It took me 20 minutes to figure out that I wanted to become an actuary. I was a typical high school nerd. Good at math, but with no idea of what to do with it.
My mother suggested I take an aptitude test at the local university to figure out what to do with my life and where to go to college. I had a date that night, so I sped through the test and didn’t take it as seriously as I should have, but that ended up being a blessing.
The advisor rattled off a list of things I could do with a mathematics degree, such as accounting and actuarial science. I’d never heard of actuarial science, so the counselor explained that actuaries use math to predict the future, don’t have to lift heavy things, and make a lot of money. That’s all I needed to hear, step 1-check!
Towson University, the nearest college to my home, was also one of the few that the Society of Actuaries considers a Center of Actuarial Excellence. I was sold, step 2-check!
I joined Cheiron in January 2018 as a mid-level actuary. In my previous job, I led the team that reviewed PBGC applications for benefit cuts under the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act. Reviewing the applications was tedious because some actuarial firms that submitted applications wouldn’t discuss their calculations or methodologies.
Except for Cheiron.
Cheiron was open to discussing all aspects of its numbers and stood behind its results. It made the review process much easier. I could see how this transparency would benefit clients and help them feel confident they were making well-informed choices. It was then that I decided I wanted to work at Cheiron.
After having worked here for several years, I can’t imagine working as an actuarial consultant anywhere else. One of the best things about working at Cheiron is the diversity of people and approaches to problem-solving. Everyone is eager to help wherever we can, and I feel like I learn something new from all my co-workers
I also find it immensely satisfying that Cheiron gives me opportunities to mentor trainees and analysts on multiemployer pension law.
About Matt Deveney
Principal Consulting Actuary, FSA, EA, MAAA
Matt is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, the highest professional accreditation, an Enrolled Actuary under ERISA and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.