningful impact on a large scale.”
Who knows? Perhaps someday, Nicole may trade those spreadsheets for spacewalks. But right now, she is more than happy helping people navigate risk, one small step at a time. Milpark Education is proud to support Nicole on her journey toward achieving her academic goals. Want to level up in risk management or insurance? Check out Milparks Programmes