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    Emma Ansah
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      Name: Chelsea Adler

      Designation: FCAS, MAAA

      How / when did you find out about Actuarial Science?

      I first heard about the actuarial profession when I was a sophomore in high school. I took a stats class and loved it! In fact, I loved it so much that I read every word of the textbook and even asked my mom to buy it for me! In a footnote of this textbook, I saw a message that said something like, “If you like statistics, you should consider a career as an actuary!”

      Why did you want to be an actuary?

      In addition desiring a career where I could use math and statistics, I wanted to do something that could make a positive impact in the world. I enjoyed problem solving and working with others to accomplish a common goal. The actuarial career was a perfect fit for what I was looking for.

      When was your first actuarial job or internship? What made you switch to non-actuarial later in your career?

      My first actuarial internship was with a company called Motorists (now Encova) in Columbus, OH. I then interned with with Milliman in Milwaukee, WI before accepting my first full time role with State Farm. I worked there 5 years before transitioning to my current company Root Inc. I loved working as an actuary, but after 7 years in traditional pricing roles, I wanted to expand my skill set and learn more about the business of insurance and all the functions beyond actuarial. This led to pursing my current job as a State Manager.

      What made you decide to join SOA vs. CAS?

      I actually didn’t know there was more than one actuarial society until I started working full time! After accepting my role working in the P&C Actuarial Department at State Farm, I learned that there were different exams I would be taking through the CAS.

      Personal experience/journey with exam track? How long did it take you to get designated?

      From start to finish, it took me about 7 years to earn my Fellowship. I was blessed to have incredible support from family, friends and coworkers, but it was not easy by any stretch. After failing exams 7 and 8 back to back, I was tempted to give up on my dream to become a Fellow. I took some time off from studying to re-focus on why this goal was important to me. After a lot of prayer, I decided to try again. By God’s grace I was able to pass these final exams and became a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society about a year and half later.

      What has your experience been working in non-traditional actuarial roles?

      I really enjoyed working in traditional actuarial roles, so I wasn’t sure what to expect as I stepped into something new. At first it was a big adjustment and learning curve. Now that I’m 2 years in, I am really loving it! No job is perfect, but my current position has been exactly what I need in this season of life. I’m constantly learning and being challenged in new ways, while also leveraging my actuarial skill set and partnering with actuaries on a regular basis.

      When and how did you first hear about InsurTech?

      It is standard at most carriers to keep tabs on the competition. During my time at State Farm, I would occasionally hear about new companies that were trying to do something different with insurance. I briefly heard about Root, but didn’t seriously consider a leap to InsurTech until my husband and I decided to move back to Columbus, OH to be near family. At the time, remote work at State Farm wasn’t an option, so I had to find something new. When I researched companies in the area, I came across Root again. After doing more research on the company, I was impressed with what I saw and thought that if anyone could disrupt this archaic industry and make meaningful change this company was well positioned to do so.

      What made you interested in working in InsurTech?

      While I truly loved my previous role, it’s no secret that traditional carriers are slow to modernize. I was and still am very excited about making insurance something that people view in a positive light. I am energized by the passion and mission behind many InsurTechs to do things differently and better. I also really appreciate how much I’ve been able to learn in the start-up environment.

      Where do you see the actuarial field going and what part do you think InsurTech will play in this?

      I believe the actuarial skill set is extremely valuable and unique. The knowledge gained through exams and in practice can be applied to nearly any role or industry. I expect actuaries will continue to branch out into new domains and I believe InsurTech opportunities will help facilitate and expedite this trend.

      Any other thoughts you’d like to share? Or advice for other actuaries?

      Advice I’d give my younger self: 1) Prioritize getting through exams as quickly as possible. It’s so tough to start again if you stop or take breaks. Studying also gets more challenging with added responsibilities, so I’d highly encourage students to get through as many exams as they can early on before life fills up with other wonderful things. 2) Volunteer for as much as you can at work! It’s really hard to know exactly what you like doing on until you try a bunch of different things. You will learn and grow much quicker if you take on a variety of work responsibilities which will also help inform where your true passions lie. 3) Make an effort to build relationships with your coworkers and leadership. You never know what doors may open through these connections. Plus you are likely to be blessed by some incredible friendships that will make working where you’re at even more special.

      DWSimpson.com

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