Jayne Hirst

I truly attribute my success to my support systems. First and foremost, my family—who believed in my dreams, encouraged my independence, and shaped me into the educated, confident, and outspoken woman I am today. I’m equally grateful for my friends: those I’ve lost who taught me important lessons, and those I have now who empower me to be my most authentic self.

Finally, I’m incredibly thankful to Cigna Healthcare for taking a chance on me, straight out of college. I entered this role with no prior internships and barely knowing what a deductible was—but Cigna invested in me, taught me the fundamentals of medical underwriting, and helped me build a strong foundation while offering limitless opportunities for growth. That belief, guidance, and support have made all the difference in my career so far.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is “fake it ’til you make it” and “closed mouths never get fed.” Always ask questions and try to understand the why behind what you’re doing. That curiosity pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence, and helped me grow into my role. You don’t have to know everything—and it’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” We’re all human, and mistakes are part of the process. I truly believe that if you don’t speak up, no one will know what you want or need. Be proud of yourself, put yourself in the conversation, say what you feel—and just as importantly, take the time to listen to others too.

There’s so much pressure to have everything figured out—but honestly, I think that’s baloney. Your first job out of college probably won’t be your dream job, and that’s okay. If you wake up happy most days, work for a company that supports you, and keep putting the effort in, things have a way of falling into place.

Life really is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get. So live fully, focus on the bright side, and give yourself grace. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet. They’ll come.

If you had told 18‑year‑old me that I’d end up working as a risk analyst at an insurance company, I probably would’ve laughed. I majored in business management with a focus on people, leadership, and relationships—so stepping into a numbers‑driven role was definitely outside my comfort zone. But with the training, leadership, and tools Cigna provided, I truly grew into the role and became a confident analyst. I’ve now been with Cigna for almost three years, and while I feel comfortable in my work, I’m constantly learning. Between new products, evolving regulations, economic trends, market shifts, and new technology, there’s always something new—and while it can be daunting, it’s also what keeps the work interesting. Insurance often gets a bad reputation, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, but I hope my journey helps rewrite that narrative. There’s so much good happening behind the scenes, and I’m proud to be part of a company that supports its people and serves its communities. Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t easy—but it can make you stronger in ways you never expected.

My biggest career values are work‑life balance and a great company culture—I’m very much a work to live kind of girl. Don’t get me wrong, I’m highly dedicated and always give 110%, but life is way too short not to enjoy it. I care deeply about my people, and I try to make sure everyone I cross paths with feels comfortable, respected, and truly heard.

I’ve always known I needed a company that respected balance. I’m an avid traveler with a big family, so being able to see the people I love and experience the world is non‑negotiable. Cigna gives me the flexibility to grow in my career without putting my personal life on pause—and that means everything to me.

When I first entered the corporate world, I worried I’d have to dim my sparkle (especially coming in without any internship experience). Turns out, that couldn’t be further from the truth. My team and leadership not only accept my zaniness—they celebrate it. I’m encouraged to show up as my authentic self every day, and I’m grateful to work somewhere that lets me stay true to my style, values, and standards.