Career profile - Wei Yang
Wei Yang talks to us about taking the UK actuarial qualification and what it has meant for her career
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Name: Wei Yang Position: Actuarial Manager, EV Valuation Company: Ping An Insurance Company (Group) of China Location: Shenzhen, China |
I am an actuary with a Doctorate Degree in Management. I believe actuaries should be technically distinguishable from the other professionals; but equipped with a ‘management’ brain.
What made you decide to take the UK actuarial qualification?
I chose to take the UK actuarial qualification because of its international prestige, clear and reasonable qualifying path, and plentiful training. The fact that I was studying in UK at that time also made it an easy and convenient decision.
What opportunities do you think that it has opened up for you?
It has opened the possability of being becoming an actuary. I had no relevant education background; however my exam track has successfully shown my motivation and determination to become an actuary.
How are you finding the route through the qualification?
The route through qualification reflects an actuary’s growing process. Its focus evolves from actuarial techniques to professional judgement. I found myself growing up while taking more exams.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?
It is far more important to know ‘why’ than simply produce results. Remembering this will help actuaries to pass exams quickly and get excellent working performance.
Do you find there is a good work/life balance?
Yes. I do find there is a good work/life balance. I am able to study but still find time to do the things that I want to do.
What challenges have you come across especially working as an international member and how did you overcome these?
I have experienced a shortage of exam consultation and less communication opportunities due to the main hub of activity being in the UK. But, the only way to deal with this is to be more proactive: both in designing a suitable exam route for yourself, networking with others and filtering the right events.
How do you feel the UK qualification has benefited you in your working life?
UK qualification is one of the best actuarial qualifications in the world; especially it helps students to develop a capability of independent and foreseeable thinking. This capability has benefited me in problem solving and keeping up with those most up-to-date actuarial practices.
What is a typical day for you?
7.20 - I get up
9.00 -Go to office and start work
Morning work from 9.00 - 12.00, analyse the embedded value movements during 2012, and have a meeting with finance reporting department to discuss the EV disclosure in the annual report;
Exercise in Gym at noon time, and have lunch: from 12.00 -13.30
Afternoon work until 18.00 with a little bit exercise and snack half way, join the brainstorming session for a managerial project and discuss the assumptions used in 2013 pension budget calculation;
Post work social with friends, have dinner and finish the day at 22.30.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
I have a “1-2-2 Principle”: one weekend day to spend with family, 2 sports activities and 2 personal interests to help keep me relaxed. I found this principle has helped me naturally develop a healthier work/life balance.
What would you like to achieve in the future?
I want to become an excellent actuary in the insurance industry and publish papers in the areas of actuarial practice, finance and management at the same time.