New to the Ivy College of Business this spring is an exciting opportunity helping to get actuarial science students connected with companies before they’re ready for internships.
In the actuarial science field, there are various certification exams that must be passed in order for someone to be considered for a professional position. These exam requirements are often tied to internships and make it difficult for freshmen and sophomores to be considered.
In an effort to provide an alternative opportunity for students interested in actuarial science to gain professional experience, Rahul Parsa, teaching professor in finance, and Tony Fucci, senior career coordinator at the college’s Business Career Services office, developed the actuarial science internship prep program.
“The main intent of this program is to create an interest in the discipline,” said Parsa. “Second, to give them an understanding of what an internship will look like.”
Selected students spend 50-60 hours over the course of the semester completing professional development activities such as assisting with projects, job shadowing, and networking with actuarial science professionals. Participating students also receive a $500 stipend.
“I think this is a great way for eager students to get connected with real-world companies and learn about the actuarial science profession early in their academic career. We are very excited for the future of the program.”
— Tony Fucci
“This is a win-win program,” continued Parsa. “A win for the students as they gain experience and something valuable to put on their resumes, and a win for the companies as they can see and train the students for a successful internship.”
This spring, there are six companies involved and 12 students were selected. Much like actual internships, participating companies reviewed student applications and selected the candidates they were most interested in working with.
The program hopes to increase the number of companies involved moving forward. Expanding company involvement would allow for more students to be selected and create a greater impact for everyone involved.
“As the career coordinator for actuarial science, I see how excited students are to explore their major and gain experience,” said Fucci. “I think this is a great way for eager students to get connected with real-world companies and learn about the actuarial science profession early in their academic career. We are very excited for the future of the program.”
