Actuarial

Shyam, Actuarial Analyst

Why State Farm?
There are many opportunities that are open to you in a company like State Farm that you won't find anywhere else. I started this job without a great deal of practical knowledge about the field. With the size and diversity of this company, I knew I could find a niche that suited me well.

The Bloomington-Normal area was a draw as well.  I wasn't going to have problems adapting since Tallahassee is fairly similar in size and style.  Also, I lived for quite a while in the San Francisco Bay Area, so being near bigger cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis was important to me.

The people around here make it easy to come in to work every day.  There is a very positive and friendly environment here.  At times we may seem laid back in our day-to-day demeanor, but underneath it all is a mutual understanding of responsibility, personal accountability, and passion for what we do. 

About Personal and Professional Development
As actuaries one of our goals is to complete the exam process and attain our designation of FSA or FCAS. The support offered through the course of the examinations is generous. Management understands our needs and does their best to balance our workload and study time. After all, they went through the same thing themselves. The salary, exam bonuses, and exam support are regularly examined to maintain competitiveness with the industry. The hidden factor, though, is that the cost-of-living is much lower in Bloomington-Normal than in bigger cities.

What’s It Like to Be An Actuary?
I've always been driven when it comes to mathematics, teaching, and continuous learning. You don't have to be in academia to pursue them. Math is inherent within the job of an actuary, of course, but teaching and communication skills are essential too. We may understand the numbers, but we need to convey this message to others who don't have the same background and expertise. Finally, the learning curve on the job is quite steep and long, both from exams and practical experience, always leaving room for improvement and growth. 

Outside of Work
I've organized and participated in many activities in the local Indian community. Often times it feels like a second job, but the work is very rewarding. I love running and martial arts, and I'll play just about any sport. I have also been involved in a number of leagues through the State Farm Employees Activities Association (ultimate, flag football, table tennis).

Shyam's career path:
My actuarial career began here at State Farm in March 2006.  Since then I have been in the pricing unit in the Life/Health Actuarial Department working on our Universal Life, Variable Universal Life, and Health.