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Alumnus: Math helps order thoughts
Jason Reed (B.S., 2000)
Jason Reed graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math. He went on to Texas A&M University and received his Master’s degree in Statistics in 2002 and a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 2005. He is currently an actuary for the Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance company. An actuary analyzes risk in order to minimize the losses experienced by the company.
Jason was born in the small town of Bakersfield, California, which is close to Los Angeles. He always enjoyed math, and with the help of the Sturgis Fellowship, he pursued a degree in math here at the University of Arkansas where he enjoyed having teachers who inspired him. Since graduation, he has concentrated on completing the nine actuarial exams. The first five are quantitative and the last four qualitative exams are insurance related. He completed the last exam in June of 2008, and now he has time to pursue hobbies.
Jason explained that math has been helpful in his career because in the insurance industry, he is involved in the pricing of insurance and the building of models based on a variety of demographics. "Math teaches you how to think in a structured way," he explained. "It teaches you how to order your thoughts."
Jason’s parents were first-generation college graduates. His dad was a geologist who specialized in finding oil and his mother was a psychological therapist. They are now retired and living in Las Vegas, NV. He has a sister who has graduated from college with a major in biochemistry.
If you enjoy mathematics and are interested in the business world then Jason recommends considering a career as an actuary. You can find out more at the website of the Society of Actuaries: www.beanactuary.org.
"Don’t let the apparent lack of practical application dissuade you from studying math," Jason advises perspective math majors. Jennifer Mann (Ph.D, 2001), University of Texas at Tyler, was recently recognized by the Mathematical Association of America, with the Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member.
If you would like more information from Jason, his email address is r.jason.reed@gmail.com
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