家乡: 皇后溪，亚利桑那州
主要: 数学
After flip-flopping majors during my first year at SPU, I made a plan to get through the 数学 program in three years and then get started with an actuarial company once I graduated. My AP statistics teacher had introduced me to the profession when I was in high school.
During my sophomore year, I took an applied statistics course that set me up for taking the first Society of Actuaries exam. My passing grade on the exam, paired with my work and extracurricular history, landed me a solid job as an actuary.
One of my favorite memories from the program was participating in the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling. The contest stretches across a three-day weekend where groups of students spend every moment designing a mathematical solution to a real-world problem. 一年, participants were asked to use mathematical modeling and algorithms to design the fastest method of boarding a completely booked airplane. These types of projects were great preparation for having a team-based work environment, just like the one I have now.
As much as I loved the 数学 Department, getting out of 奥托·米勒大厅 every once in a while was a welcomed opportunity. Dr. 盖瑞梅森 in the 经济学 Department encouraged me toward my goal of becoming an actuary. I learned that she had majored in mathematics as an undergraduate, and since I was an 经济学小, we had a lot in common. For fun, I enjoyed working as the broadcast manager for KSPU, under Liz Gruchala-Gilbert. That job allowed me to get plugged in on campus and gave me some of my best friends.
现在是精算师, I work on many different types of projects that help unique populations gain access to health care. Actuaries don’t just set premiums — we also analyze experience and profit structures to ensure that insurance companies are abiding by federal regulations and providing quality health care management to their enrollees.
My best advice for prospective 数学 majors is to not doubt yourself when picking your major or looking for a job. Nearly every employer has a need for a Math major. NASA just reopened their astronaut program and a Math major was at the top of the list of recommended requirements. Don’t limit yourself; you can go to space with a math degree!