WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME AN ACTUARY? AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?
As a high school and college student, I found myself interested in learning about how math could be used in the real world. Thanks to the guidance of teachers and professors, I learned about the actuarial profession. A career as an actuary was very attractive to me because it seemed like a great fit for what I enjoyed doing with my analytical skill set. Additionally, it has always been a highly ranked profession amongst professional surveys, with a good work-life balance.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH YOU WERE GIVEN WHEN YOU WERE AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?
There is no such thing as a stupid question. Insurance and Reinsurance can sometimes feel like they have their own language to them. At the beginning of your career, it is easy to feel like if you aren’t yet fluent in the language, you will say something wrong and therefore should not ask a question. You should never be afraid to ask questions.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?
Learning how to create a schedule and manage my time. The hardest part about starting a career as an actuary is figuring out how to balance studying for exams, and learning a new job, all while still trying to have a life outside of work and be with your family. The ability to manage your time and schedule is just as important after all the exams. Your family and friends are your support system, and it is essential to find balance and compartmentalize your time at work from your time with your family. Make sure you are present, both physically and mentally, for your family so you are able to support them as much as they support you.
The Code of Conduct is the gold standard when it comes to professionalism and ethics. Being a member of the Academy means upholding those standards each and every day. My membership in the Academy has instilled in me this mentality and has had a tremendous impact on how I operate in work and in life.
SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR OTHER PERSONAL INTERESTS?
Outside of work, I like to run, bike, and swim for fun and to stay in shape. I have also enjoyed playing the drums since I was young. I have a somewhat musical family, in fact, with my brothers-in-law and my father-in-law, we started a small cover band—called “The Grateful Dads”! So far, though, we’ve so far only performed in a living room in front of other family members.
