Janice Zhang | 2023 | Actuarial Analyst at RBC Insurance
B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science
Janice Zhang earned her B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science from York University in 2023. Currently, she is working as an Actuarial Analyst at RBC Insurance.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she says: “The York Actuarial Science program not only equipped me with essential knowledge and technical skills but also facilitated connections with industry leaders through networking sessions and seminars”. Janice expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the close-knit actuarial science community at York.
She was on the inaugural cohort of Hybrid Academia-Industry Internship via Virtual Engagement (HAIIvVE) 2021 and led the administrative aspects of the program in 2022. This distinctive initiative exclusively offers internship experiences in the field of risk management to York students. These experiences allowed her to apply the skills and knowledge she learned from the school and provided her with valuable insights for her career in the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) field.
Shrey Desai | 2023 | Actuarial Associate at RSM
Bachelor in Applied Mathematics
My fascination with mathematics and statistics, coupled with a strong interest in finance, guided my path toward an actuarial career. However, prior to embarking on this journey, I encountered individuals who either had little knowledge of this field or, for those who did, often warned me about its formidable challenges, suggesting I reconsider my decision.
The courses offered at York University proved instrumental in my preparation for actuarial examinations, providing a solid foundation. York’s approach extends beyond theoretical instruction, offering opportunities for direct engagement with industry professionals and hands-on simulation exercises related to insurance business operations. These experiences cultivate the skills highly sought after by leading companies.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my academic journey was the opportunity to participate in three distinct internships: one focused on life insurance, another on property and casualty insurance, and a third in the realm of consulting. This exposure allowed me to gain invaluable clarity regarding my future career path, culminating in the receipt of a job offer even before my graduation.
Today, I proudly serve as an Actuarial Associate at RSM, one of the foremost consulting firms. I am a member of their Financial Consulting Actuarial Team, where I continue to pursue my passion and contribute to meaningful projects.
Leonard Buglak | 2022 | Actuarial Associate at Sunlife Financial
B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science.
The actuarial program at York University has positively changed my life. I obtained a lot of valuable knowledge and skills that helped me develop professionally and as a person. Throughout my academic journey, I obtained two internships that helped me get my full-time position straight out of university.
I also got an opportunity to work with the leading professor of the program, Dr. Edward Furman, on financial market-based research. Most importantly, I was always surrounded by intelligent and passionate peers who made the entire experience very fun.
Emmanuella Sowah | 2022 | Actuarial Analyst at Mercer Canada
B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science
I graduated from York University with a B.A. Specialized Honours in Actuarial Science in 2022. Before coming to Canada and eventually transferring to York University, I was studying Actuarial Science at the University of Ghana.
I am now an Actuarial Analyst at Mercer Canada, recognized as one of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2023 by Forbes
My journey as a transfer student with no Actuarial exams to an Actuarial Analyst with multiple exams passed as well as past internships couldn’t have been possible without the support I received both in and out of class under York U Actuarial Science Association. The courses I learned in school continue to help me with the actuarial exams as well as apply them in my day-to-day work
During my time as a student, I volunteered as a peer mentor for Actuarial Science Association “ASA” and other clubs on campus including the Black Excellence at York University “BEYU” where I worked as a Student Success Mentor Lead, passed two Actuarial exams, completed two Actuarial internships; one at Mercer from which I received a full time offer prior to graduation and the other at Aon. After I graduated, I had a short internship at Sun Life before starting my full time career at Mercer.
Post graduation, I was also awarded the George R. & Mary L. Wallace Award given to an outstanding student in Actuarial Science, Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics. I also made it on the Chair’s Honour Roll in 2022 and Dean’s Honour Roll (both in 2021 and 2022). I owe my academic and career success to the amazing professors and awesome friends I made being part of the York University Actuarial Science program!
Oscar Castro | 2022 | Consultant at McKinsey & Company
B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science
Oscar Castro graduated with a Specialized B.A. Honours in Actuarial Science from York University in 2022. He is now a full-time consultant at McKinsey & Company.
“Studying Actuarial Science at YorkU was an enriching experience with exceptional professors, excellent education and a great community of accomplished and aspiring actuaries.”
“Serving as President of the Actuarial Student Association from 2020 – 2021, I experienced the richness of diversity in the student body, as well as the desire of everyone involved to push the actuarial program forward and build a network of opportunities for everyone.”
“The skills that I gained from internships and courses while studying at YorkU led me to receive multiple job offers right after graduation.”
Ashisha Ramsaroop | 2019 | Actuarial Analyst at Canada Life
B.A. in Math for Commerce, majoring in Actuarial Science
Ashisha Ramsaroop graduated with a B.A. in Math for Commerce, majoring in Actuarial Science in 2020. She is now full time in the Par Pricing and Special Initiatives team at Canada Life, working in London, Ontario.
Ashisha started her undergraduate program at York in 2014, after transferring from Ryerson University. She described the actuarial program at York to be challenging yet encouraging. She mentions the interpersonal skills developed through numerous networking sessions helped opened the doors to many career opportunities.
“The actuarial club/community here has laid a foundation for future students and opportunities. The support and advice from fellow alumni was instrumental to furthering my career. During my last year, I scheduled a coffee chat with a Manulife representative, and immediately reached out to a fellow York alumni. He advised me on how to sell myself and encouraged to make the most of this meeting. This led to two co-op terms with the company, which eventually led to my full time offer at Canada Life.”