{"id":769,"date":"2020-08-14T13:54:50","date_gmt":"2020-08-14T17:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/csh\/?p=769"},"modified":"2022-02-14T15:41:27","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T20:41:27","slug":"connecting-cardinals-from-ma-in-actuarial-science-to-chief-risk-officer-at-international-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/csh\/2020\/08\/14\/connecting-cardinals-from-ma-in-actuarial-science-to-chief-risk-officer-at-international-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardinal Directions: From MA in Actuarial Science to Chief Risk Officer at International Company"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Ahmad Alqarishi<\/em><\/a> (MA \u201909) is currently the chief risk officer and chief actuary at Saudi Re, a Saudi Arabia-based company that handles reinsurance business from more than 40 countries. Prior to that, Ahmad spent a decade working as a finance industry regulator at the Saudi Arabian Monitory Authority. After earning his bachelor\u2019s degree in mathematics from King Saud University, Ahmad came to Ball State in 2007 to earn a master\u2019s degree in actuarial science. Ahmad is also a <\/em>Fellow of the Society of Actuaries<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

What are the most valuable skills you learned as a master\u2019s student in actuarial science? How have they helped you post-graduation? <\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the department of mathematics, one of the positive experiences I realized was the heavy focus on the practical application of theory. Initially, it was challenging for me as I had to apply mathematics to real-life problems. Within the program we had to apply and practice a lot of concept\/theory that was related to the actuarial work. It has helped in shaping my approach in applying actuarial techniques to solve any business problem. More importantly, it assisted me in passing the actuarial exams and obtaining the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation.<\/p>\n

Is there a particular class or professional opportunity that you remember having a big impact on you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Definitely. MATH 557\u2014Short Term Actuarial Mathematics\u2014was the first actuarial class in my actuarial program. I struggled at the beginning of the course, however Dr. Jack Foley, who taught us this class, has been a great professor and actuarial mentor. This class helped me to understand the application of the actuarial science and its use in professional business.<\/p>\n

With respect to the professional opportunity, I had the chance to participate in the 2011 fall international fellows program of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The international fellows experience is designed for professional staff members who meet specific qualifications. We participated in a one-week training session at NAIC\u2019s central headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a five-week, on-the-job training at a State Department of Insurance. My host state at the time was the California Department of Insurance (CDI). During my job training I participated in the following divisions:<\/p>\n