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CAS Profile: Jianyu Chen, FCAS
Jianyu Chen, FCAS, is a dynamic actuarial professional who began her career as a math teacher before transitioning into the insurance industry. Jianyu now applies her expertise in portfolio analytics as an actuary at Zurich North America. She attended college at New York University and earned her graduate degree at Columbia University.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I work at Zurich North America as an actuary on the Portfolio Analytics team.
Why did you decide to become an actuary?
I pivoted into the actuarial field from teaching six years ago because it offers a strong work-life balance, excellent career growth opportunities, and the ability to collaborate with others while applying my mathematical and thinking skills.
What aspects of the field do you love?
I love that the P&C actuarial profession is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. There are so many different roles within actuarial to choose from, from the more traditional roles like pricing and reserving, to non-traditional roles like enterprise risk management and technical underwriting. The dynamic nature of the industry keeps the actuarial work engaging and rewarding, no matter what actuarial role you are in.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Don’t rely on just one mentor – build a network of mentors and seek guidance from different people based on the questions and challenges you face.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Stay focused on your long-term career goals and keep moving in the direction you want. Don’t get caught up in the small setbacks along the way.
Why would you recommend a career in the P&C insurance industry to current college students?
The P&C insurance industry offers a unique combination of stability and innovation. It plays a critical role in managing risks like climate change and cybersecurity, providing both exciting challenges and opportunities for growth. For those who enjoy problem-solving, data analysis, and collaboration, it’s a rewarding field with strong career development, job security, and a great work-life balance.
What can students do now to prepare for a career in the industry?
Start learning about the P&C industry by reading articles and staying updated on industry trends and developments.
Two great free online resources for industry insights are CAS’ Actuarial Review and the Insurance Information Institute. These platforms provide valuable information on the industry and the latest trends and news in the P&C actuarial profession, helping you build a strong understanding of the industry as you start your career.