MASSA Podcast: Recent Episodes
MASSA Concordia
The MASSA Podcast shares educational, inspiring and useful content made for Concordia students in the Math and Stats department. Featuring a wide variety of knowledgeable guest speakers such as alumni, teachers and professionals from different industries, the MASSA Podcast will cover subjects from interview skills to career paths to managing stress. You will definitely learn from our guest speakers' advice for success.
Welcome to another exciting episode of the MASSA Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating journeys of remarkable people. In this episode, join us on a journey with Matthew Di Nicolantonio, FSA, FCIA, CERA, an accomplished actuary working in the dynamic world of life insurance. Matthew shares his experiences, beginning with his time at Concordia University, where he embraced a plethora of extracurricular activities, such as Concordia's study abroad program and the ASNA mentorship program. Our conversation takes an adventurous turn as we explore the world of youth parliaments and the unique insights they can provide for personal and professional growth. Matthew also sheds light on standing out in the recruiting process, offering valuable tips for aspiring students. Matthew breaks down the role of actuaries and key assumptions involved in risk management in the life insurance industry. Tune in to this episode full of valuable advice and information.
You can reach Matthew at:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdinicolantonio/
Numbers, Notes and Sports.We're back with another interesting episode .Today we delve into the fascinating journey of Florence Houde-Gelinas, a remarkable student at Concordia University with a passion for numbers and music! Discover how she strikes the perfect chord between her studies in actuarial science and her love for creating melodious tunes. In this episode, we unravel the harmony between math and music, exploring the unique challenges, inspiring moments, and the resultant synergy , when analytics meets artistic expression. Tune in and have a great time .
Florence's Socials:
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/2VXer756SFxajNw7b7GLe6?si=2WfTXKFvSReNIAeQn16OzA
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-houde-g%C3%A9linas
Ever wondered how artificial intelligence and insurance coincide?
Today’s guest is Tony Yuan, a talented actuary who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. Tony is not only an accomplished actuary but also a visionary technologist with a passion for exploring the limitless possibilities that AI brings us. He brings a unique perspective to the table, having studied the impact of what AI can bring to the actuarial industry. In this episode, we dive into Tony’s time at Concordia University, his current role at TD alongside writing a master’s in computer science, and his vision for the future of actuaries and AI.
Relax, and enjoy the episode!
Curious about what led Jill Harper to a career in the Actuarial Software field ?
Join us in this episode as she shares her experience studying Mathematics & Biology and her journey towards becoming a programmer for actuarial software and an actuary. As she elaborates on her current role as a Programming leader and actuary at Moody’s Analytics, gain insights on what she enjoys and finds most challenging in her industry. Jill also highlights the valuable skills she has gained from volunteering. She ends off the episode by offering valuable career advice to our listeners.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!
Want to know more about higher education in Actuarial Mathematics?
In this episode, we invite Sebastien Jessup to walk us through his journey from the moment he learned about the actuarial profession and decided to study actuarial mathematics as an undergraduate student, to now being a PhD candidate in that same field. Sébastien discusses his experience on both the academic side and the corporate field of actuarial science, explains how he found his calling in teaching and research, and gives advice to students who are interested in this path. Moreover, he goes on to explain the topic of his thesis and the methods used in his research in property and casualty insurance.
If you have further questions about post-graduate studies in actuarial mathematics, feel free to contact Sébastien at sebastien.jessup@concordia.ca.
Ever wondered the difference between Pure Mathematics and Pure & Applied Mathematics?
In this episode, our guest speaker Sara Silva walks us through her career path studying mathematics during her undergraduate degree and Big Data analytics during her masters. Currently working at an insurance firm in Portugal, Sara discusses what it was like to take on a masters and writing a thesis during the pandemic. She also shares insight on learning programming languages, a tool that felt incredibly new to her when starting her graduate studies. Sara’s time in university serves as a reminder to us all that we can surprise ourselves with what we are capable of. Enjoy the relaxed conversation!
Welcome listeners to our first episode of the 2022 fall semester! We are happy to welcome Myriam Boucher-Pinard onto the show to talk about her academic background at Concordia University. Students might know Myriam from her time at the Student Success Center as a tutor. Others might recognize her as an active user on the Concordia Math discord where she answers questions regarding class material or gives sound advice on pursuing higher education and reaching out to professors.
In this episode, we discuss Myriam’s time at Concordia double majoring in Psychology and Pure & Applied Mathematics. We primarily focus on Myriam’s decision to double major and how she is putting her studies to use in her research study alongside Ildiko Pelczer, assistant professor at Concordia University.
Debating whether to pursue a career in academia or in the industry?
In this episode, Dr. Yang Lu covers some core topics of his research in insurance and finance such as the broken-heart syndrome, goes over how a researcher gathers ideas and funding to write papers, and discusses the freedom professors have in choosing their research interests. Moreover, he dives deeper into specific papers, shares some anecdotes on how they came into being, and continues by describing what distinguished the academic world from the industry for him. To conclude, Professor Lu gives out some advice to students with an interest in research. You don’t want to miss out!
