Central MA College Standout: Bentley University’s Cailyn Canty
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A Conversation with Cailyn Canty
SW: What does an actuary do and why did it appeal to you?
CC: Generally, actuaries are people who analyze data in order to assess risk, which is then used in insurance companies to help calculate things like premiums. I was immediately attracted to the actuarial field because of the daily use of math. Once I looked more into the major, I found out that actuaries are currently in high demand, which was also appealing. Now that I am in my sophomore year, I realize that I will be helping people on a daily basis within my career by reducing risk, and that is something that I strive to do.
SW: What is the career that you envision for yourself when you graduate?
CC: I see myself working as an actuary after graduating Bentley, preferably at an insurance company in the Boston or Hartford area. I hope to become a Chief Actuary once I pass all of my actuarial exams.
SW: What has been your most memorable course or professor?
CC: My most memorable course so far at Bentley was an actuarial prep course on the theory of interest, taught by Emmy Roth. This course has assisted me in passing Exam FM/2, my first actuarial exam. Although the material was often challenging, Professor Roth always found a way to make it seem less difficult.
SW: What leadership roles have you taken on campus?
CC: I am currently in the process of becoming a Certified Bentley Leader. As a member of this program, I am required to attend multiple lectures every semester. These lectures teach me and my classmates valuable lessons on leadership and help us learn how to become leaders in unique ways. Last semester, the CEO of Unum joined us one afternoon and shared his journey that brought him to the top.
SW: What is one thing you have learned about yourself since becoming a college student?
CC: I have learned that I am capable of anything that I truly put my mind to. I didn’t realize just how challenging actuarial science would be until I was studying for my first exam. The exam required over 300 hours of studying, and because I was so determined, I succeeded in passing and will be working as an actuarial intern at Fidelity Investments this summer.
SW: Where do you head out to when you leave campus?
CC: I head to Worcester about once a week to work at Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency, Inc. and Carr Financial Group. I also spend a lot of time in Boston and Cambridge on the weekends.
SW: What is your favorite quote?
CC: “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it!” –Rafiki (The Lion King) and “Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” – John F. Kennedy
SW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
CC: I see myself living in the city working as an actuary.
Central MA College Standout is a weekly feature that profiles college and university students in Central MA. Join us every Tuesday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of today’s local college student. If you have suggestions for a profile, email [email protected].
Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.
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