What made you choose this major?
I didn’t know much about actuarial science when I started the major, but the real appeal to me was its high return on investment. It made me nervous to begin an undergraduate degree that would require me to attend graduate school as well, and the security of being able to graduate in four years (or less!) and start for a stable salary made me very confident in investing in my education and future.
What is your career objective?
My ultimate goal is to be an actuary—which is a goal that Carroll has helped me get closer to reaching. Throughout my experience, I’ve had smaller goals such as passing exams, gaining internship experience, and preparing myself to find a full-time position, and I have been able to feel confident in reaching my goals here at Carroll.
How has what you’ve learned in your courses so far prepared you for your future?
Carroll’s actuarial science program really prepared me for becoming an actuary. I was able to take courses to help me prepare for four actuarial exams, and all my educational requirements to reach certain credentials for the profession will have been completed by graduation. I have also had ample opportunity to get involved on campus through employment and clubs, and those experiences helped me with my softer skills.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
Dr. Symms has created an environment in our program that encourages building valuable relationships. He teaches all the actuarial classes and some others, so having him over and over as a professor along with my peers has allowed us to feel at home here at Carroll and has given us the opportunity to learn from and grow with each other.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?
I think the most memorable experience I’ve had here at Carroll was the very first day of my financial mathematics course. During the first five minutes I went from thinking I was in the wrong class to thinking I was in the wrong major and rethinking my whole anticipated college experience. At the time I didn’t realize that many of my peers felt that same panic, and we all went through the motions together during our exam experiences. Having that support has been invaluable to me.
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?
Our major is unique because there’s a ton of room for us to take ownership of our college experience. I came in with a few credits from high school and took a couple 18 credit semesters, and I have the opportunity to graduate a semester early. I found an interest in economics and was able to get a minor in that as well. Outside of coursework, I had plenty of time to have a balanced life socially while keeping up with my jobs and studies.
If you were recommending your major to a prospective student, what would you tell them?
This major is extremely rewarding, but it takes a lot of dedication. You will spend many weekends locked in your room or in a hidden nook of the library. You will redefine the word “exam” for yourself. You will find yourself rewiring the way you respond to stressors and growing in so many ways. Passing an exam will make up for all those hours of hard work, and gaining friendships along the way will make it that much more special.
How has financial aid made a difference in your life?
One of my deciding factors when choosing Carroll was its competitive financial aid package. College is expensive, and it’s unfortunate that we have to take money so heavily into account when deciding where to move and grow professionally. Carroll allowed me to receive a quality education and great college experience while feeling stable in my financial position.
What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
I have a handful of preferable study places on campus – one of them being the Jaharis Science Laboratories. I never got the chance to spend much time in classes in the science building, but it is a great area to study with friends with minimal interruption. However, the place that works most effectively for me is the study cubbies on the second floor of the library. Sometimes it’s important to lock yourself away and focus with zero distraction, and these single cubbies are my favorite.
Learn more about the actuarial science program