COSAM News Articles 2020 April COSAM Senior Prepares for Career as Actuary

COSAM Senior Prepares for Career as Actuary

Published: 04/21/2020

Auburn University student Brooke Ledbetter stumbled into her current major of applied mathematics with a concentration in actuarial sciences. She is currently a senior studying in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM).

“When I was applying to Auburn and choosing my major as a freshman, I knew I liked math, but I also knew that I did not want to be an engineer,” Brooke remembered. “I registered as a math major, and then at Camp War Eagle when they asked me if I wanted to register in the discrete option of the applied math major, or the actuarial option, I chose actuarial. Thankfully, it was a good fit for me and I stuck with it.”

Originally from Cullman, Ala., Brooke chose to study at Auburn because she said it felt like home.

“The first time I visited the campus was when I was 15, attending a football game,” she said. “We tailgated on Samford Lawn, and not a single person passed by that didn't offer up a ‘War Eagle!’ or a ‘Hey, how are ya’ll?’ I made my college decision primarily based upon the fact that I knew I would be spending several years in the town. I knew I wanted the community that Auburn provided. I am so thankful to be a part of the Auburn family!”

Coming into Auburn, Brook received the Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship. Since attending Auburn, she has received the Protective Life Award for passing two Society of Actuaries exams, and the Dr. Claranne M. Bush Endowed Scholarship. During her time at Auburn, Brooke has been a math tutor, was active in the Actuarial Club, and volunteered at the Church of the Highlands nursery. Last summer she was an intern for the actuarial department at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

“I learned so much during my internship, including how to transition from being a student to an employee,” Brooke said. “I learned a lot about time management, and how it looks a bit different in an employee’s role. I also learned about the importance of attention to detail, advanced functions of Excel, the coding language of SQL (a data management system), principles of health insurance, and so much more.”

During an event hosted by the Actuarial Club on campus, Brooke met employees from Willis Towers Watson in Atlanta.

“Because I went to that meet-and-greet, I was able to meet current Willis Towers Watson employees, which helped me in my interview, and ultimately in receiving a job offer from the company,” she said.

Brooke has accepted a job offer after graduation as a risk analyst for Willis Towers Watson. She said she feels COSAM has prepared her well for this next chapter of her life.

“The classes I took within COSAM provided me with the knowledge I need to pass the two actuarial exams that I have, which really helped when I was interviewing for my full-time job,” she said.