Member Spotlight

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am a consulting actuary with Milliman, based in Milwaukee. As a consultant, I assist a wide variety of clients primarily in personal lines and credit risk assignments. I enjoy helping clients solve complex pricing problems and figure out how to reserve in turbulent environments. I also enjoy volunteering, and I currently serve as a vice-chair for the CAS Ratemaking, Product and Modeling (RPM) Seminar as well as the president of the Greater Cedarburg Foundation (a community charity).

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I am a late convert to actuarial science. I attended Washington University in St. Louis where I majored in architecture. I then worked as an architect for the better part of a decade. As an architect, I worked with amazing people on truly meaningful projects; however, as much as I enjoyed the creative side of things, I felt the need for more math in my life. I reconnected with a high school friend who is a health actuary. She explained her job to me, and I couldn’t believe something so perfectly suited to me was out there all along. I began interviewing actuaries to determine what their careers entailed. After meeting with many actuaries, I knew I owed it to myself to switch careers. I dug in for a long, uphill battle balancing a marriage, an 18-month-old daughter, a full-time architectural career, a part-time job helping run a swim lessons program, and an aggressive study schedule.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I LOVE helping people understand their data and maximize its value. I love seeing that “aha!” moment in someone’s eyes when you share new insights with them. I love that actuarial science is constantly changing and evolving, which promotes continuous learning for those of us fortunate enough to call actuarial science our career.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Have a vision for your career and share that vision with the people around you. People generally want to help you achieve your goals, but they cannot help you achieve what they do not know you are aiming for. Spend time planning and setting clear written goals. Use your goals as a guide but do not let their rigidity stop you from seizing unexpected opportunities that come your way.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Get a mentor, preferably someone outside of your company. Have someone you can bounce ideas off of, someone you can lean on, someone who believes in you. I have been lucky enough to have had many mentors in my life, these people have truly shaped me into the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to win the Elizabeth M. Mauro scholarship for people changing careers through the Actuarial Foundation. In addition to the incredibly generous financial help this scholarship provided, it also gave me with an even greater gift, a truly amazing mentor, Amy Green. Having someone to talk to in those early days, someone to help me to navigate the exams and a new career was an immeasurable blessing. I continue to seek the mentorship of Amy and many others, and I also try to serve as a mentor to others.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Attending my first incredibly technical session at a CAS RPM Seminar and hearing very complex mathematical topics discussed in front of a whole group of engaged individuals. I felt like I had finally found “my people!”

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I love all things water. Whether that is swimming, boating, rowing, kayaking, water slides, or watching the kids run through the sprinkler. I swam competitively in high school. I started my college athletic career swimming, and I finished it rowing. There is truly nothing like 8 people pulling oars in perfect unison, hearing the oars slam into the oarlocks in a powerful boom, and feeling the boat fly over the water with grace and speed. I am still in and on the water as much as my schedule allows. Although I have long since given up competing, I still swim several days a week on a masters swim team. My coach is a truly inspiring Paralympian, and my teammates range from world-class athletes to busy parents trying to squeeze in a little exercise.

July 2024 Member Spotlight - Eduardo Esteva

Where do you work and what is your position? 

I am a consultant with Deloitte in Mexico City. I am Partner Leader of the Insurance Industry Practice and Leader of the Actuarial Services team. I have clients throughout the Americas and in the Caribbean. 

Why did you decide to become an actuary? 

When I was selecting my Bachelors degree I discovered the actuarial path; it sounded interesting and offered many options globally. Over the years, it has been a great path for me!  

What aspects of the field do you love? 

• I work as consultant and love 
• Supporting clients in understanding and addressing important business issues that they need to resolve 
• Tackling new challenges, and finding solutions for them 
• Working with different clients and learning from different persons who have another position and career path 

What is the best career advice you have ever received? 

• Always do the right thing, no matter how difficult.   
• Enjoy the journey!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out? 

Find what gives you energy and passion and work on it. 

Hear the other person’s side, learn to empathize with them and understand them -- after that, suggest options.  

Build and nurture relationships. 

Learn to communicate; remember what Einstein said: “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough” 

What is your favorite CAS memory? 

The first time I was invited to speak in the CLRS, it was an incredible honor and challenge

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about? 

I am a scout and had the opportunity to be in a World Jamboree, World Moot and a World Conference

How does being a part of the CAS global community enhance your actuarial practice? 

Early in my career, it was important for me be part of the CAS because there was not great awareness in USA of what an actuary from Mexico was able to do. Being part of the CAS helped me build my knowledge. 

Today, being part of the CAS allows me to continue learning from other actuaries and to be aware of the new trends in P&C.  It is great to have a network of friend and colleagues from the amazing CAS community. 

What do you think is unique about working as an actuary in Latin America? 

It is a great challenge! A lot of the countries in Latin America do not have a Bachelors degree in actuarial science, and therefore we face an undersupply of actuaries in the region. This challenge opens great opportunities:  to innovate, teach, learn and show what an actuary can add to the society.  I feel grateful and passionate about being involved in this effort.

 June 2024 Member Spotlight - Jamie Mills, FCAS

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am currently the director of Pricing Automation and Rate Execution at Allstate. In my current role, I lead a technical team of actuaries and non-actuaries that is responsible for advancing automation efforts in the pricing space and delivering rates into the marketplace. From the CAS perspective, I am currently the volunteer chair for the RPM Planning Working Group.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I decided to become an actuary a bit later than most. During the fall semester of my senior year in college, I switched from engineering to explore a career in actuarial science. The idea of applying math to real-world analytical problems intrigued me. One evening, I had a long discussion with a friend who had recently graduated from my school and was working as an actuarial student at a large insurance company in town. That conversation solidified my interest in this career path.

To further explore this interest, I took a 3-month internship at a local actuarial consulting firm. The work was fascinating, and I could see the potential for growth and development in the field. After graduation, I joined Allstate, and I've been passionate about my work ever since.

What aspects of the field do you love?

What I love most about the actuarial field is how dynamic it is. It's always evolving, whether it's dealing with hard and soft markets or the impact of changing weather patterns. This constant change keeps things interesting and challenging. The skills needed are also evolving, becoming more technical and data-driven. With big data and advanced analytics, we can do so much more with the information we have. Plus, innovations in automation are changing how we do our jobs, making routine tasks easier so we can focus on more complex and strategic work. All these factors make the actuarial field exciting, intellectually stimulating, and essential for managing financial stability and risk.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

"If you are comfortable in a role, it's likely time to move on to something else."

That career advice came from my boss during a pivotal moment in my career. My company has a robust rotation program, which means we get the chance to move into new roles relatively often. One day, my boss told me I was being rotated to a different role. I replied, "And I was just getting comfortable." That's when he gave me this piece of advice that has stuck with me ever since.

It really hit home for me and made me realize that growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones and take on new challenges. Ever since then, I’ve tried to seek out opportunities that push my boundaries and help me grow, instead of staying in a role just because it's familiar.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

My advice is to "own your career" and "find your network." Owning your career means being proactive about what you want. Think about what skills you want to develop and what interests you, rather than focusing on specific job titles. For example, I always ask my employees what skills they want to gain or use in the next few months or years. Jobs can be created around these skills—I know because my last two roles were new positions that came about from conversations with my boss about my interests and goals.

