Member Spotlight

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

I discovered my love for statistics in high school, which guided my decision to pursue a math-related field in college. Once I learned what actuaries do, I knew it was the perfect fit and that I had found my calling.

What aspects of the field do you love?

I love the math, of course, but I also appreciate the people - actuaries are truly underrated! Throughout my career, I’ve worked in marketing, corporate responsibility, product development, and state management, and across all these areas, actuaries have stood out as some of the most driven, creative, and intelligent professionals I’ve encountered.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to branch out. After earning my ACAS, I asked a former manager, “What should I do next?” His advice was to step beyond a traditional actuarial role. Three weeks later, I took a job in Corporate Responsibility (ESG). It was challenging and intimidating, but that experience broadened my perspective and pushed me to think differently. I believe it has made me a better actuary.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

Find your people. I’ve been at USAA for nearly 15 years, and the actuaries I’ve met along the way have become not just colleagues, but also friends and my greatest supporters. We have lifted each other up through exam successes and failures, changing bosses, weddings, kids, and even cancer. Starting out can be incredibly tough because you are balancing a demanding job while tackling rigorous exams. Take a moment to appreciate the people around you. If you nurture those relationships, they may become lifelong friends and invaluable advisors.

What is your favorite CAS memory?

My favorite CAS memory was the recent Fall Meeting in Phoenix. I’ve become more involved in volunteering, starting with joining the board of SWAF (Southwest Actuarial Forum) and later participating in the Academy’s Committee on Equity and Fairness. This fall, I finally had the opportunity to meet and catch up in person with actuaries I had previously only interacted with over Zoom. Connecting with other volunteers has made my CAS experience even more enjoyable.

What is a fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know about?

I was a huge band nerd in high school and even chose to skip my graduation to perform with the Cavaliers Drum Corps. That summer was incredibly hot and sweaty, with nights spent sleeping on gym floors and traveling from city to city. By August, all the hard work paid off when my group became world champions!