Ever dreamed of starting your own firm?
After occupying many roles over the years in the investment and actuarial industry, Carmen Racy launched her own currency risk advisory firm. In this episode, she explains what her day-to-day consists of, how her actuarial experience assisted her in starting a business, and what she got out of obtaining an MBA. Along the way, she demystifies some of the financial jargon, such as “hedge funds” and “currency risk”, and discusses her time at Concordia. To conclude, she gives out advice to students who may want to pursue a similar path. Prepare to learn!
“Are we moving fast enough for that? No.” (24:26)
In this episode, our guest speaker André Choquet, current Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability committee of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), details his journey in the actuarial and investment industries and explains how it led him to make responsible investing his mission. He goes on to explain his views that whether to making changes faster or not “really depends on what kind of future you want” (24:02) and outlines how responsible investments can be set up to generate profits in a sustainable way. To conclude the episode, Mr. Choquet discusses the speed at which new regulations are coming into play, gives us some hope with new programs implemented in universities and actuarial exams, and provides insightful advice for future professionals. Be sure to give it a listen!
Here are some links to sources discussed in the podcast:
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Criticism of actuaries in early 2000s by the proponent of Financial Economics: see https://www.soa.org/globalassets/assets/library/newsletters/pension-forum/2003/january/pfn-2003-vol14-iss2-bader-gold-a.pdf
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Learn about David Suzuki: see https://davidsuzuki.org/
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Ontario legislation that required pension plan to include in their SIPP a statement about ESG factors: see http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/pensions/legislative/Pages/sipp.aspx
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How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates: see https://www.amazon.ca/How-Avoid-Climate-Disaster-Breakthroughs/dp/0735280444
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Climate Change and Sustainability Resources of the CIA: see https://www.cia-ica.ca/ccsc-resources
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Russel Investments Brochure on Responsible Investing: see https://russellinvestments.com/-/media/files/us/institutions/brochures/responsible-investing.pdf?la=en&hash=EB6D67C7346B54BD580A617AF7A20C13941EB803
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Article on AXA’s CEO’s statement: see https://www.greenbiz.com/article/axa-4c-warming-makes-world-uninsurable
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Article “Independent Senator Rosa Galvez introduces bill to align Canadian financial sector with climate commitments”: see https://rosagalvez.ca/en/media/press-releases/press-releases/cafa-introduction/
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OSFI documentation on FRFI climate risk management: see https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/Eng/fi-if/in-ai/Pages/clrsk-mgm_let.aspx
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Four papers from the International Actuarial Association on climate issues: see https://www.actuaries.org/iaa/IAA/Publications/Papers/Climate_Issues/IAA/Publications/Climate_Issues.aspx?hkey=12b3d553-9ca0-4c64-85c2-b3df3b4faa3e
Considering teaching mathematics in high school or in CEGEP?
In this episode, listen to Mr. Steve Jackson, who has been teaching mathematics in high schools for more than 30 years. Learn about the ups and downs of a career in teaching, the interaction of teachers with the school environment, and what distinguishes a teacher from a tutor. Obtain advice for future teachers and for studying during university, as well as insight on what teaching will look like from now on. You will definitely learn from him!
Missed anything of last season? Don’t worry, we got you covered.
Welcome back fellow listeners to this second season of the MASSA Podcast! To kick it off, we have prepared a special recap episode, highlighting some of the most interesting points made by our guest speakers in the past season. Previous episodes are available on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, and on our website https://www.massaconcordia.com/podcast/. Tune in for future episodes, you don’t want to miss out!
Want to learn more about risk measures and dependence models?
In this episode, our guest speaker Dr. Melina Mailhot, associate professor at Concordia University, explains why risk measures are useful and how they are used in actuarial modeling. She then elaborates on dependence models and how they relate to risk measures in statistical modeling. To conclude the episode, Dr. Mailhot introduces us to the Canadian Insurance Regulation that minimizes risks related to natural disasters and she shares with our listeners some of her own research projects and research interests! You don't want to miss out!
Curious about what it means to be an intrapreneur?
In this episode, our guest speaker Joe Kordovi, Assistant Vice-President of Innovations at Pacific Life, walks us through his time at Concordia and shares interesting anecdotes about how the student life in Actuarial Mathematics used to be. He describes how he led an actuarial team at the age of 25 and explains why he decided to move to California and how it led him to essentially build a new branch within an insurance company. He then introduces us to design thinking and to the product management side of the insurance business, where creativity and mathematical models meet. Prepare to expand your horizons!
Ever wondered what is the best way a mathematician can make a million dollars?
In this episode, we invite Denis Pankratov to the show to talk about his research interests. He is an assistant professor from the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering of Concordia University. Indulge yourself with professor Pankratov’s clear explanations of complexity theory and algorithm design, as well as his sharp examples on how algorithm design is used. Enlighten yourself with the clear and thought-provoking discussion about the millennium problem, P vs NP, and how solving this impenetrable question can benefit humanity. Prepare to be bedazzled with knowledge!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider watching Scott Aaronson’s video lectures on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uThFd-H7YCE. Looking for something to read? Perhaps you should consider reading Computers and Intractability: A Guide to the Theory of NP-Completeness by Michael R. Garey and David S. Johnson Gary.