Finding your network is just as crucial, especially in our hybrid or remote work world. New actuaries need to connect with their peers, find mentors, and identify experts in their field. Building these relationships means you'll always have someone to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from. A strong network is invaluable for both career growth and personal development, making your professional journey much more rewarding and manageable.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

I have two favorite CAS memories.

One of them is from when I served as a chairperson for a CAS Committee. One of our meetings was in person and I wanted to bring some fun to our hard-working committee. I have a vast collection of "nerd" shirts (math, actuarial, Star Wars, superhero, 80s movies, etc.), so I hosted a "Nerd Shirt Contest." Participants wore their favorite or best nerd shirt, and the winner received a token prize, usually a deck of cards. One year, three people showed up wearing shirts with my picture on them. It was a clear three-way tie, so I had to buy a couple of extra prizes during a break.

My second favorite memory is from the 2023 RPM Seminar. The planning committee embraced the fact that the seminar coincided with Pi Day. We wore our favorite Pi gear, offered pie to attendees, and gave away Pi socks as prizes for Pi trivia.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I love to swim, both for fun and competitively. I've been a member of my local masters swim team for many years and have traveled across the country for various swim meets and open water races. Interestingly, my wife and I met on our swim team. What I really love about swimming is how excellent it is for exercise and how it can be enjoyed throughout life. I've attended swim meets with participants ranging from 18 to 98 years old and everything in between. The swimming community is incredibly welcoming, both at the local level and during competitions. I've had the pleasure of practicing with other teams while traveling for work or the CAS and competing alongside both former Olympians and beginners who need help getting on the starting blocks. Speed doesn't matter—what matters is being there and participating!

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am a Senior Pricing Manager with QBE New Zealand. We write commercial lines in New Zealand and some of the Pacific islands.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?  

Growing up in the Detroit area with an automotive engineer as a father and a teacher as a mother, I didn’t see myself in either career path. A career counsellor at school suggested I follow up with an actuary who had spoken at our career day. I somehow managed to obtain a directory from the local actuary chapter and used it to land a summer job. That was over 30 years ago. I’m still not certain of what I want to be when I grow up, but the field has been great for me.  

What aspects of the field do you love?  

I’ve always liked solving puzzles, and mathematical problems are like puzzles. However, more recently, I’ve tremendously enjoyed mentoring newer actuaries starting their career path. I’ve had bumps along the road, and I find that sharing those with people lets them know that you can get past the hurdles and keep going. 

What is the best career advice you have ever received?  

If it was easy, everyone would do it. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?  

(See above.) Actuarial exams can knock your confidence when you don’t pass. Remember that even attempting to be an actuary means that you’re a lot smarter than average. 

What is your favourite CAS memory?  

When I learned that I passed my last exam, I was on a road trip from Chicago to California. It was before the days of smart phones, so I gave my father my candidate number and he would check every day to see if results were out. I was at a small-town diner in Wyoming when he called me with the good news. He and my mother joined me in Atlanta to watch me receive my fellowship.  

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?  

I once had to pull my two miniature schnauzers off Graham Norton’s labradoodle. Graham was extremely nice about it. We lived in the same neighbourhood at the time. 

How does being a part of the CAS global community enhance your actuarial practice?  

Getting a chance to meet actuaries from all over the globe has meant that I’ve had to embrace different terminology and techniques. I’ve also been exposed to many different areas of practice. While I was in the USA, I worked for large companies as part of a pricing team. However, once I went overseas, I always worked in small teams with people doing pricing, valuation (er, reserving!), capital, modelling, analytics, etc, etc. It meant that I had a lot more exposure to other practice areas, and I was able to see the bigger picture. 

What do you think is unique about working as an actuary in New Zealand?  

For a small country in the Pacific, New Zealand has a disproportionate share of natural hazards. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, we have earthquakes. And last year, we had two 1:100-year non-earthquake events in one quarter: the Auckland floods in January and Cyclone Gabrielle in February. These two events each cost more than ten times any previous flood or storm that we had experienced, and they became the 3rd and 4th most costly natural disasters in the country’s history. Given these events and our 9,300 miles of coastline, there is also a great focus on estimating the potential costs of climate change, and it is an exciting emerging field for actuaries.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I discovered the actuarial profession at the very end of my college career, somehow my mom had heard about it and suggested it. I was a math major with a computer science minor, and I was also taking accounting and other business classes. The actuarial profession seemed like a great blend of all my interests.

What aspects of the field do you love?

The thing I love now is the thing I struggled with initially - the creative way I get to approach problems.  That can be a struggle for math-oriented minds who like to know the right equation to use, find one final answer, and get confirmation that they are correct.  Actuarial science has an art to it that I really enjoy. I also love the communication opportunity it provides us of taking complex ideas and simplifying them to help guide business decisions.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

You're not responsible for having all the answers.  Focus more on what questions you should be asking.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

When you're first starting out there is so much to learn about the profession and we're trying to prove ourselves to the actuarial team, but I would suggest also trying to find a way to get to know people outside of your actuarial department.  Building relationships with claims, underwriting, etc. can offer insights to help you better understand the big picture, create opportunities, and build trust.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memory was attending my first annual meeting in Seattle for my ACAS conferment.  The meeting and events offered a lot, but I especially enjoyed networking with other new ACAS professionals.  My actuarial team is smaller, and I've been at the same company most of my career, so it was interesting to get other peoples' perspectives, learn about their experiences, and simply celebrate with others who just got through their associate exams as well!

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

This past year I published a children's book called "I Want to Be an Actuary," hoping to inspire the next generation of actuaries!  It's a fun rhyming story about a sardine; it's not too technical or complicated, but I hope it spreads the idea that math is powerful and can be used to solve problems in our everyday lives.  It's also cool that the actuary is the hero.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work at NCCI as an Executive Director and Actuary. My current responsibilities include leading a team that does research related to NCCI’s experience rating and retro rating methodologies. I also have the privilege of chairing NCCI’s Individual Risk Rating Working Group and overseeing the loss cost/rate filing analysis in a few states where NCCI operates. 

Why did you decide to become an actuary? 

The short story is that in college, I was interested in math, economics and business—but was undecided on how best to leverage that as a career. An actuary from a local insurance company spoke to the math department, which piqued my interest. The actuarial profession hit the sweet-spot at the intersection of my skillset and what I enjoy doing. I passed an exam and landed an internship at NCCI the following summer. The rest is history! 

What aspects of the field do you love? 

My favorite part of being an actuary is the brilliant people I get to interact with on a daily basis. I’m always learning new things and adapting to various challenges. While my career path has taken me on a journey where I’m now a people-leader, I enjoy that I still have plenty of opportunities to dig deep into an analysis. 

What is the best career advice you have ever received? 

Early in your career, take full advantage of every opportunity to pass the exams. Finding the time to study tends to get more difficult as you gain experience and take-on additional responsibilities. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out? 

Challenge yourself to occasionally step-out of your comfort zone. That can be where the most learning occurs.  

What is your favorite CAS memory? 

In 2014, I attended the CAS centennial meeting in NYC. It was inspiring to see the “wall of names” which listed everyone who had earned their CAS credentials since 1914.  

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about? 

