Since my graduation from college in 1985, I have worked as an actuary at The Baltimore Life Insurance Company. From the start of my career as an actuarial student to my present position as Senior Product Actuary, I have had the opportunity to combine my interests in mathematics, programming, and business.

As an actuarial student, I sat for tests offered by the Society of Actuaries. Baltimore Life, like many insurance companies, encourages its students to progress through the examinations and often bases promotions and additional work responsibilities on the attainment of the Associate (ASA) and Fellow (FSA) designations. Although the examinations are taken on a self-study basis and at times are difficult, the process is very well structured and extremely worthwhile. Mathematical and business skills as well as a general love of learning are prerequisites for success with these examinations.

Baltimore Life specializes in the development and marketing of life insurance and annuity products. I work with various departments in the company to determine the needs of our customers and design and implement policies that meet those needs. While the growth of computer and software technology has automated much of the day-to-day number crunching often associated with this profession, I often find myself using the logic and reasoning skills which a mathematics background affords.

For instance, two years ago I developed a traditional life insurance product which allows the client to select the number of years of premium payments.