Nebraska's Actuarial Science Club Podcast

In this episode, Matt hosts Mary Hegemann, who is an alumnus from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She is currently a Principal and Consulting Actuary at Wakely. Mary and I talk about her background and how the pandemic could potentially shape the future of emerging risks. Enjoy!

Welcome back! Turns out wrapping up my senior year with 19 credit hours and moving to an entirely new state takes a lot of time away from podcasting. Nevertheless, we are back and kicking things off strong with hosting Jon Forster. Jon is the COO of Medical Risk Managers and in this episode, we take a deep dive into his background and also talk about his new podcast "Jon Forster Talks To Dynamic Leaders". Check it out on Spotify using this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/67Hbjv6ZD9XFJqKEQd4v0k. Enjoy!!!

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing David Ruiz who is currently a Vice President and Chief Financial Actuary for the Life Division of Pacific Life.

In this episode, David and I discuss his work abroad experience, his involvement within the SOA, and the financial/valuation side of the actuarial profession.

This week Ms. Charlie Brockhaus takes over and interviews Maddie Balfany! Maddie, a recruiter at the Life Insurance company, Ameritas, is a recent graduate of Nebraska's College of Business.

In this episode, Charlie and Maddie discuss Maddie's story, her college involvement, how Maddie stumbled on recruiting, and some tips and tricks for those currently going through the process. Enjoy!

This week I had the great pleasure of hosting Hannah Wickard, an Actuary at Mutual of Omaha, who has been modeling COVID-19.

In this episode, we discuss the insurance industry's initial COVID-19 expectations, modeling during a pandemic, and COVID's lasting impact and legacy on the life insurance industry.

This week we decided to switch things up a bit! In this very special episode, I had the great pleasure of hosting the current president of the CAS (Steve Armstong) and president-elect of the CAS (Jessica Leong)!

In this episode, we discuss some of the implications COVID-19 can leave on the insurance industry, how Tesla could provide some helpful disruption for Actuaries and the everchanging future of the Casualty Actuarial Society. Enjoy!

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Sam Futterman, a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and Actuarial Associate at Ameritas. Sam is easily one of the hardest working actuarial students I knew while in college and he achieved his ASA and CERA all while pursuing his actuarial degree! 

In this episode, we talk about Sam's experience with exams, share a few motivational quotes, and emphasize the importance of a strong mindset when going through the process of becoming a credentialed Actuary. Enjoy!

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Will Barlow, who is currently an Associate Actuary at Humana!

In this episode, we dive into Will's professional journey and how he stumbled upon the actuarial science field. He also provides his insights and wisdom on his transition into the field. As a prelude to commencing his actuarial career, Will worked as a teacher, engineer, and tutor.

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing Victor Carter-Bey DM. Mr. Carter-Bey is the Chief Executive Officer at the Casualty Actuarial Society. He achieved his undergraduate degree from John Hopkins University, received an MBA from NYU, and achieved his doctorate through the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Mr. Carter-Bey and I dive deep into his professional story and all things CAS (ranging from the recent change in exams to the goals of the organization).

Have you ever wondered what the SOA exam pathway looks like for an ASA and FSA? Or even just wanted to learn about the opportunities and lifestyle of Life/Health Insurance actuaries?

Today we had the pleasure of interviewing Troy Miskimins. Troy graduated UNL in 2015, and recently achieved his FSA. Specifically in this episode, we dive into why Troy wanted to become an Actuary, the lifestyle of a Life/Health Actuary and Troy’s SOA exam tips and tricks.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an Actuary within the consulting realm?

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Fullerton. Scott graduated UNL in 1996 while majoring in Actuarial Science and Mathematics.  He also graduated with an MBA from the University of Chicago with honors. He was recognized as a risk and insurance power broker in 2014. He is currently a Senior Partner and Actuarial Consultant at Aon.

Today Scott and I dive deep into his professional story. He also discusses the benefits and pitfalls of an Actuary pursuing an MBA, and provides related insights.

Have you ever wondered what recruiters in the actuarial space typically look for? 