I have become an avid ping pong player the last couple years. I’m not particularly good, but I play weekly at a local table tennis club.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am currently Director & Actuary for Small Commercial Segment Actuarial at the Hartford. My focus is on workers compensation. I also work on commercial auto and BOP lines of business.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

While pursuing my undergraduate math degree, I was undecided as to what I wanted to do post-graduation. I asked a college professor for career advice. They suggested I go into teaching (and not to become an actuary). I was incredibly motivated by that to take on the rigorous process of becoming an actuary. I was excited both by the career and proving to myself I could succeed in getting there.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love that I am constantly learning from, and being challenged by, my peers. I am fortunate to be surrounded by talented, passionate professionals, who are always willing to share their knowledge. I also love that as an actuary you wear so many different hats – analyst, communicator, researcher, leader, translator….the list goes on. Every day is different.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Make lateral moves. If you are learning, you are growing. Also, speak at least once per meeting – this is even more critical in a virtual environment.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Say "yes" to new opportunities and challenges – don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. While you may not enjoy every challenge, you might surprise yourself. At a minimum, you will learn something new and will form great relationships along the way.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

When I received my ACAS, the conference was held at California Adventures. We rode the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at least ten times in a row. I learned that for a group of risk-savvy people, actuaries are very much thrill-seekers!

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

If I wasn’t an actuary, I would be a florist. I am passionate about information design and there are a lot of similarities. Floral arranging focuses on thoughtful ratios, proportions, and use of color. It is as much a science as an art form.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am a director in the Boston office of WTW. I focus on reserving and funding, particularly for medical professional liability, workers compensation and other commercial lines for captives and self-insureds.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

Coming out of college, I considered a PhD in economics but after working in economics research after graduation found that was much too esoteric for me.  The actuarial field struck me as an option that was still quantitative but much more applied. Because my dad worked in claims for a P&C insurer, I was familiar with the profession, and networking led me to P&C and consulting, where I’ve been ever since.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love to tackle the varied challenges that we face every day as actuaries – whether it’s trying to answer questions for which we don’t exactly have data available or figuring out how to adjust our methods for changing conditions like higher inflation or COVID. I don’t think many people appreciate how dynamic insurance/risk is.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

This didn’t come to me as direct advice, but it has been so helpful for me to see how much people in all career phases have the ability to learn, grow and change. When you come out of school, you have the impression that somehow the experienced folks have it all figured out and aren’t learning and growing the same way that you are as someone new to the field. But the best people are changing and moving themselves forward all the time! I have had the privilege to work with people who demonstrated this to me from very early on in my career, and its importance is something that’s stuck with me as I’ve become one of those more experienced people myself.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved – you can learn so much more when you can take advantage of the collective knowledge and experience of your other colleagues and fellow CAS actuaries.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

All the time I’ve spent with so many great people on the exam committee as I led question writing for the past decade or so. It’s been great to get to know actuaries from so many different companies and see how committed they all were to volunteering and the profession.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

While I am terrible artist, I love art and art history. My husband and I have visited art museums, architectural sites and historic houses in 11 countries and 17 states. We don’t see any as many as we used to now that we have two kids, but we’re working on them! They currently tap out around the hour mark, but there’s still time to convert them to art lovers – they’re only 8 and 6.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I’m currently Group Chief Risk Officer at Everest, a global P&C insurance and reinsurance company headquartered in Warren, NJ.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I majored in actuarial sciences in college because I really enjoyed math and wanted to eventually be in the financial sector. But I decided to start my career as a teacher before I moved into the actuarial field. Teaching was a passion of mine and I loved my years teaching, but ultimately the actuarial career path did provide greater stability and long-term viability for me and my family.  

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love the problem-solving nature of what we do. While I can geek out with math problems all day, I more so enjoy putting the tools to task and making a strong business impact.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Don’t view your career path as linear. Many entrants into the field think that career trajectories are clearly defined paths where each subsequent step is perfectly predictable. I’ve found my career take many different forms from insurance to reinsurance, reserving to pricing, and individual contributor to departmental oversight. But the steps weren’t necessarily down a specific pathway that I traversed through and sometimes the opportunities arose in my peripheral vision. It’s important to be at a company that supports non-linear career paths and ultimately can give you the most opportunities. I’ve personally spent over ten years working at Everest within which I’ve had many different zigs and zags, included moving away from being the Chief Pricing Actuary into roles beyond traditional actuarial such as Chief Operations Officer and more recently Group Chief Risk Officer.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Always offer to be involved with different projects at work. Raise your hand if someone needs assistance with something and if they don’t need assistance then raise your hand anyway! Opportunities don’t just fall onto your desk and sometimes you need to put yourself out there to find them. This includes being willing to stretch outside your comfort zone to be involved with new types of work which may require new skills or doing work which may not seem as exciting but will allow you to see aspects of your company that you wouldn’t have seen in your role otherwise.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Getting my associateship at the centennial meeting in NY. Of course there was the excitement of finally being credentialled. Initially I did also feel a bit disappointed to be in NY since I grew up there and thought I had seen it all already but in the end I was also able to see NY like a tourist which was something I never really did before and had an absolute blast.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

My family history runs through Transylvania! This isn’t even ancient history…my paternal grandparents grew up there and we’ve been able to trace their family history back many generations.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

One of my neighbors is an actuary and introduced me to the field in high school. I was always good at math but wanted a career in business – and his job as an actuary sounded like a perfect fit! As I learned more about the profession and built my actuarial network, I felt more and more at home.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I really enjoy the level of expertise that every actuary has in our industry and their willingness to share it with the broader actuarial community. No matter which actuary I’ve talked to, I have loved the ability to learn from their unique expertise and perspectives that they bring from their career. To be a recent addition to that community as a new associate of the class that hit 10,000 CAS members is rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to grow our actuarial community in the future.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Early on in my career I had a mentor share that it is important to be purposeful about making an impact in the activities and projects you commit to. I’ve taken that mindset on various projects, committees, and other initiatives both at work and as a volunteer with the CAS. I feel this mindset has helped me focus my efforts and really drive towards making an impact on everything that I do.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

My advice to candidates and new members would be to build your network not only within the actuarial community, but also build your network with other professionals (non-actuaries) in the insurance space. My colleagues who are not actuaries bring a totally different perspective to problems we work together to solve – and this network has helped me understand where they are coming from and how we can amplify our impact on our organization.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memory is pretty easy to pick – I lucked out and received the CAS Trust Scholarship when the Annual Meeting was in Honolulu in 2019! I am very grateful for the CAS’ support of my education and actuarial journey, and I enjoyed spending the time in Honolulu meeting other actuaries and learning from their experiences. Additionally, another one of my friends also received the scholarship that year and we enjoyed a brief respite from the cold Midwest that fall.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

The fun fact is I have a twin brother who is also in the actuarial world! He has focused in the healthcare industry. The not-so-fun fact that I don’t typically share: the only actuarial exam we ever took at the same time – he passed and I failed!

Where do you work and what is your position?

