After completing her first year in the Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) M.S. in Actuarial Science program, Jiaqi Huang has a clearer sense of both the profession she wants to enter and the kind of actuary she hopes to become.
Huang came to Columbia with a strong foundation in mathematics, finance, and statistics from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), along with international experience as an exchange student at Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom. Before beginning graduate study, she completed six IFoA examinations, which later qualified her for five SOA exam exemptions and three VEE credits.
At SPS, she has continued to build on that technical foundation while developing leadership, communication, and consulting skills. As president of the Columbia Actuarial Society, Huang has also helped create opportunities for students to connect with employers, alumni, and one another.
In this Q&A, Huang reflects on her first year in the program, what surprised her most, and the advice she would give incoming students.
Could you tell us what led you to the SPS Actuarial Science program?
When I began looking for graduate programs, SPS stood out because of its strong balance between academic rigor and practical industry experience. The program’s location in New York City, close connections with the insurance and financial industries, and collaborative learning environment made it an ideal place to continue developing both my technical expertise and leadership skills.
Looking back, choosing Columbia has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has allowed me to grow not only as an actuarial student but also as a leader through my role as president of the Columbia Actuarial Society.
Looking back on your first year, what surprised you most about the program?
What surprised me most was how practical and industry-oriented the program is. Many courses go far beyond theory and require students to work with real-world insurance data, financial models, and industry case studies. These projects challenged us to think like actuaries and consultants rather than simply solving textbook problems.
I also did not expect how collaborative the learning environment would be. Group projects are a major part of the curriculum, and working with classmates from different countries and professional backgrounds helped me develop stronger communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Another highlight was the frequent occasions when experienced actuaries, industry leaders, and alumni came to campus to share their career journeys and perspectives on emerging trends. Their experiences made the transition from graduate school to the actuarial profession feel much more tangible.
What were some of the most valuable lessons or experiences you learned during your first year?
One of the biggest takeaways from my first year has been strengthening my actuarial foundation through courses that closely align with the SOA curriculum. Classes such as Actuarial Methods, Actuarial Models, and Advanced Actuarial Methods provided rigorous training in topics like loss modeling, life contingencies, risk theory, and financial mathematics.
Beyond technical knowledge, I learned how to apply actuarial concepts to real business problems. Many of our projects involved analyzing real insurance data, evaluating financial risks, and presenting recommendations rather than simply performing calculations. That experience taught me how to communicate complex quantitative findings in a way that business stakeholders and clients can easily understand.
Overall, my first year helped me realize that actuarial science is not just about passing professional exams or building technical models. It’s about using quantitative analysis to support real-world decision-making. That shift in perspective has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained at Columbia.
Was there a course, project, faculty member, or classroom experience that had a particularly meaningful impact on you?
One of the most meaningful experiences during my first year was the Integrated Project. Our team worked as actuarial consultants for Harford Mutual Insurance Company, evaluating its liability profile and strategic asset allocation. Throughout the project, we analyzed the company’s business mix, estimated liability duration based on claims development patterns, assessed investment risks, and explored how asset allocation could better support the company’s long-term insurance obligations.
What made this project especially valuable was that it closely mirrored real consulting work. Instead of simply completing calculations, we had to identify the client’s key business questions, justify our analytical approach, and present practical recommendations supported by actuarial analysis. Throughout the project, we regularly refined our work based on feedback from faculty, just as consultants would work with clients in a professional setting.
The Integrated Project was the first time I truly experienced what it feels like to think and communicate like an actuarial consultant. It brought together everything I had learned throughout the year and showed me how actuarial analysis can directly influence real business decisions.
How has your first year in the program shaped the way you think about actuarial science or your future career?
Through courses, consulting projects, and conversations with experienced actuaries who visited our program, I gained a much broader perspective on the profession. I learned how actuarial analysis supports areas such as capital management, asset-liability management, enterprise risk management, and long-term business strategy. What impressed me most is that actuaries are not just analysts behind the scenes — they often serve as trusted advisors who help organizations balance risk, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
These experiences have also helped me think more clearly about my own career goals. I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career in the insurance industry, where I can combine quantitative analysis with strategic decision-making. In the future, I hope to contribute not only through strong technical expertise but also by communicating complex ideas effectively and helping businesses make informed, data-driven decisions.
What advice would you give to incoming students who are starting the program this fall?
My biggest piece of advice is to be proactive from day one. Graduate school goes by much faster than you expect, so don't wait for opportunities to come to you — take the initiative to seek them out.
Academically, stay engaged in class and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The curriculum is rigorous, but it’s also highly practical, so focus on understanding how the concepts apply to real actuarial and business problems rather than simply memorizing formulas.
Outside the classroom, make the most of Columbia’s incredible professional network. Attend employer information sessions, alumni panels, and networking events, and don't hesitate to introduce yourself to professors, alumni, and industry professionals. Many valuable career opportunities begin with a simple conversation.
I also encourage students to get involved in student organizations. Serving as president of the Columbia Actuarial Society has shown me that some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen outside the classroom. Through organizing events and working with classmates, I’ve developed leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that are just as important as technical knowledge in the actuarial profession.
Columbia offers far more than a degree, it offers a community. If you stay curious, remain open to new experiences, and actively engage with the people around you, you’ll gain much more than technical knowledge. You’ll leave with lifelong friendships, professional connections, and a much clearer vision of the actuary you want to become.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia University School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
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 application deadline for the M.S. in Actuarial Science program is June 1. Learn more about the program here.
