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.


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Inspiring Future Actuaries: CAS and Insurance Careers Month

The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is pleased to join the industry-wide celebration of the tenth annual Insurance Careers Month (ICM)! This initiative aims to inspire young professionals to consider careers in insurance, highlighting the industry’s unique benefits and limitless opportunities.

As part of our commitment to cultivating the next generation of actuaries, we will be featuring profiles of CAS members and candidates, sharing their career advice, insights, and personal contributions to the insurance industry. The profiles will be available on the CAS Student Central website  and across our CAS social media platforms.

We will also be posting throughout the month based on the following weekly themes:

  • February 3 – February 9: Rewarding Careers
  • February 10 – February 16: Limitless Opportunities
  • February 17 – February 23: Purpose-Driven Impact
  • February 24 – February 28: Strong Industry

Interested in being featured for ICM? Please contact our Student Engagement Coordinator, Meredith Burke, at MBurke@casact.org.

Make sure to keep up with us throughout the month of February on our social media platforms, as well as following the ICM hashtags #InsuranceCareersMonth and #ICM2025.

To learn more about this campaign, visit the Insurance Careers Month website.


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Students Invited to Participate in 36th ASNY Actuarial Career Day

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You’re invited to attend ASNY’s 36th Annual Actuarial Career Day, hosted by the Actuarial Society of Greater New York. This event will take place virtually on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, and will offer the unique feature of having real-time private audio and visual one-on-one interviews with each company whose qualifications you match!

College freshmen through graduate students are welcome as well as professionals interested in the actuarial field as a future career. We encourage mathematics, economics, computer, finance, business and — of course — actuarial science students.

Attendees must complete a 2-step online registration in order to be registered. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, your registration did not go through, so please try completing your registration online again.

Registration Fees (non-refundable):

  • On or before August 30: $10 USD
  • September 1-15: $20 USD
  • September 16-22: $30 USD

Note: Please make sure you are registering for the Career Fair, not for ASNY membership, which is only open to credentialed actuaries.

If you have any questions, please email asnycareerday@gmail.com.


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Apply for the 2024 Midwestern Actuarial Forum (MAF) Scholarship

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the scholarship is to further students’ interest in the property/casualty actuarial profession and to encourage the pursuit of CAS designations.

AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP:

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual merit. The MAF Scholarship Program will award up to three scholarships to deserving students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Award winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Eligibility – You must meet all requirements to be considered

  • Must submit all sections of the MAF Scholarship application by September 6, 2024.
  • Currently attending a U.S. college or university as a full-time student.
  • Applicants must have sat for at least one actuarial exam by July of 2024.
  • Must be a member of CAS Student Central.
    • Join here for free: CASStudentCentral.org
  • Preference will be given to residents or those attending schools in one of the Midwest States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin).
  • Applicants should demonstrate high scholastic achievement and strong interest in the casualty actuarial profession, mathematical aptitude, and communications skills.

You must submit:

The four-page MAF Scholarship application and attached essay.

Letter of Recommendation – OPTIONAL

One letter of recommendation may be included along with this application, preferably completed by internship supervisors, instructors, and/or advisers at your educational institution who know you well. However, this is not required.

*Incomplete applications will be disqualified without any consideration to partial information received.

Completed applications are due to MidwesternActuarialForum@gmail.com by September 6, 2024. You will be notified of award decisions by September 13, 2024.


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Register for the CAS Student Conference at the CAS Spring Meeting in Atlanta, GA!

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The Casualty Actuarial Society is pleased to offer a FREE student conference at this year’s Spring Meeting in Atlanta, GA on May 7, 2024. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. University students interested in pursuing an actuarial career are invited to participate in this one-day conference!

CAS Student Conference Attendees Will:

  • Connect with CAS Members and Participate in a Speed Network Session
  • Learn More About the CAS and the Property and Casualty Industry
  • Attend Professional Concurrent Sessions and Student-Specific Sessions
  • Take Professional Headshots

Registration is open to members of CAS Student Central. Students not yet members can easily sign up online, and then register to attend the event.

There is no cost for students to register to attend the CAS Spring Meeting Student Conference. However, attendees are responsible for any travel costs incurred including transportation and lodging (if applicable).

Agenda

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration and Headshots
8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction to the CAS
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Break and Transition
9:45 a.m.– 10:45 a.m. Concurrent Session
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
11:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. Actuarial Pricing Cooking Show
12:30 p.m.– 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Speed Networking
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Wrap-Up and Group Picture

If you have questions, please contact CAS University Engagement Manager, Margaret Gaddy, at MGaddy@casact.org.

The 2024 CAS Spring Meeting will be held at:

Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303


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Watch Now! Introduction to the CAS Student Central Summer Program

Have you heard about the CAS Student Central Summer Program? Are you curious to learn more about the program and how it can help foster your career growth? Watch the recently recorded CAS Student Central Webinar and learn how participating in the CAS Student Central Summer Program can expand your knowledge of the property and casualty actuarial industry, build your network, and enhance your resume.

Watch Now!