I have been part of Travelers Insurance for 16 years. Currently I am an AVP in Corporate Actuarial where I lead our work on annual and quarterly financials related to reserves, catastrophe reporting and competitor analytics.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

During my senior year of high school, I was invited to attend Travelers’ first annual high school day, which introduced the actuarial profession to top math students from around Connecticut. The event featured senior leader speakers, an actuarial student panel and a presentation by BeAnActuary.org. At the time I was just looking for a day off of school; little did I know the day would introduce me to an exciting career! Travelers continues to hold the event annually and I’m proud to have been involved with the event in numerous roles over the years, including as a past chair of the event.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I’m lucky that I get to work and volunteer with the most talented and innovative people day in and day out. My position is unique in that I get to work with reserving actuaries across all areas and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information between them; ultimately drawing out the bigger picture to help guide management’s decisions.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Both in life and at work, always leave things better than how you found it. People will notice and respect you even more for it.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Work on refining what studying method works best for you and gives you the best shot at passing. For me, I learned that exams are tough, but they are especially tough to do alone. Find a group to study with to supplement your individual efforts. You’ll notice that it helps fill the gaps in your studying that you didn’t know you had. Also, the exam process is rewarding but it can be mentally exhausting. Make sure to take time for yourself. I always tried to take some time off to travel after each exam as a mental break and to help pass the time waiting for results.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

It’s hard to beat getting recognized at the CAS Annual Meeting for obtaining my fellowship. It was there that the feeling of finally being done with exams really sank in. It was extra special for me because my family was there to share in that moment and then we got to follow it up with a nice extended vacation in Orlando.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’ve been a little league umpire for over 25 years in my hometown. It started as a way to earn a little money and over the years has transitioned to a way to give back to the community as a volunteer. I have realized that being an umpire shares a lot of the same qualities as being an actuary- you use your best professional judgment to make your best call based on the information you have; and sometimes it seems everyone else will have an opinion about your professional opinion that they are more than willing to share!

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work with Labuan Reinsurance (L) Ltd, an offshore reinsurer based in Malaysia for 4 years now (as at 2023). I'm heading the Actuarial Department there.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I used to be fascinated by astronomy and physics. I had a senior schoolmate who I admire, as he was a very smart guy and quick-witted. He took actuarial science but decided to switch to nanotechnology. He then passed to me all his study materials. According to him, the course was difficult and lacked the appeal of structure and exactness as compared to hard sciences. It was either engineering or actuarial science for me since according to the general public, these courses are heavy on mathematics. And being a contrarian, I decided to see for myself how difficult the actuarial field would be.

I then received an offer to further my studies in Universiti Malaya, a local public university which was much cheaper, and the people friendlier, than National University of Singapore. And thus my journey began.

What aspects of the field do you love?

At the beginning of my actuarial career, I loved the fact that I could apply various mathematical models to solve business problems.  For example, with guidance from my boss (who was an Engineer and became an Actuary), I was able to demonstrate the Law of Large Numbers of insurance risk using R. And also to find out if combinations of gamma distributions would result in an aggregate gamma distribution as well.  Risk tolerance statements were derived from public news sources and some R codes.

As I progressed, I was wildly lucky to have taken up roles that were aligned with my actuarial exam progression. I did Exams 5, 6U and 7 while I was doing actuarial reserving and Exams 8 and 9 while I was doing actuarial pricing and capital. So, being able to apply the knowledge acquired from the syllabi to my career was really satisfying.

Learning did not stop after I received my Fellowship. I discovered Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, and I literally had to un-learn some things. Yes! I encourage you to read the Letters to Shareholders in the Berkshire Hathaway website.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

From Mr Buffett - and from Benjamin Graham:  "You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right."

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

From Mr Munger:

Be curious, be inquisitive, and keep asking "And Then What?". Think about the consequences, and the consequences of the consequences.

Seek out mentors to guide you. And they can be either living or dead. Make friends with them. What better way to learn about economics than reading Adam Smith? About developing a third world country to a first world country from Lee Kuan Yew?

“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time – none, zero.”

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Meeting the CAS staff members in person! Pat Teufel, Bob Conger, Ron Kozlowski, Frank Chang, Jim Christie to name a few. And seeing the usual suspects in volunteer events!

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I practiced Aikido a decade ago and achieved 4th Kyu (brown belt).

How does being a part of the CAS global community enhance your actuarial practice?

It shouldn't be surprising that actuarial concepts are the same globally. What amazes me the most are the behaviour of humans transcends borders and seas.  We all share the same issues and frustrations in our workplace and practice, and it's comforting to know that we're not alone.

What do you think is unique about working as an actuary in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, there's a variety of practitioners from different actuarial societies - the SOA, IFoA, IAAu, and others.  And somehow, every society's exam season coincide.  So, there'll be times when the department is deprived of resources.

On a more serious note, an actuary is highly regarded in the industry.  While most work are regulatory in nature, such as valuation and capital, more and more emphasis are placed on business areas such as pricing and investment.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am currently Vice President and Actuary at Swiss Re.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I was always good at math and interested in business and this seemed like a good fit when graduating college.

What aspects of the field do you love?

In almost 40 years in the business, I have never been bored two days in a row. Actuarial work consistently provides fascinating business problems to solve.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

People may not remember what you did but they will remember how you made them feel.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Ask for help. The Actuarial community is full of people that are willing to help and share what they have learned.

What is your favourite CAS memory?

Being asked to Chair the CAS/SOA Joint Committee on Diversity

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I am the founder of EmergingAlly.com, a website dedicated to helping people become better allies.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work as a manager in the Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services practice of EY.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

When I was applying for college, I had no clue what I wanted to do but I knew that I wanted it to be math-related. I had originally planned to be a high school math teacher, but the field was saturated in my area at the time. One of my family friends recommended looking into actuarial science, as the field at the time was ranked consistently in the Top 10 jobs for low stress, high pay, and high job satisfaction. I looked into it and liked the balance of analytical, technical, and communication skills that are required on a daily basis.

What aspects of the field do you love?

My favorite aspect of the field is the variation in the type of work you can do. At first, it may seem like just pricing and reserving but as you progress you realize there’s also a need for actuaries in other areas like regulatory, ERM, or catastrophe modeling. And then there are nuances based on line of business, what company you work for, or who your underlying insureds are. And one you really think you understand everything, there’s something that comes along (Covid-19, inflation, unprecedented CAT event, legal/social changes) and you need to react, many times without a blueprint because it’s the first time the issue is arising. I really love that it doesn’t just come down to the data, but the story underlying the data and how you address that story. My other favorite aspect is the amount of different avenues to volunteer. Whether its mentorship, participation on a multitude of working groups or task forces, exam writing/grading, or speaking at an event, there’s so many ways to get involved. You’re bound to find something that you’re interested in and can network with others who share that interest. The CAS has a lot of members who really want to give back, and I’m proud to be a member of a group with those values.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

I’m probably butchering the original quote, but it was something like “People will forget you saying you don’t have time for an extra task, but you’ll certainly remember failing your exam because you took it on.” Basically, learning to say no when you have too much on your plate is a great skill to learn early. I found that most of my exam fails while working came from accepting a lot of work leading up to the exam and not wanting to decline or offload anything. When I changed my mindset and got better at communicating, I was able to strike a nice balance between being available at work while also getting my study time in. It was difficult at first, but I found my co-workers very receptive and understanding to my study time needs; after all, most of them had to go through it too

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

I would strongly recommend forming a study group with your peers for each exam sitting. It of course helps if you’re taking the same exam, but even if you’re not, the group can help keep you honest about the hours you’re putting in to study each week. I feel like there’s also a stronger camaraderie built when you’re struggling together to memorize this formula or understand that solution. It’s also nice to have a team to cheer you on through the passes and cheer you up through the fails.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

It definitely has to be going to the Spring Meeting this year to officially get recognized for becoming an FCAS. I started my career in Boston back in 2017 and moved in 2018, so it was nice to get to see the city again and come full circle. I was also surprised at how many people I knew at the meeting, from current co-workers to past co-workers to volunteers that I’ve only talked to over the phone. It’s been such a quick six years that I didn’t realize how many connections I had made along the way.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’ve walked in several Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades as a balloon handler. Some balloons I’ve carried in the past include candy canes, ornaments, and gold stars. I’ve gotten my wife to participate and I hope to have my son walk in the future.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I’m a pricing actuary with Ryan Specialty. 

