WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME AN ACTUARY? AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?
Many people told me that I should be an actuary, starting in high school going through college—including my future husband, who had a summer internship at an insurance company. I was attracted to the profession because it had been so highly ranked in job-satisfaction surveys for many years, because it seemed like a good fit for my skill set, and because the exams provided a structured way to advance.
WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME AN ACTUARY? AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?
Many people told me that I should be an actuary, starting in high school going through college—including my future husband, who had a summer internship at an insurance company. I was attracted to the profession because it had been so highly ranked in job-satisfaction surveys for many years, because it seemed like a good fit for my skill set, and because the exams provided a structured way to advance.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH YOU WERE GIVEN WHEN YOU WERE AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?
Look earlier and harder for opportunities to use all of your skills, not just your mathematical ability.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ve learned so many. One of the most important was that the ability to pass actuarial exams—and the speed with which one does so—does not correlate well with an individual’s ability to be a fantastic actuary. Also, trust your instincts, but always double-check your results. And PEER REVIEW, PEER REVIEW, PEER REVIEW.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT YOUR ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP?
The ability to volunteer on Academy committees and now serve on the Academy Board has opened up so many doors for me. I have spent my whole career at my current employer, but I’ve met so many wonderful people and talented actuaries at other firms. I would never have expanded my horizons and accomplished what I have if my entire professional experience was restricted to working at my employer.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE WITH ASPIRING OR NEW ACTUARIES, OR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE ACADEMY?
Volunteering for the Academy is an amazing way to give back to the profession while also enhancing your personal and professional life in innumerable, immeasurable ways. I wish more people took advantage of the opportunity.
SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR OTHER PERSONAL INTERESTS?
I’m an avid runner who loves to bake! I’m also a huge fan of puzzles: jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, number puzzles—but not spatial puzzles because I’m kind of spatially challenged. I am a little obsessed with grammar and I loathe business jargon with a passion.