Today I had the absolute pleasure to interview Mike Webb a Senior Talent Manager Professional for the Office of the Chief Actuary at Humana, a Fortune 60 Healthcare Company based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Today, we dive deep into what skills recruiters look for; how to differentiate yourself in the recruiting process; and what NOT to do while going through the recruiting process.

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Megan Alexander, who is currently an actuarial analyst at Humana! 

In this episode, we introduce our newest co-host, Charlie Brockhaus! Charlie and I ask Megan what the transition is like from college to the full-time actuarial role, tips/tricks Megan found useful, and any advice Megan found useful in her journey thus far.

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Max Rudolph, who is currently an adjunct professor at Creighton and the Founder and Principal at Rudolph Financial Consulting, LLC.

In this episode, Max and I discuss potential emerging risks from COVID, the benefits of the CFA and CERA certification, and some advice to keep progressing within the field.

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Matt Lenaghan, an Actuary and Director at Pacific Life!

In this episode, Matt and I discuss the Life Insurance Industry. We go into the comparison of what an upper-level Actuaty produces compared to that of an entry-level actuary. Also, we begin to discuss the effects Artificial Intelligence can have on the industry.

This week I was able to interview Dean Farrell, who is currently the Dean of Nebraska's College of Business and a board member on Assurity and Nelnet.

In this episode, Dean Farrell and I discuss her professional story, the impacts COVID-19 could have in an educational setting, and also what she finds most intriguing about Data Analytics.

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Joe Wurzburger, who is currently a Senior Director of Practice Support and Advancement at the Society of Actuaries.

In this episode, Joe and I discuss all the components of the SOA (PRO TIP: there is a lot more than just the exams!) and also how Insurtech is leading the change within our field.

This week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Jim Leslie, who is the Managing Principal at Wolverine Interests located in Dallas, TX!

This is an incredibly special episode! Jim has provided me with tons of great career advice, and he is also a fellow Husker! More specifically, we dive into Jim's professional journey, his time at the Roger Staubach company, and how his entrepreneurial spirit guided him. His words will be particularly inspirational to young professionals trying to find their career path. Enjoy!

Have you ever wondered what the Life Insurance Side of the Society of Actuaries? Or maybe you are curious about what the exam process is like while in school compared to that of the workplace?

Today we had the pleasure of interviewing Erik Nelson is a Senior Actuarial Associate at Allstate Life and Retirement. Erik graduated from UNL in 2016. He achieved his ASA in 2018 and is currently pursuing his FSA. In this episode, we focus on Erik's transition from college to a professional lifestyle.

This week I had the great pleasure to interview Dave Kester, owner and President of Coaching Actuaries!

In this episode, Dave and I dive deep into his professional story and how one of his hobbies became a prominent actuarial study outfit.  We also discuss helpful tips and tricks for students starting off their exam path!

Have you ever wondered what the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance fields look like? Or maybe you are curious about what lines of business are specifically covered under the CAS?

Today we had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Kenney, an Actuary at Zurich. Chris graduated from UNL in 2012; he achieved his ACAS in 2017 and is currently pursuing his FCAS.  Specifically, in this episode, we dive into why Chris chose the CAS pathway and what lines of business are covered under the CAS.

Have you ever wondered what you should be doing as a student to develop your soft skills as a future Actuary?

Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Carlo Lahura. Mr. Lahura is currently an Actuarial Consultant with Ernest and Young. He graduated from the University of Waterloo as the valedictorian of his class. He also served as president of numerous organizations; all while passing 7 actuarial exams during college. 

During the podcast, Mr. Lahura dives deeply into how failure truly shapes all of us, and how we should begin to embrace it as a pathway to greater success and higher self-awareness.

Have you ever wondered what the future of actuarial science might look like? Or wondered about artificial intelligence playing a considerable role in the actuarial field? Today, Brian Brown, FCAS, MAAA shares his insights on these topics and numerous others.

Brian is past President of the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and most recently served as Chairperson of their Board of Directors. He is a member of Milliman’s Board of Directors and is also their Global Practice Director.