WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME AN ACTUARY? AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?
The first time I heard about an actuary was when I was obtaining my IT degree. The teacher’s assistant mentioned that the lessons we were being taught in that particular class were also leveraged by actuaries. Since I liked the content of that class, I was intrigued and looked up the profession. I was attracted to the profession because I could apply my love of math in a business setting and solve real-world problems.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH YOU WERE GIVEN WHEN YOU WERE AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?
Challenge yourself, be curious, and ask a lot of questions. This can help you build your “actuarial intuition” that will allow you to tackle bigger problems as you advance in your career. Do not lose sight of the bigger picture when working on assignments.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?
Don’t be afraid to take on an opportunity that scares you. Most of the time, those are the challenges that allow you to grow professionally. I’ve also learned that relationships matter a lot. Not only have I benefited from actuaries that I worked with, I have also learned about the business from several non-actuaries that I have worked with. Those interactions subsequently made me a better actuary.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT YOUR ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP?
The chance to work with actuaries with varying backgrounds and experiences. It is always a great learning experience for me when I interact with other actuaries as we solve problems. Giving back to the profession and public is also rewarding.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE WITH ASPIRING OR NEW ACTUARIES, OR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE ACADEMY?
Get out of your comfort zone and volunteer for the Academy! There are many opportunities to meet other actuaries, expand your knowledge and challenge yourself to build new skills. The people you meet at the Academy can be great sounding boards when you stumble upon a problem as well.
SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR OTHER PERSONAL INTERESTS?
I am originally from Zambia and have lived in a few countries. I love to travel and learn about new places and cultures. Volunteering is a passion of mine and always think it is a privilege to give back my time and expertise where I can. I currently serve on the board of the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA), which is another way I give back to the profession.
