Actuary of the future: Jane Hamilton

Employer and area of work
Prudential, actuarial business development.

How would your best friend describe you? She would probably comment on my judgmental attitude to dress-down Friday 'victims' at the office, but (hopefully) would also tell you I'm kind and thoughtful too.

What motivates you?
I always think on the positive side, and have goals to keep me going.

What would be your personal motto? Something along the lines of 'everything happens for a reason', but less cheesy and overdone.

Who do you most admire and why?
I most admire entrepreneurs who have the talent to create a successful business from a simple idea and a vision. The drive some people have to achieve is phenomenal.

What's your most 'actuarial' habit?
I love spreadsheets. Is that a habit? Regardless, Excel is genius.

How do you relax away from the office?
In the nice weather I love being outdoors walking, but in Scotland that doesn't come around as often as I would like! I love travelling too.

Alternative career choice?
I had a job to become an accountant lined up from university, but changed my mind at the last minute. I always thought forensic accounting would be interesting.

Tell us something unusual about yourself
I was a lifeguard in Walt Disney World in Florida for a summer while I was at university.

Greatest risk you have ever taken?
Moving to the United States on my own to work, then studying in New York for a year. Apart from a tiny blip (almost being stuck in Canada due to visa issues), it was the best experience I have had to date.

What's your most treasured possession? Old photographs will always make me smile.

If you ruled the world, what would you change first?
All dress-down Friday clothing must be approved by me first!