Topics Covered

  • Overview and Background of the CAS Student Central Summer Program
  • What to Expect in a Typical Week
  • Application Process
  • Program Impacts
  • Mentor and Student Perspectives

Not yet a member of CAS Student Central? Join this free membership program today and access the CAS Student Central Webinar Library!

Meet the Presenters:

Jason Nikowitz, FCAS, CPCU, CSPA
Jason Nikowitz is an Assistant Vice President and Actuarial Manager for Zurich North America’s National Accounts Reserving department. He has previous experience in planning and claims-level predictive modeling and, prior to becoming an actuary, was a high school math teacher. He holds degrees from Purdue University, Harper College, and North Central college and is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and a Certified Specialist in Predictive Analytics (CSPA). Jason has been involved in the CAS Student Central Summer Program since 2021 and is the current volunteer chair of the CAS Student Programs Task Force.

Kyle Bartee, ACAS, CSPA
After a short career in teaching, Kyle went back to school to get an Actuarial degree, and has been a practicing Actuary for a little over a decade. He now works at an Insurtech startup, and is pricing RV insurance for all 50 states. Kyle was a CAS Student Central Summer Program mentor in 2021 and 2022, and hosted mentor trainings in 2023 for fellow mentors during the program.

Aarif Baksh, Student
Aarif Baksh is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln working towards a master’s degree in actuarial science. Aarif was a 2023 CAS Student Central Summer Program participant, and his team won the panel 5 case competition. Aarif is also currently participating in the CAS Student Central Scholars Program.

Christa Benitha, Student
Christa Benitha Ingabire is an undergrad student at Hamilton College, set to graduate in December 2024 with a major in Pure and Applied Mathematics, and a minor in Studio Art. Benitha plans to pursue a career in Actuarial science and was a 2023 CAS Student Central Summer Program participant. Her team won the panel 4 case competition, and she is currently participating in the CAS Student Central Scholars Program.


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Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2024 CAS Student Central Summer Program!

Applications are now open for the 2024 CAS Student Central Summer Program! Developed by practicing actuaries, this free eight-week program will support university students’ career growth by providing technical and soft skill development, as well as mentorships and networking opportunities.

Since its inception in 2020, this educational program has rapidly gained popularity among CAS Student Central members. Hear firsthand what a former participant has to say about the program and how it has positively impacted their actuarial journey:

“I genuinely believe that the CAS summer program is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of actuarial science. It’s not just about academics; it’s about building a network, gaining practical exposure, and shaping your future in a dynamic field.”

2024 Program Details

The program will run from Monday, June 10 – Friday, August 2. Over the course of the eight-week program participants will:

  • Complete weekly modules that focus on a variety of property and casualty actuarial topics including pricing, reserving, and data visualization.
  • Connect and network with mentors for weekly discussions as students advance through the program.
  • Build important soft skills, such as presentation skills, resume/interview prep, professional courtesies and more!
  • Work on teams with other students on a case competition addressing a real-life actuarial problem, and present their final projects to a panel of practicing actuaries. There will be  prizes for the winning teams.

Participants will spend approximately 10 hours a week participating in the program and are expected to attend the program in its eight-week entirety. Presentations and materials will be in English. Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a digital badge by the CAS documenting their accomplishment.

Who Should Apply?

The program is geared towards university students who are interested in gaining actuarial experience and knowledge of the property and casualty insurance industry. It is an exciting development opportunity for students who do not have an internship lined up for summer 2024.

We encourage students at schools without actuarial programs, as well as those who recently learned about the actuarial career, to apply. This program will also be beneficial to students who attend an actuarial program but have had limited exposure to property and casualty topics or limited access to actuarial internships.

The CAS strongly encourages students that identify with groups historically under-represented in STEM professions, including Women, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, to apply.

The CAS is committed to providing universal access to all of our programs. Any accommodation requests can be submitted during program enrollment process once admissions notifications have been circulated.

If you are located in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, please apply to the East Asia Summer Program here: CAS Student Central East Asia Summer Program

Application Information:

Interested students should submit an application form by April 10. Please note, we require one recommendation submitted within the application.

Applicants will be notified no later than May 1 as to the status of their application.

For those that are looking for a flexible schedule and have limited capacity to attend weekly cohort meetings, we will also offer the CAS Student Central Independent Summer Program, a self-paced alternative covering the same materials. The independent program includes an online forum for participants to pose questions, connect with each other, and obtain guidance. It excludes the case competition, and weekly mentor discussions. The program will run from June 24-August 2. Applicants interested in applying specifically for the CAS Student Central Independent Summer Program should also complete the application form above.

Questions? Please email us at studentprograms@casact.org


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Save-the-Date: CAS Student Program at the CAS Spring Meeting in Atlanta, GA!

The Casualty Actuarial Society is offering an in-person Student Program at this year’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA on May 7, 2024. Members of CAS Student Central are invited to participate in this FREE program.

Registration will be open to all members of CAS Student Central. Students who are not yet members can easily sign up online.

More information and registration details are to come! If you would like to be the first to be notified when registration opens, please complete this form.

Location:

Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303


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