WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICE AREA AND/OR AREA OF EXPERTISE?
Property & Casualty Loss Reserving
WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME AN ACTUARY? AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE PROFESSION?
I’ve always liked math and science, but never really had any idea what I wanted to do with that in terms of a career. I started off as a pre-med major in college, but quickly realized I didn’t have a genuine interest in the field and that I was more interested in math than science. After three to four more major changes, I finally landed on Applied Mathematics and pursued both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field. When I was getting close to graduation and still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my degree, a professor suggested actuarial science because of my interest in statistics, and the rest is history!
DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOUR PROFESSIONALISM TRAINING HAS HEALPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER.
My professionalism training has helped me in my day-to-day work more times than I can count. Particularly, I find myself referencing the ASOPs [actuarial standards of practice] all the time, whether it’s in writing a report, communicating a difficult message or result to a client, or trying to come up with the assumptions for the latest reserve analysis.
WHAT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER?
Give yourself grace and believe that you can do it! It’s easy to get discouraged early in your career when you’re surrounded by experienced actuaries who seem like they’re so much smarter than you, and of course during the exam process when a few (or more) failures are almost inevitable. The journey isn’t always the easiest, but it’s worth it, and there are so many wonderful people who were one day in your shoes and who will help you along the way.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU WISH WERE GIVEN AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?
It’s probably not fair to say it’s advice I wish I were given—because I know I was given this advice many times—so instead I’ll say it’s advice I wish I had listened to at the beginning of my career: Don’t be afraid to ask questions … lots and LOTS of questions! There is so much you can learn from your colleagues, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of it. From my perspective now, I think showing curiosity and asking a lot of questions is a really great character trait and something that is very rarely (if ever) seen as a negative.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT YOUR ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP OR ACADEMY VOLUNTEER WORK?
While I’ve been a member of the Academy for several years now and have really benefitted from all of the great learning opportunities they offer, I have just recently started to volunteer with the Academy and am already seeing the benefits of that. I’ve been lucky enough during my career with EY to engage with and learn from so many knowledgeable colleagues and clients, but having another set of resources through the Academy committees is such an amazing opportunity.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE WITH ASPIRING OR NEW ACTUARIES, OR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE ACADEMY?
Don’t give up on yourself or your goal of becoming an actuary! It can be really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re just starting your career looking at a mountain of exams you have to tackle, but remember that every successful, credentialed actuary that you see has been in your shoes and has made it through the journey. I can’t say it enough, but never be afraid to lean on your colleagues and mentors for help and guidance—from my own personal experience, they would probably be thrilled to pay it forward and help you out.
BEYOND WORK—WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR OTHER PERSONAL INTERESTS?
Outside of work, I enjoy working out, shopping, and spending time with my husband, daughter, and our dog. I’m not really much of a cook, but I love to bake, especially around the holidays.
