Author: k.dass

On November 9th, I attended the major and minor fair hosted by the Center for Academic Advisement and Orientations. I thought that the fair would be pointless since I already know my intended major but my first year seminar teacher, Erin Kaplan, managed to convince to go-insisting that I can always learn something new. Anyway (apparently the word is anyway, anyways is a slang), in the end I decided to go. I discovered so many majors that I did not even know were offered at Baruch-since it’s dubbed a business school- and that there was also a create your own major pathway. An important thing I noted was that majors  are offered through different schools, each having its own entry requirement; the Zicklin School of Business, particularly, has many pre-business courses. The major I am interested in: actuarial science is offered through the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, which doesn’t have as much requirements, so there’s no need for me to worry (or so I think anyway). I did not hesitate to visit the Department of Mathematics (I am tired of explaining this but the fact that actuarial science has the word science in it, does not mean it’s a life or physical science), I wanted to know the specific prerequisites of my major and the possible tracks I can take to ensure I graduate on time. I discussed taking mathematics courses offered during Winter and Summer sessions and was warned that courses during these breaks may be difficult since there’s much content to cover in a very short time-span but if I really want to, I certainly can. Assuring me that I was at the right place, I was relieved when I found out the actuarial science program here and the courses it includes are designed specially to help pass all five of the preliminary actuarial exams; Baruch has a really great curriculum, recognized by the Society of Actuaries. While I was at the desk, I also explored the financial mathematics major since one does not need an actuarial science degree to be an actuary-something else I learned while there. Afterwards, I decided to take a walk around to get familiar with the minors offered; the Law and Policy minor seemed quite interesting. I could definitely use it as a backup and learn outside of academics. The fair was a great opportunity for exposure to career paths and I am really glad I attended.

One of the biggest transitions in my life is coming to New York City. Many things are different from back home: food, music, weather etc. Moreover, the lifestyle of people is totally different from that of the Caribbean. Many of my classmates don’t know there’s a country called Guyana, much less its location. It often got confused with Ghana. It’s actually the only English-speaking country in South America; which is why it’s more considered a part of the Caribbean rather than South America itself. I felt so isolated, there was hardly anyone could relate to Caribbean culture. I decided to go the Club fair on September 28^th. While at the club fair, I learnt that there is a Caribbean Student Association club. Upon joining the club, I found out that on October 5^th they would be hosting their first general meeting. The first thing I was greeted by upon entering the room was Caribbean music. I met so many people from countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The Vice President of the club happened to be from Guyana. The people in the club were so welcoming that I almost felt that I was home, we were all au fait with each other’s culture. One of the things we talked about was adapting to New York City. Caribbean food are so spicy that it made the food here seem tasteless. They recommended some really great spots where I can get tasty foods. One event I am definitely interested in is the Food Sale they are having next week. Another big change is the weather. Being from the tropics, all one has ever seen is Sun and Rain. We talked about how cold it could get during the winter and how I’ll have to be in layers for clothing otherwise I could fall sick. We then moved on and talked about the great events they have coming up. They even have concerts and feature Caribbean artistes. They even have a sister club, Student Organization for Caribbean Appreciation, with whom they coordinate with to host great events. I signed up for their Newsletter so I would never miss a date when they’ll host another event. I am so glad I was able to meet great people who can help me adjust and be comfortable while here at Baruch!

Finally, on September 19th, I got the opportunity to attend an actuarial science workshop hosted by Prudential Financial. The awareness program cleared so many doubts I had in actuarial work. I found out that I didn’t have to pass all the actuarial exams before actually getting an actuary position. Moreover, Prudential may help pay for these exams, provide mentoring before taking the exams and even give a salary increase for every exam I passed. They also have a performance team to help monitor my progress and provide advice. I was happy to find out that Prudential isn’t only involved in actuarial science but also accounting & finance, global investments and assets management, just to name a few. Who knows, maybe I’ll get tired of all the mathematics courses essential for analytical skills in actuarial work. I also gained many insights on the internship programs Prudential has available for students. There is a one week Actuarial Success Awareness Program where you are exposed to actuaries and their work and a more intense Actuarial Internship Program where you actually get to do the work. Best part is even if I was placed outside of New York, they provide accommodations. Seems like the best place to work right? One interesting fact that you may want to know is that Prudential employed over 1/3 of the actuaries in the tri-state area. Even if you were not interested in actuarial work, there are so many great areas to explore. The workshop was quite intense as it was a lot of information being sent but the representatives were all very kind and keen to ensure I received relevant and necessary information. One of the representatives actually attended Baruch. There were many free gifts, snacks and refreshments provided. The meeting was great overall and I definitely think I will be applying for Actuarial Success Awareness Program coming this Spring.