I am a mathematics major with an actuarial science concentration. I selected this major because it combines all of the subjects I find most interesting: math, statistics, economics, and business. It is a diverse major and the study plan contains two minors (economics and business). I believe the courses I take and the degrees I receive will present me as an extremely qualified potential employee.

            In order to succeed, I’ll need critical thinking skills, focus, hard work, intuition, and creativity. I will have to be on top of my studies and seek help when I need it in order to maintain the GPA I desire. When I get into 400-level math courses, my critical thinking skills will face their hardest challenges yet. That is why I will need to remain constantly focused on what I want to accomplish. Once I start to get into my upper-level business classes, I will need intuition and creativity to succeed in an environment where those traits are necessities.

            This major is, I believe, a perfect fit for me. I have always enjoyed analyzing and critical thinking. I excel at looking at a situation and deciphering the best solution. I enjoy brainstorming and testing new and better methods in order to produce the most productive result. I work best with a team where I can bounce ideas off other people and help critique others’ ideas. As a Data Scientist, I would be working alone or with groups of people to plan the best financial paths for a company to take. For that reason, I believe a job as a Data Scientist is a fantastic fit for me.

            While at IUPUI, I plan on getting involved in the OTEAM. This will provide me with numerous opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. I would like to be a member of the fall OTEAM, where I participate in mentoring a class of first-year students. It would be my responsibility to meet with them, get to know them, help them achieve their goals, and assist them in any way possible. This opportunity would allow me to help others the same way I have been helped this year. I will know the ins-and-outs of college life and be able to steer younger students in the right direction! Through this experience, I hope to develop increased leadership abilities while also improve on my 1-on-1 mentoring skills. It will also provide me with experience in teamwork and cooperation as I would be working with the class’ professor to find the best ways I can be utilized.

            During my two summers in college, I am going to serve as an intern at two different companies. The best fit for me would be financial companies or companies that have Data Scientists so I can get experience for my future job. Through these experiences, I plan to gain a better understanding of what exactly I would like to do. Since I will be applying for the internships, working for someone, and likely working with others, these opportunities will enhance my communication and teamwork skills while also giving me hands on experience. As a result, I will build connections in the field that I plan on working in.

            IUPUI provides an almost overwhelming amount of resources to help students succeed, which is definitely not a bad thing! I have multiple advisors and mentors set up to assist me throughout my college career. They will help me make educational decisions and develop connections in the math world. Also, there are organizations like PREPs that can help me find internships, improve my resume, and prepare me for my future. If I utilize these resources effectively, I will be able to gain the education I need to succeed, practice interviews for future employers, and create a stellar resume. Consequently, I will receive the internships I desire and start building connections with professionals in my career field, setting me on a path to success.  Eventually, I will combine all of my college and career experiences to begin my life as a data scientist.