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I went to a math and science high school (for NUS High we fight!), but I was definitely better at/more interested in math than sciences. I was looking for a math-related major and actuarial science popped up serendipitously.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love that there are many flavors in the actuarial profession. Even though I have only been in the industry for less than 5 years, I am lucky enough to have worked at an insurance company, in consulting and now in the MGU space. Each role taught me so much about the different aspects of the actuarial profession, and helped me identify my strengths and areas for growth.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Be your authentic self. I have always been described as a very bubbly and sweet person, and occasionally it can feel like I’m the odd duck in the corporate world. We all have unique backgrounds and voices, and there is nothing wrong with adding your own shine and sparkle into the profession. Even in the face of unpleasantries, it's important that we stay true to our values, be humble and respectful expressing our views, while being our stupendous selves!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

It’s great to ask a lot of questions and it’s okay to make mistakes. Questions help you understand both the technical and the business aspect of your work, and mistakes help you identify your blind spots. What's truly important is that you learn from your mistakes, focus on your own growth, and grow into the professional that you aspire to be.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Going to the spring meeting in Boston this year! It was such an exciting and well-organized event with so many informative sessions. In addition to learning and developing professionally, I also had a lovely time catching up with old friends and making new memories in a different city.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’ve been a competitive dancer my entire life, and I just competed in my first pole comp!

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am President and Consulting Actuary at Liscord, Ward & Roy, Inc., a property/casualty actuarial consulting firm located in Manchester, NH.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

A week before I finished college, a recruiter from Aetna Insurance was on campus talking to students about the actuarial career. I was intrigued by what I heard and thought it would be a good fit for me. Prior to that, I knew very little about the actuarial career. This is what has driven my passion to help students learn more about the career at an earlier stage than I did. That is why I have volunteered with the University Liaison program, the University Engagement Committee, and mentoring students at CAS meetings.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I have spent most of my career in consulting. I love the diversity of assignments and clients that I have had the opportunity to be involved with. I get to work on several different projects, for various types of clients, covering many casualty lines of coverage. It keeps it interesting and makes me want to go to work every day.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

My first job was with a consulting firm, and it was stressed that accuracy and attention to detail is paramount. Making sure that things get done right is important to maintaining the respect of the clients. But when mistakes are made, and everyone makes them occasionally, it is also important to own them and make corrections as soon as the mistakes are found.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Network! The actuarial profession is relatively small, and it is suprising how often your path crosses with those of other actuaries throughout your career. An actuary’s network is useful in many ways – from lifelong friendships, to future job opportunities, to sources for advice on projects, to recommendations for committee assignments, to dinner companions at CAS meetings, and many others.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memories surround volunteering as a mentor for the Student Program at CAS meetings. It is inspiring to talk with the students who will be the next generation of actuaries – they are so much more knowledgeable and worldly than I was at that age. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about the profession and what makes it interesting to me, and learning from them what they have experienced in classes and internships. Their questions often make me think of things long forgotten (it’s been quite a while since I was an entry level actuary). Connecting with other mentors is good way to network as well.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I am blessed to have three wonderful grandchildren. It amazes me sometimes to realize what crazy things they can make me do.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I like Math and numbers so much so that when I was young, I could remember all my classmates’ home telephone numbers (there was no mobile phone back in those days). When I was trying to decide on the university course to attend, my best friend who had a relative in actuarial field introduced me to actuarial science. I then spoke to seniors who shared more and told me about the course being very difficult and its high attrition rate and so on, and it only spurred me on to take up the challenge of pursuing an actuarial career. Thereafter I received a scholarship for the actuarial course and was bonded to the sponsoring company and there was no turning back.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I enjoy dealing with figures and applying the skills to identify and solve problems in various aspects of the insurance business. It makes me feel younger in the company of many young and smart people in the actuarial community nowadays.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Due to many competing interests, I was not focused on passing actuarial exams in the first few years after graduation. I was spending a lot of time socializing, playing golf and running a small business. When one of my classmates who was working as an actuarial consultant qualified as an FIA a few years after graduation, I sought his advice on how he did it when he was spending long hours at work. He told me the less time one has, the more previous the remaining time is. I took the advice and passed all fellowship exams on my first attempt thereafter.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Once you have decided on an actuarial career, focus on passing exams and acquiring work experience at the same time. You will need both the certification as well as experience. And build on soft skills and continue learning (not just for purpose of meeting CPD requirements) even after qualifying as a Fellow. If you need guidance, please feel free to ask for help.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

The CAS exam route was a lonely journey more than 20 years ago as I was the only person sitting for almost all the CAS Fellowship exams here (I might have been the third Singaporean to qualify as an FCAS). Nevertheless, there was a very strong sense of achievement when I qualified and it was capped by the birth of my daughter on Mother’s Day just days after completing my final exam.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I had a strong interest in photography. I took an expensive photography course offered by a New York institute and was given a journalist pass which offered access to restricted events in the US. When a friend was selling his photo processing lab business (in those days when digital cameras and smart phones did not exist), my brother and I borrowed money from a relative to takeover and run the small business. We were young, didn’t have much experience and lost quite a bit of money after 2 years. It was a painful but a great learning experience for both of us. I knew then I was not suited to be an entrepreneur.

How does being a part of the CAS global community enhance your actuarial practice?

Although I am no longer in actuarial practice, I am volunteering as the President of CAS ARECA committee and have the opportunity to engage local regulators, actuarial societies, members, universities and students which help me to stay abreast of developments in actuarial work areas and the region.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work for MSIG Insurance in Singapore and is currently SVP, Technical Services. In my role, I oversee Underwriting Governance, Reinsurance, Claims and Data Intelligence & Actuarial and am fully responsible for company’s ESG strategy. I have covered other areas such as Branding & Corporate Communications, Legal, Policy Processing and Underwriting in the past.

What do you think is unique about working as an actuary in Singapore?

P&C actuarial work in Asia is normally driven by regulatory requirements and is continuing to expand in scope as actuaries move to various roles in companies here. Asia has been showing strong growth and Singapore being the regional centre for Southeast Asia, many international/regional firms have re-located here. An actuary working in Singapore has the opportunity to be exposed to and know more about the regional markets. Due to generally small size of actuarial teams in companies in Asia, actuaries are involved in various actuarial work and need a broad understanding of the business as we are often involved in non-actuarial issues. Hence one needs a broad perspective and should build management and soft skills at an early stage of career.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I started recently as a senior actuary with Allianz Partners in Munich, focusing on pricing and monitoring. Previously, I was a manager with EY in New York City.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I understood it to be a math-infused profession, which was my favorite subject in school...much like nearly every other actuary perhaps!

What aspects of the field do you love?

At first I enjoyed the gratification arising from solving a challenging math problem when modeling complex risk scenarios. Recently, I've been enjoying communicating actuarially-based decisions to other professionals, particularly non-actuaries. It feels like playing Taboo as I'm not allowed to use any actuarial lingo to help get my point across.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

No one is going to care about my career as much as I will. It is up to me to own my career and push it forward.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Finding a mentor who genuinely cares is priceless. But not everyone can be a mentor, I think it involves a specific type of personality, as well as unique chemistry between the mentor and mentee. The more people you network with, the easier it'll be to organically find and cultivate this relationship.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Receiving the FCAS credential at the 2019 Hawaii annual meeting. This was possible only after I doubled up and passed my last two FCAS exams in the spring 2019 sitting, so it has a very special meaning for me.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I've backpacked through 36 countries in the last 5 years, primarily staying in hostels and going on a myriad of adventures with countless other backpackers I met along the way. Although I don't intend to travel as much anymore, traveling in my 20's has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

What do you think is unique about working as an actuary in Germany?

