When Olivia Suarez started tutoring math during her undergraduate studies, she loved helping others understand complex concepts. But Olivia wanted to do more than teach equations—she wanted to use math to make a real-world impact. That drive eventually led her to actuarial science, a field where she could combine analytical rigor with purpose. Now pursuing her M.S. in Actuarial Science at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS), Suarez is on a mission to spotlight the field’s value and bring together a vibrant community of future actuaries.
“Data changes all the time. You have to adjust and account for new things happening in the environment or the economy,” she said. “I love learning new math. And this was the way I could continue learning more and more math and then use my math to help people through insurance.”
In particular, Suarez hopes to focus on annuities and retirement preparedness—especially given challenges facing the future of Social Security in the U.S. She also hopes to encourage greater financial literacy so that people can retire with “financial dignity.”
Suarez spoke to SPS about her journey to Columbia’s Actuarial Science program and her hope to bring greater attention to the field as a new member of the Actuarial Society of Columbia University (ASCU) board.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in the field of actuarial science?
In my early education I really struggled with reading comprehension and found it difficult to deduct meaning from a passage. Math, however, was black-and-white. It had strict rules, and I fell in love. I studied mathematics during undergrad at Amherst College and furthered my love for the subject. People always told me I could do anything majoring in math. But I didn’t want to pursue any career—I wanted to create a meaningful impact with mathematics.
For a while, I dreamed of creating impact as a mathematics teacher. During undergrad, I offered free tutoring in communities with fewer economic opportunities, I volunteered in a STEM classroom at a local high school, and I completed an AmeriCorps term of service volunteering as an engineering teaching fellow in an economically vulnerable community.
But I craved greater intellectual stimulation. I didn’t want to repeatedly teach the same material. That’s why I pivoted to actuarial science: a career guided by constant learning where I would be able to make a positive impact and help people through my math skills. I decided to focus on protecting people by assessing risk for insurance companies.
Why did you decide to apply for an M.S. program in actuarial science, and why did you choose Columbia?
I am a lifelong learner—that is part of the reason I’m pursuing a degree in actuarial science, which requires me to take many tests throughout my career. I wasn’t ready to stop learning in the classroom and wanted to continue to surround myself with students who are enthusiastic about education and instructors with specialized knowledge. Columbia in particular has a wealth of resources for professional development. I was particularly excited by the proseminar: a twice-weekly professional seminar that supplements technical expertise developed during classes with advice/insight from industry practitioners.
Could you tell us about your experience so far at SPS? What resources or opportunities have been most helpful to you?
The professional resources at SPS are unmatched. The program offered me three drafts of résumé reviews before I even stepped foot onto campus. Our orientation placed a strong emphasis on professional development, and we had multiple lessons on networking and interviews, along with an opportunity to workshop answers to commonly asked interview questions. I left orientation feeling prepared for fall recruiting.
What made you decide to join the board of the Actuarial Society of Columbia University?
I think aspiring actuaries tend to be risk-averse people—hence our pursuit of a career in measuring and mitigating risk. I suspect that many of us also fear the risk of a poor grade and prioritize studying over attending social events. I wanted to change that. In joining ASCU, I hope that my enthusiasm, my bubbly personality, and the events I help to organize might bring to life a new social scene for actuarial science students.
I also hoped that I could spread awareness of the actuary profession. It’s a pretty niche job that not many people know about, yet our work affects almost everyone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told people I’m studying to be an actuary and they ask me what that is. I’ve had friends ask if actuaries work with taxes or if we prove if something is real by gathering the facts and data to prove its existence. (We don’t.)
What are your goals while serving on the board, and what are you most excited about in the year ahead?
I’m most excited about fostering a stronger community within ASCU. I find that most of the people in the program are introverted. I am an extroverted individual and bring a touch of silliness and fun to the group. I had ASCU members wear ogre ears for a Halloween post, which resulted in quite a few laughs!
What does the actuary career offer math majors? And what would you like people in general to know about actuarial science as a discipline and a career path?
The actuary career offers math majors a chance to continue learning new mathematical models. The ability to always keep learning mathematical models through work is rare, limited to actuaries and academics. But an actuary has the pleasure of doing more than just learning these new models—we also get to apply them to real-world problems.
Something I would love the general public to know about actuaries is that actuarial science is an interdisciplinary discipline. We’re not just math whizzes—we are also experts at statistics and coding. And because it’s a relatively niche career path, I would go so far as to say that no actuary is indifferent to their work. Every actuary you meet will be deeply passionate about what they do—after all, they choose to dedicate thousands of hours to study for the SOA/CAS exams.
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 priority application deadline for the M.S. in Actuarial Science program is February 15, with a final deadline of June 1. Learn more about the program here.
