Jill Medcraft, Purchasing

Jill Medcraft, a Senior Buyer in Blue Cross’ Purchasing department, helps various departments within Blue Cross purchase what they need to do business — paper, promotional items, hardware and software, etc. She also manages contracts for travel, office supplies and other things.

“Because I have a lot of interaction with staff in other areas of the company, you could say this role puts my “people skills” to good use. Another part of my job means handling requests for goods and services, and working with vendors to fulfill requests. In some cases, I’ll set up a new vendor relationship, making sure the contract is in line with Blue Cross’ requirements. So, it’s a mix of interaction and attention to detail.

Focus on diversity

What I especially like about Blue Cross is our focus on diversity. This company is more proactive about diversity than any other business I’ve worked for. We have something here called the Diversity Council, and I’ve been part of it for the last year and a half. We’ll bring in educational speakers and participate in events like the St. Thomas Forum. It’s a lot of fun and it makes me feel good about working here. Before I came here, I didn’t realize just how many great things Blue Cross does for the community.

Education reimbursement benefits make MBA possible

I applied to work at Blue Cross because I knew people who were working here. They told me lots of good things about the company, that it had good benefits and lots of job opportunities. I’d also had Blue Cross insurance, so I knew and trusted the name. But the educational benefits were even better than I expected. In fact, I’m using them right now to pay for my MBA at Augsburg College. Between what I’m learning on the job and what I’m learning in class, Blue Cross is really making it possible for me to advance my career.”

Jiangxia (Ivy) Dong, Actuary

Jiangxia (Ivy) Dong just completed her last actuarial exam with the Society of Actuaries and is now a senior analyst in the Group Actuarial area at Blue Cross. She develops pricing models for Blue Cross’ health plan products and measures financial outcomes of Blue Cross’ care support programs for large employer groups.

Obtaining actuarial credentials

“To become an actuary, you must complete a series of exams based on courses and real-work experience. I started with Blue Cross three years into my actuarial exam process. I was excited because Blue Cross is known to have one of the most competitive actuarial study programs in the area.

My expectations were more than met. Using the flex-time program, I was able to accumulate time off to study. My supervisors have been very supportive – even giving me helpful advice for taking the exams.

Ongoing education

My manager encourages me to continue my education. I’ve taken courses at Blue Cross University that have helped me develop other essential skills needed as an actuary beyond those acquired from exams, including an “emerging leaders” course. This was a class about improving communication and leadership skills. I’m also proud that I had the opportunity to represent Blue Cross at an actuarial career fair at the University of Minnesota last year.

Living life well

Working at Blue Cross has enhanced my life beyond just my job. Many of my coworkers are also my good friends. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to join a speech club that meets in my building and take Pilates classes at a nearby Blue Cross facility.”

Joan Brunner, Underwriting

As an underwriter, Joan Brunner helps Blue Cross write and renew health plan contracts for large employers. Like most of the people in her department, she has a math and business background and enjoys working with numbers.

What’s your day like?

“I do a lot of work with Excel spreadsheets, templates, and software programs that help me make risk calculations and determine premium costs. My workload is generally assigned on a monthly basis, but throughout the day, I’m on the phone answering questions from other departments, the sales department for instance.

Underwriting work, for the most part, is cyclical. I tend to be busiest in July, August and September as we prepare for January renewal season.

Family-friendly culture

I like working for a large company, and I enjoy the people I work with. The family-friendly culture here is also important to me. A great advantage in working for Blue Cross is the use of its Childhood Development Center. Instead of having to take a vacation day when my kids are out of school, I can bring them there at a reasonable cost.”