One of the primary reasons I came to Germany is for the unique international experience as European insurers typically have significant business in other countries, while US insurers seem more focused on the domestic market. This adds a whole new dimension to the work which I've been absolutely loving!

1. Where do you work and what is your position?

I currently work remotely out of Dallas, Texas as a Pricing Actuary for GuideOne Insurance.

2. Why did you decide to become an actuary?

My introduction to the profession began as a senior in high school spending an afternoon with a Chief Actuary working for a life insurance company. At that particular time, I recall being very confused on the things he relayed to me about his role as an actuary. Although I was eager to sit down with him that afternoon, I barely knew what questions to ask or things to say to contribute to the conversation, so I just listened with the occasional nod and smile to signal I was still present in the dialogue.  

Despite those feelings, what I do remember from that interaction was the level of excitement he had for his work. It seemed to just ooze out of him in a way that was contagious.  

It was at that point I decided to lean into the actuarial profession.  

I wanted to have that same contagious feeling about my work and career.

I suppose it also helped that I enjoyed math in school and was fascinated by problem-solving, too.

3. What aspects of the field do you love?

I love the business facing aspect of the actuarial profession. It’s a nice feature of the actuarial role that I enjoy, and it has been an important part of nearly every role I’ve had over the last 12 years in the actuarial field.  

As actuaries, we are in a unique position to be at the forefront of insurance problems, and our skillsets afford us the opportunity to approach these problems through a different lens. It’s both a privilege and exciting to be part of, particularly as the world around us becomes more complex and involved.  

I also love the mentorship aspect that comes with working in the actuarial field. I have met a number of people through volunteerism and have been fortunate to work with some great people over my career. This has had a positive impact on my personal and professional development. I enjoy giving back to others through coaching and mentorship as well.  

4. What is the best career advice you have ever received?

I’ve received good career advice from a variety of people over the last 12 years. One of the more consistent themes has been:  

Allow your interests and/or passions to dictate your movement in your career.

I have found that the more we embrace this, the more we end up leading fulfilled careers. We are more engaged in our roles and more likely to add significant value through our work. The ripple effects are powerful and can have a lasting impact on the people and things around us.  

5. Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

My advice centers on two things:

First, try as many things as you reasonably can early on in your actuarial career.  

For example, if you are interested or curious about data programming, find people and other resources that allow you to explore that particular path or interest. The more you try different things in your career, the more well-rounded you will become and the more likely you will find what motivates or energizes you at work (what I like to call: “finding your jam”). Not only will this expose you to a variety of work in your career, but it will also help influence projects, roles, and other potential opportunities that come knocking at your door.  

Lastly, seek out someone who can mentor and/or coach you in your career.  

At times, this may happen naturally with people we go to for work advice outside of our boss/manager. In order for you to optimize this type of relationship, you have to be intentional. Ask questions, be curious, reflect on your strengths and what you want to do in your current or future role, etc. Having a small, diverse network of people that you trust and can lean on for guidance can have a significant impact on your professional life.  

It certainly has on mine up to this point in my career.  

6. What is your favorite CAS memory?

Hands down, my favorite memory is attending the CAS Spring Meeting in Boston where I was recognized as a new CAS member after getting my credentials. I had an amazing time sharing the experience with my mom and having the chance to connect with colleagues and other members of the CAS was invaluable to my professional development.   

A more recent, favorite memory that comes to mind is listening to CAS President, Roosevelt Mosley, give his presidential address at the CAS Annual Meeting last year. I wasn’t in attendance at the meeting in Minneapolis, so I watched the livestream from home and I’m glad I did. His address was inspiring, hopeful, and a testament to how far we’ve come as an industry and all of the work that is left to do as it relates to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the actuarial space.  

7. What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

One thing most people may not know about me is that I’m a fan of instrumental music.  

I played trumpet for a number of years and made State in high school. It’s a huge deal to make the All-State band in Texas, so I’ve always been proud of that accomplishment. To this day, music is a central part of my life. It’s not uncommon for me to pay a lot of attention to musical scores when I watch movies or television series. I would also listen to musical scores often while studying for actuarial exams. It gave me something to look forward to in my exam preparation process.  

I can easily nerd out on instrumental music. Let’s talk about your favorite music composer if we ever happen to meet one day. 

Where do you work and what is your position?  

I am a Reserving Actuary at Safety National in their Philadelphia office. 

Why did you decide to become an actuary? 

When I was in my sophomore year of college, I was struggling to pick a major. I knew I wanted something math-based, but I also wanted to incorporate my interests in business and communication. My dad, a broker at Aon, invited me to join him at work for the day when I came home for break between semesters. There, he introduced me to several of the actuaries in his office. After speaking with them about the career and the exam process, I decided that actuarial science was the perfect blend of my interests. I ended up majoring in Risk Management (Actuarial Science Option) at Penn State University, with a minor in Statistics.

What aspects of the field do you love?

This field has allowed me to meet so many brilliant people. I’ve had incredible mentors, both formal and informal, and have been able to learn from people with so many different backgrounds. I’ve also met some of my closest friends through actuarial science, both in my major at Penn State and in the working world.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

When I worked at EY, my counselor once told me the following: “If you feel like you’re in over your head, you’re where you’re supposed to be.” In other words, there is no growth in complacency. In order to grow and develop, you have to be pushed out of your comfort zone, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. You’re more prepared for the experience than you may think!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

My biggest piece of advice for those just starting out, while cliché, would be to not fear failure. The exams are tough – they’re supposed to be! I was no stranger to failing exams. While a failed exam can feel like the end of the world in the moment, it makes that passed exam that much sweeter.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memory was the most recent Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. It was so exciting to walk across the stage in recognition of my FCAS, with my fiancé cheering in the audience and my parents following along on the live feed. It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends I’ve made throughout my time in the industry. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

This is no secret to those who know me well (so it maybe doesn’t answer the question!), but I have been an avid golfer for my entire life. I’ve been fortunate to play at a number of incredible courses, my favorite being the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. I hope to make it back there someday! 

Where do you work and what is your position?

At-Bay, Senior Actuarial Manager, Pricing  

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

Ever since I was a child I’ve had a passion for creative problem solving and I love the definitive, right or wrong, nature of math. Actuaries get to use their analytical skills to investigate business problems in a way that arrives at a solution supported by data and fact.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love the cross functional nature and complexity of the role. Actuaries are required to have both a detailed understanding of how the business operates as a whole, from how the product is sold to how claims are handled or regulations apply, and strong analytical skills to understand what’s actually happening in the business. This combination of skills puts Actuaries in a position to have a meaningful impact on the business, while always having something new to learn.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Ask a lot of questions. No one expects you to know everything, particularly early in your career. It’s better to ask early on and learn, than to hold back and not know something you should have later in your career.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Follow your curiosity both in life and at work. Like life, an analysis is a journey - Sometimes the things you stumble upon end up being more interesting than what you set out looking for. Also, always give yourself an extra week than you think you need to study. The extra couple days could save you a couple months if you have to take it again!

