How did a math expert gain the multidisciplinary skills to create her own career? She achieved a degree in Actuarial Science from the School of Professional Studies.
At SPS, Grace Feng Wu:
- Had a mission to help lower the cost of healthcare
- Enjoyed the mix of statistics, business, and economics
- Honed her business skills to propel her career
- Got an internship and then the job of a lifetime…
- Health Actuary at Deloitte
What fired up your interest in becoming a health actuary?
I am the only one in my family who graduated from college, much less got an advanced degree. That’s due in part to my family’s experience with healthcare in China. My dad got sick there, and the system was pay-as-you-go at the time. If you didn’t have enough money, you couldn’t see a doctor without incurring a large debt. My other siblings missed out on college because they had to work to repay it. Healthcare is very personal. I was driven by that experience to seek a career where I could help people gain better access to care.
Why did you choose Columbia?
I studied math at U.C. Berkeley. During my senior year, I discovered Columbia’s Masters program in Actuarial Science, and I knew it was a fit for me. I think of the discipline as a perfect mix of statistics, business and economics. At Columbia, I not only got qualitative training, but the program has a strong focus on leadership development and communication. Columbia was one of the few schools that offered a rich choice of special electives. You could pick P&C (property and casualty), pensions, life insurance and health insurance. I got to explore all of these options.
How did you find your way to Deloitte?
Columbia SPS is a great launch pad; particularly for students like me who know what they want to do with their lives. I also managed to stay connected to the program. I lead Deloitte’s Actuarial Science recruiting at Columbia. A group of us presented to students and gave advice on interviewing. We also did some one-on-one mentoring.
Did Columbia SPS prepare you for your new role?
In other programs actuaries are trained to sit behind a desk, work on a spread sheet and get lost in numbers. But because of the unique way Columbia structures its program, it forced me to take a step back. It helped me see the big picture and ask the right questions. Thanks to my education at Columbia, I’ve been trained to be a leader.
