Harshit Jain, a master’s student in Actuarial Science at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), is making a significant impact in student leadership. Currently serving as treasurer of the SPS Student Government (SPSSG), Jain combines his expertise in mathematics and statistics with a passion for community engagement. “Being elected treasurer of the SPSSG is such a great opportunity to use my background in mathematics,” said Jain. “And it gives me a chance to be more involved in the School and get to know my fellow students.”
Jain’s interest in actuarial science began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Delhi, where he developed a fascination with financial markets through investing in the stock market. This sparked his interest in risk management and led him to actuarial science, a field that merges mathematics, statistics, and risk assessment to address complex challenges in industries like insurance and finance.
While pursuing his master’s at Columbia SPS, Jain expanded his knowledge, discovering how actuarial skills apply to fields like banking, finance, and even climate risk. “The diversity of opportunities available to actuaries really opened my eyes to how these skills can be applied across industries,” Jain said.
In addition to his academic work, Jain has taken on leadership roles within SPS. As treasurer of the SPSSG, he manages finances for student initiatives and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably. Jain’s work in student government is rooted in Columbia’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and he is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to opportunities: “It’s been especially meaningful to align my work with Columbia’s DEIA principles,” Jain said, “ensuring every decision is inclusive and fair.”
Jain also played a key role in organizing the popular SPSSG Formal Cruise. “To our surprise and excitement, 250 tickets sold out within two hours, which was both overwhelming and incredibly rewarding,” he shared. The event has become a tradition that strengthens the sense of community among SPS students.
With his strong technical skills and leadership experience, Jain is well positioned to pursue a successful career in risk management or data science, where he plans to apply his expertise to solve complex real-world challenges.
About SPS Student Government
The mission of the SPS Student Government (SPSSG) is to create a unified community for all students across SPS programs. The SPSSG is elected by their peers to represent each master’s program as well as the student body at large and advocates for student interests before the SPS administration, faculty, alumni, and the greater Columbia University community.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Actuarial Science program at Columbia University is internationally renowned for its breakthrough curriculum and esteemed faculty. The program equips students with the tools, skills, and knowledge to excel in today’s rapidly evolving actuarial and related workplaces, with a course of study designed to anticipate and exceed industry needs. Students are prepared to assume leadership positions and meet ever-expanding opportunities. Columbia’s location in New York City, the financial and actuarial capital of the world, allows students access to the world’s foremost practitioners and leaders.
The fall 2025 application priority deadline for the M.S. in Actuarial Science program is February 15. The final deadline is June 1. Learn more about the program here.