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Getting my ACAS in at the CAS Annual Meeting in Hawaii! I loved the social aspect of meeting so many different actuaries across different organizations and getting new ideas to incorporate in my work from the sessions.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’m a proud landowner of a small plot of land in an area of Ireland that technically makes me a Lord.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am Senior Vice President and Chief Pricing Actuary for Zurich North America in Schaumburg, Illinois. I’ve held this role for the last five years.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I “discovered” the actuarial career path in high school as I was exploring career options for people who like math. I was introduced through a package of marketing material that included information about the work of actuaries, the exams, colleges that offered actuarial programs, and also featured profiles of successful individuals in the profession. I was attracted to the practical application of math in a business environment. But equally important, the profiles included a spotlight on Marsha Bera Morris, the first Black woman to earn fellowship in the Society of Actuaries. She was the first name and face of the profession for me as a high school student trying to figure out what I wanted to study. Her picture changed everything. Because of her, I could see myself in the profession. It gave me confidence to know that I could do this thing that nobody around me (other than my math teacher) had ever heard of. I honestly don’t know if I would have chosen this profession if I had not seen her picture.

I’ve stayed in the profession because it’s proven to be everything the marketing material said it was. It’s challenging. It’s rewarding. It’s offered me a tremendous range of opportunity.

What aspects of the field do you love?

A few years ago, I thoughtfully addressed this same question with a group of high school students at a CAS-sponsored outreach event. My answers really could apply to any number of careers or any chosen pursuit in life. In fairly simple terms, they reflect what I have valued then and now. Here’s what I told them…

1. I can be creative
   (There is rarely only one way to solve a problem)
2. I am always learning new things
   (The world is always changing)
3. I help solve real business problems and make a difference for my company
   (My judgments and recommendations have impact)
4. I help others learn and develop
   (I get to make a difference for other people)

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

The first actuary I ever met was the Director of Education for the Society of Actuaries. It was the summer after my freshman year in college. He asked me if I could envision myself leading a large team of people some day. In all humility I said “no”. He told me to rethink that because that was where my career was headed. I’ve always remembered that message. It turned out that he was correct. At this early stage, he taught me something important about having vision.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Embrace change. It offers opportunity. Don’t stand still. Always look for ways to improve your skills and your work; e.g., make an old process more efficient; find enhancements to make a prior work product even better. And especially early in your career, don’t stay in any one role too long. Move around and get a variety of experiences. Don’t expect to stay in a role long enough to learn everything there is to know about that job. You would be there far too long.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

This is definitely the year I completed my Fellowship and attended the annual meeting in Boca Raton, FL. I was excited, humbled and proud all at the same time. It was also wonderful that my husband attended with me. He has been so supportive of my career. It was an amazing experience for both of us.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I love hot air balloons. After I finished all the exams, my “reward” was a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. It occurs annually in October and was always off limits because it’s so close to Fall exams.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I am the Vice President & Chief Actuary at the Donegal Insurance Group in Pennsylvania. I began my actuarial career as an Actuarial Analyst at Donegal and am now the Chief Actuary, leading the reserving team. I can still say I love triangles!

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

Math was always my favorite subject in school. I didn’t know a lot about actuaries throughout college, but I figured I’d end up using my math skills somehow in the business world. And after teaching English in China for a year after I graduated college, I knew that I definitely didn’t want to be a teacher. I still didn’t know much about actuaries when I got my first job at Donegal but I enjoyed trying to solve problems with math!

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love putting all of the puzzle pieces together to understand my company’s experience. Reviewing all of the claim diagnostics to determine where the changes originated is like going on a treasure hunt! I also like the interaction and collaboration that is needed between all of the various departments: actuarial, underwriting, claims, marketing, etc. It is so important to understand how all of these pieces fit together to make informed decisions.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Have confidence in yourself! After taking all of those exams, I should be able to conquer the world, right? Just kidding. But seriously, even if I don’t know something, I can build on what I do know and shouldn’t be afraid to take on new challenges. I’ll never know what I’m capable of or how far I can go unless I try. Do you have any advice for those just starting out? Take advantage of every learning opportunity and never stop learning. No one likes the exams, but look for the things that you can learn from them, especially if you don’t pass all of them on the first try. Learn what jobs and roles other people fill in your company. It gives you a deeper understanding of the business and perspective on how to communicate and present your work and findings to them.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

It’s more of a group of memories, but my favorite CAS memory is from volunteering on the New Members Committee. I began volunteering on that committee shortly after I became a Fellow. We met in New York City one day to work on committee stuff and get to know each other. I met my first “CAS friends” in that group, both members and staff, and I truly look forward to attending CAS meetings to see them!

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I really enjoy singing harmony and riding roller coasters, although, not necessarily at the same time!

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work in Beijing, China for a reinsurance company as the chief actuary.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I liked mathematics when I was studying at university more than twenty years ago. Fortunately, I got to know actuarial science which was a quite new field at that time. Since then, I decided to become an actuary.

What aspects of the field do you love?

Actuarial science is a kind of applied subject. I love to take advantage of modeling techniques to solve the insurance practical problem, especially when some problems cannot be well understood unless models are utilized.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

I have received a lot of career advice during my career development, but what touched me the most is the one given by one of senior managers. He suggested to me that an excellent actuary should not be only a technical expert, but effectively assist the insurers to achieve its strategic goals.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Know that passing actuarial exams is just a pass line to be an actuary and more should be learned deeply through practice.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Although getting the FCAS certificate from the hand of the CAS president is a good memory, my favorite memory is the first time that I was invited for dinner and communication together with the leaders and senior managers of the CAS as an international member representative when I attended the CAS Spring Meetings. Through such a kind of communication, I felt that I was valued highly by the CAS and got to know more about what I could contribute to the CAS.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

When my son was a kid, I took him every weekend to learn music and I sat at the back of the music classroom. At the end of the semester, in order to encourage my son to take the music level test, we registered for the test together. As a result, I passed but my son did not. He passed the music level test at the second attempt.

How does being a part of the CAS global community enhance your actuarial practice?

Being a part of the CAS global community makes me more aware of the latest developments in the international market besides China. Meanwhile, it gives me the opportunity to make many friends working in other countries. It really broadens my horizons and helps me to find the right fellows when I meet with some international insurance matters.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I’m happily retired and living in central Florida. I’m an active volunteer at the CAS now as Chair – Investment Council and CAS Assistant Treasurer.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

In the 1970’s, I managed to get a degree in Mathematics and never hear the word ‘Actuary’ [AMAZING and so different in recent years]. After teaching for 5 years and deciding that this was not my calling, I spent time in the library (do you remember pre-internet?) looking at a variety of potential careers by reviewing government books on jobs and articles in various publications. The breakthrough came in the May 1977 Money magazine which included an article - ‘The best ten careers for the long run’. Third on the list was this career ‘actuary’. So I went back to the government books to find out what an actuary is? My reaction was, “How could I not know about this?” I had found my new career!

What aspects of the field do you love?

First is the chance to work on genuine business challenges, often at the leading edge in terms of the workable solutions,

Second is the chance to work with the most interesting, talented and intelligent individuals – business executives and professional actuaries alike. I’ve been retired for 20+ years now, and my work as a volunteer at the CAS allows continued opportunity to be with very talented people – actuaries & CAS staff.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

“Become a P&C Actuary … Try, it you’ll like it!” How true it is. What a wonderful career.

