Actuarial Science Students Speak ....

Shannon Erdmann (graduated in June 2004). Future plan after graduation will be starting job as Assistant Actuarial Analyst at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company located in Novato, CA. Favorite Statistics class was Time Series and Linear Regression, because it's really interesting to learn how to fit real world events into statistical models. Favorite memory of being a statistics major is gotten to know everybody in the department because it's such a small major, and it's like having a family where everyone is related by statistics. Encourages statistic students to STUDY! Start taking the actuarial exams as soon as possible. The process of finding a job will be a lot easier, with one exam done.

Kingsley Robson (graduated in 2004) Future plans after graduation are vacation pending exam results, then job search. Favorite Statistics class was PSTAT 171, because the course covered interest theory and it was a useful topic. Favorite memory of being a statistics major is the satisfaction of challenging myself intellectually and succeeding. Encourages statistic students study for exams early, because the exams often fall close to midterms.

Jenni Bjelland (graduated in 2004) Future plans after graduation are working as an Actuarial Technician at WellPoint in Woodland Hills. Favorite memory of being a statistics major is the day after the Actuary exams. Encourages studying early for the Acuary Exams.

Wilson Chen (graduated 2004) Future plans after graduation is to find a job in the actuary field and hopefully pass all Society of Actuaries exams. Favorite Statistics course was PSTAT 130 because I enjoy working with computers and this class ties in the use of computers to data collection and analyzing. Favorite memory of being a statistics major was meeting other students that are interested in the field and being able to study for exams with them. Some wisdom, the hardest part of the profession are the exams and don’t worry, “work should not be too similar to the exams.”

Weihiba Kalifa (graduated in 1997, Assistant Actuary, 23 years old). "Its good background to take the Actuarial classes at UCSB to prepare for the exams. There is a shortage of casualty actuaries…there is a higher need than ever before. My employer will give $3,000 to whoever brings in a new actuary."


Richard Paul (graduated in 1991, Associate of the Society of Actuaries). "I became interested in becoming an Actuary after I went to a talk on campus during the recession. The speaker explained how the Actuarial career was recession proof. I did well on the exams. Most of the information taught at UCSB prepared me for about ¾ of the Associate level exams. The trick to being a good Actuary is not only to be able to do the technical work, but also be able to explain it to someone who doesn't understand it. It takes strong communication skills."

George Shehata (graduated in 1999, 1997-99 UCSB Actuarial Club President). "When I interned at Transamerica, they gave me responsibility right away. We were testing data for a new product and there was a lot of problem-solving involved. There was much prestige associated with being an Actuary. The field isn't exclusive to men only. My co-workers were Asian Americans, African Americans, men and women. It really helps to be a Statistics major at UCSB in becoming an Actuary. I feel that UCSB did a good job of preparing me for the working world, although a lot of the knowledge I need is acquired on the job."

Diane Pedersen Amarante (graduated in 1992, Fellow, Society of Actuaries). "Some of my friends who graduated at the same time as I did and had majored in areas such as environmental studies and sociology, could not find jobs after graduation. I had my job in December even before I graduated in June. After graduation it took 5 years on the job for me to become a "Fellow"; usually it takes between 5 and 10 years. I am still working on the same job I took when I graduated and I still love it. What I like most about being an actuary is that I get to do a lot of technical problem-solving. I really do use what I learned at UCSB in Dr. Hsu's class. I had such a good time at UCSB. The department was small and friendly and everyone knew everyone else!"

Elizabeth Hutchins (graduated in 1999, BA Statistics, age 31, mother of 3). Elizabeth received over 7 job offers from prestigious companies several months before graduating. "The Department of Statistics at UCSB really prepared me to become an Actuary. The projects and assignments they gave us at UCSB are exactly what they (the interviewers) required. I strongly advise students to specialize in something! My friends who received Math degrees are having a harder time getting a job. With a Math degree, the employers know that you have aptitude, but do you have the skills? With the Statistics/Actuarial major, the employer has less doubt. When interviewing with Capital One in Richmond, VA, I was the only candidate for the position without a Masters' degree. After I went through 5 interviews, 2 exams, and 1 simulation, I was chosen. I am currently working on some profiling, analysis and building my first models. It's challenging but exciting and I feel fairly well prepared.

Shawn Wright (graduated in 1997, Assistant Actuary Analyst. "I really like the Actuary career because it's so stable and the entry pay levels are just great! My co-workers and I, we look at our salary and we laugh! When I started working as an actuary, I was given responsibility right away. They don't just give you bogus work because you're new. As for the Actuarial career, its so stable. I think that's the difference between Engineering, for example, and the Actuary position. In California, Engineers recently experienced huge layoffs. I did not want a job where, after working for 20 years, I might be laid off. It's (Actuary) a very stable job. My employer has never laid-off any Actuaries."