As we approach the end of the academic year, I am proud to present this special issue of The Actuary focusing on education and careers.
For our interview (p13), Kim Chimsasa and Chris Seekings speak to Mukami Njeru and Lucy Muthoni, two actuarial trailblazers from Kenya who are determined to clear the path for new and aspiring actuaries through their work at the Actuarial Academy of East Africa.
Taking a bird’s-eye view of actuarial education, Ibrahim Muhanna examines why there are fewer actuaries in some countries than others, and considers how international and domestic stakeholders can help foster local actuarial professions (p23). On a more personal note, Özlen Kandemirli shares her journey as one of the first Turkish nationals to become IFoA-qualified, and some of the challenges and rewards of working in a small actuarial market (p42).
For our careers theme, I speak to Valerie du Preez, Patrick Flanagan and three others about data science (p26). Why has adoption been less widespread than some had hoped? And why are the opportunities and threats it presents to individuals, and the actuarial profession, closer than some might think?
Finally, as international borders begin to re-open, and after two years of introspection, moving abroad – or returning home – is again on the table for many professionals. What are the relative advantages of working in a smaller market versus a more mature market? What should an aspiring expatriate expect, and how can they prepare for one day going home? Yiannis Parizas and Nefeli Pamballi explore what it means to be an expatriate and returnee actuary today (p30).
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Ruolin Wang Editor [email protected]