On the job – 1) Listen to the views of others working the issue/problem – optimizes solutions and allows discussion of alternatives and downsides, 2) Rely on your team, don’t take it all on yourself.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Don’t focus only on the exams. Learn from your peers and superiors.

Seek a variety of assignments – offering multiple perspectives, a chance to find your niche(s), and an array of learning. Knowing your preferences and skill sets will pay dividends for years to come.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS moments have come in my retirement years. With more time and greater flexibility, volunteer leadership roles can provide wonderful opportunities to make value-added contributions. It also keeps one active in the industry and provides the chance to connect with next generation actuaries … a mutual learning experience. One memory in particular – the chance to talk with three legendary actuaries leading to the Centennial meeting – Ruth Salzman, Charlie Hewett, and Bill Wieder – the three most senior Fellows at the time. What a privilege and learning experience.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’m a lifetime baseball fan. We’ve moved several times – so my local favorite team has shifted from St. Louis Cardinals to Boston Red Sox to Los Angeles Dodgers to Tampa Bay Rays. Baseball in person is the best – I’ve seen 1,000+ major league games (largest number in Dodger Stadium). My very favorite baseball memory is going to the Little League World Series in Williamsport PA – baseball and the love of sport at its purest.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I’m a Consulting Actuary at Milliman

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

When I was in high school, my Probabilities & Statistics teacher told me I should become an actuary. I thought insurance sounded boring, so I decided to pursue another math-related career: math education. However, after I did an observation in a high school classroom, I decided that teaching wasn’t for me. I then changed my major from math education to math and decided to add psychology as a second major.

After I graduated from college, I realized that a B.S. in Math (or Psychology), on its own, wasn’t extremely marketable, so I returned to school to work on my Master’s in Applied Mathematics. About a year into the program, someone shared a job posting with me for an Actuarial Specialist role at Missouri Farm Bureau. I applied and got the job, even without any exams. Once I started taking exams, I realized that it was more than just insurance. I finished my Master’s, and in fact, I defended my thesis the same day I took Exam FM.

I was 26 when I took my first exam, so I was a bit non-traditional, and in hindsight, I wish I would have studied Actuarial Science (my college had that as an option for a major) since I was lacking the financial component of the program. But I’ve been in the field for almost 16 years, and I love the experiences I have had and the people I have met.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I have two answers to this. First, I love the balance of art and science. People joke about putting 2 actuaries in the room and getting 3 different answers, but I appreciate that. This will sound nerdy of me, but I enjoy diving into the diagnostics to determine whether a client has an acceleration or deceleration of claim payments or a strengthening or deterioration of case reserves. It allows me to flex my critical thinking skills.

The second thing I love most about being a casualty actuary is volunteering for the CAS. I have been a part of the Professionalism Education Working Group since I became an ACAS, and I have served in a leadership role in the working group for the past two years. It allows me to help candidates reach the next stage of their career by attending the Course on Professionalism. Plus, I have met so many people, current and future actuaries, whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Respond, don’t react. Previously, when I would receive feedback, either about my performance or my work product, my first instinct was to get defensive. At that point, I was closing myself off to opportunities because I was viewed as unreceptive. I had a boss tell me about five years ago to be more responsive and less reactive. When I gave myself time to simmer and to think about things from other people’s perspectives, I found that I was a lot less upset and that my response was a lot more thoughtful than if I reacted in the heat of the moment.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Focus on your communication skills. As things get more automated, our roles will shift to be less technical and more consultative. It’s good to practice explaining complicated concepts to non-technical audiences. When you are preparing to give a presentation, ask a non-actuary in your life if you can practice in front of them. They can point out where you might need to “dumb it down” to be more approachable for your audience.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

I received my ACAS at the Centennial Meeting in New York. Obviously, receiving my ACAS would have been a favorite memory anyway; however, it was even more special to celebrate the CAS’ 100th anniversary. I enjoyed hearing about the history of our society and how much it has evolved since 1914.

One of my favorite memories from that meeting was the Gala Dinner. They had an orchestra and band, consisting of CAS members, and after dinner, there was a dance floor. I remember dancing among some “CAS celebrities” (former Presidents and exam paper authors); it was such a fun way to network!

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’m a fitness fanatic! I ran my 16th full marathon in March and am currently training for my 17th, with two more marathons later this year. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), and I teach Hot Yoga twice a week. In 2018, I completed a Century bike ride (100 miles) around Lake Tahoe. Staying active helps me to decompress, plus the discipline and mental fortitude needed to complete these fitness feats overlap with what is needed to be an actuary.

Where do you work and what is your position?

GM-Cruise - I am the VP of Risk Management

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I have always enjoyed challenges associated with bringing clarity and making sense out of ambiguity, bringing order from chaos, and understanding related tradeoffs. I loved my college optimization math classes, I enjoyed finance and the study of economic decision making in uncertainty, and the behavioral economic, philosophical and moral dilemmas involved. As such, I gravitated quite naturally to the study of risk and the actuarial methods we use to aid in decision making across future time horizons involving inherent uncertainty. 

What aspects of the field do you love?

Helping leaders make informed risk-based decisions.  We all constantly navigate risk. Whether we're trying to decide whether to wear a mask, get a booster shot, travel to countries with different laws or choose our numbers for the Powerball, we are all constantly navigating and negotiating risk and uncertainty, individually and collectively, with counterparts with varying appetites for risk. In insurance, we apply actuarial science to aid in complex decisions across long time horizons.  Our methods thus lend themselves to an array of complex decisions involving optimizing for tradeoffs between current and future dollars, and other exchanges and tradeoffs between current uncertainty and future risks.  Developing a price for a risk is just one example of the application. Whether negotiating the terms of a reinsurance agreement, a loss portfolio transfer, the parameters of a Catastrophe bond or parametrizing a capital model to evaluate the probability of ruin for a company with limited funds and a changing risk profile - the techniques involved all lend themselves to many other applications involving risk, and can be used to enable more reliable decision-making when faced with significant uncertainty. 

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

"Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good" and "never forget that every model is wrong". 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Be hungry, curious and never stop learning. But more than that, know yourself.  Know what you love, know what you're good at, know what you're uniquely passionate about, and play to your strengths. 

What is your favorite CAS memory?

Meeting a number of actuaries from all walks of life and from across the globe tackling a wide range of problems and comparing notes at meetings and over happy hours. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I love sailing! 

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I first learned about the actuarial profession while working part time as an office assistant for an Insurance Agency. I helped potential customers quote their home and auto insurance. While doing that, I became really curious about the algorithm behind the quoting tool. Later I learned that Actuaries are the ones that helped set these prices. My curiosity led me to exploring statistics courses in college. And that is how my journey to become an actuary embarked.

What aspects of the field do you love?

Risk is everywhere, so insurance can be everywhere! Certainty is one of human essential needs. The need to feel safe, protected and have predictability of our lives. Insurance provides just that, the promise of certainty. As a pricing actuary, we put a price tag on that promise. That is a very cool and meaningful thing to do!

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

“You are in charge of your own career!” Go after what you are interested, find what motivates you, and be curious.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

A good actuary solves real world problems by applying actuarial techniques. I’d say building solid actuarial knowledge is fundamental. Rotate to different areas earlier on in the career to find out what you like or dislike. Network, make friends with other actuaries, professionally and personally. It will make work more fun!

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memory is 2016 CAS Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL. I received my FCAS recognition while having my daughter in my belly.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I’m living with another FCAS under the same roof, my husband.