Like so many other math majors, I hadn’t decided on a career after graduating from college. After a few years at my first job in San Francisco, I considered becoming either an engineer or an actuary.
I found through research and talking with others that becoming an actuary would be a stimulating profession and also let me continue my education without returning to school for a higher degree.
I found a job at a small local actuarial firm in California, but my husband and I decided to return to our roots in the East. The firm I worked at did not have other offices, but someone helped me connect with the Charlotte, N.C., office of Cheiron. That was in 2011.
When I found Cheiron, it seemed very right. A no-brainer. Exactly what I had hoped for. I joined Cheiron as an analyst five years into my actuarial career, just before earning the ASA credential. Now I have my FSA, EA, and nearly 20 years of experience. It’s been a wonderful ride working with so many interesting people who bring a lot of energy to their work and are a pleasure to work with.
Our work requires solving complex problems every day, and it’s intellectually fulfilling. I think of how far I’ve come and consider myself very lucky to continue to be afforded every opportunity at Cheiron.
The best part of working at Cheiron is the whole package—the people, the environment, the client work, and the ability to maintain a work-life balance. The advantage of working with other offices is the chance to interact with people outside my office and gain different perspectives.
We have the best actuaries in the profession, who produce excellent work and are collaborative and approachable. A core value of the company is doing the right thing for our clients. Always.
Cheiron supports my desire to grow my career however I want, including doing more consulting and working on special projects. I enjoy helping out on our Workflow Committee and getting to know our junior staff. It’s also rewarding to volunteer with the American Academy of Actuaries on two committees, and to write papers and speak at conferences.
About Alison Chafin
Consulting Actuary, FSA, EA, MAAA
Alison is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, an Enrolled Actuary under ERISA, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.