Marissa Proebsting '17

Major: Actuarial Science


What made you choose this major?

My dad was an actuary, and talking to him and looking at some of the work he did initially sparked my interest in the career. I always enjoyed and was good at math, so I thought the career would be a good fit for me. After job shadowing at Milliman, I felt that being an actuary was something I would like to do.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

The actuarial classes at Carroll are designed to follow the curriculum set by the Society of Actuaries for the first few exams that all actuarial students must take, so these courses were very useful in preparing me for the preliminary exams. The information and study techniques taught in these courses also helped lay the foundation for exams I’ll need to take after I graduate from Carroll.

What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?

On average, my actuarial classes each only contained about 15 students, so our professor got to know each of us individually. Dr. John Symms teaches all of the actuarial classes, so I have had the opportunity to get to know him well. He is extremely helpful if we ever have questions, and he often communicates with actuarial firms outside of Carroll and passes along information about internship and job opportunities in the area.

What's one of the most unique experience you’ve had relating to the coursework in your major?

Carroll’s actuarial program gives students the opportunity to do internships at companies in the Milwaukee area during the school year and receive credit for them. Many others schools do not offer this same opportunity. I learned so much about my field from doing an internship, and it helped me get my foot in the door at the company; in fact, I received a full-time offer and will be starting there after graduation.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?

During my time at Carroll, I’ve been involved in Carroll’s Actuarial Science Club. Since our major is still pretty small, being in this club gave me the opportunity to really get to know the other students in my major better. I was also able to obtain executive board positions as the campus event coordinator last year and vice president this year, which was a great leadership opportunity and useful resume builder. I was also a student tutor for CMP112: Computational Thinking. This was a great experience because it allowed me to interact with students pursuing other majors.

Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?

I’m very glad that I chose Carroll. I feel prepared to enter into a job in my field based on the education I obtained here. Between taking AP classes in high school and the setup of Carroll’s program, I was able to finish college a full year early. I have had such an amazing three years, and have made great friends and connections, many of which I will probably have for life.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Don’t be afraid to try things outside of your comfort zone while in college.  I tried many new things during my time at Carroll that I previously would have shied away from, and in doing these things, I became a more independent, confident and well-rounded person. For example, for my cross-cultural experience, I was able to travel to Spain for ten days. This trip exposed me to a culture different from my own, and I have many great memories and experiences from it.

Learn more about the Actuarial Science program

“I'm glad I chose Carroll. I feel prepared to enter a job in my field.”

— Marissa Proebsting '17

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