Interested in reinsurance or the U.S. insurance industry?
In this episode, listen to Lisa Hebert-Losier as she walks us through her time at Concordia as an actuarial mathematics student, her experience as a health pricing actuary in the U.S. and introduces us to the reinsurance side of the business. Learn about how she adapted to the Canadian industry after 14 years of experience in the U.S. and the fundamental differences between these two industries. To end the discussion, she shares meaningful advice on coaching and receiving feedback. You will definitely learn from her story!
Curious about what research in Statistics and Biostatistics entails?
In this episode, our guest speaker is Professor Michal Abrahamowicz, from the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health of McGill University. To this day, he has published more than 300 papers which makes him a very knowledgeable person in the field. Listen to our guest speaker talk about some issues arising frequently in his work, the importance of collaborating with experts in other fields and some particularities of biostatistics. He also gives a broad description of a new initiative he co-founded called STRATOS, which aims to link specialists in statistics around the world, and he also elaborates on his experience working with famous physicians from all over the globe. You don’t want to miss out!
Want to know what linear algebra, signal compression, machine learning and MRI have in common?
In this episode, our guest speaker Professor Simone Brugiapaglia introduces the mathematics of data science. In particular, he discusses two major branches of the field, namely sparse recovery and compressed sensing, which are inherent in his research. He elaborates on applications of sparse recovery, on the Deep Neural Networks, a subset of machine learning, and on how they are related to data science. To conclude the episode, he offers insightful advice for students interested in research or in applying the knowledge to the industry.
Links to the resources mentioned in the Podcast:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCm5mt-A4w61lknZ9lCsZtBw (mobile link only)
http://www.databookuw.com/
https://www.numerical-tours.com/
https://sites.google.com/view/minds-seminar/home
Wondering how you can finish your actuarial exams while still balancing extracurriculars, social life and studying?
In this episode, our guest speaker Riley Dirks goes in-depth on how he successfully completed all his actuarial exams before graduating from the University of Manitoba. Now that he is an Associate Actuary at Munich Re, he discusses the advantages and disadvantages of finishing his fellowship before graduation and shares important tips on how to prepare for exams. You will also learn about how to set yourself apart from others and the importance of having a good resume and good interview skills. You don’t want to miss out!
Want to know more about Consulting and Julie Duchesne?
Welcome to another episode in our Interviewing Alumni Series where we interview former students, ask them about their respective fields and learn from their experiences throughout their career paths.
In this episode, indulge yourself with the story of Julie Duchesne, a woman who has dedicated more than 20 years into consulting in Health & Benefits, an accomplishment within its own right. Be inspired as she talks about her time at Concordia University studying Actuarial Mathematics and how she made the decision of joining the consulting field. She also talks about what she enjoys and finds most challenging about consulting and her role as the Marsh Benefits Leader for Mercer Canada. Julie ends off the episode with advice for aspiring actuaries who have yet to get an internship. Prepare to be amazed!
Curious about what led actuarial alumnus François Bourdon to a career in the investment field?
Welcome to another episode in our Interviewing Alumni Series where we interview former students, ask them about their respective fields and learn from their experiences throughout their career paths.
In this episode, listen to François Bourdon discuss his experience studying Actuarial Mathematics at Concordia, why he decided to pursue a career in investment, and how his actuarial background was valuable in the investment industry. He elaborates on what he enjoys and finds most challenging about this industry and shares about his impressive career as the former CIO for Fiera Capital and his future entrepreneurial plans in the responsible investment field. To end the episode, he offers significant advice to undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in investment. You don’t want to miss out!
Want to learn how you can ace your interviews?
In this episode, our guest speaker Maryam Goharinejad shares with us her tips on how to prepare for interviews. As Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant at Sun Life, Maryam walks us through the steps of an interview and gives meaningful advice on first impressions, improving your CV and networking. She also elaborates on how to be a memorable candidate and what you should do when you don’t know how to answer an interview question. Lastly, Maryam suggests students to find their personal brand and think about the value that they can add to a company. You will definitely learn from our guest speaker!
Curious about what financial engineering/modeling is?
Listen to our Interviewing Alumni Series where we interview former students, ask them about their respective fields and learn from their experiences throughout their career paths.
In this episode, learn about Sabrina Fernandes’ path as she walks us through her time at Concordia as a MACF student, how her different internships affected her path and the reasons she decided to accept her current full-time position in the Financial Engineering/Modeling team at Deloitte. She shares meaningful tips for presenting models to clients and colleagues with high positions and also mentions why she decided to complete a master’s degree while working. You will definitely get inspired by her journey!
Welcome fellow listeners to our very first thought-provoking episode of the Interviewing Alumni Series!
In this series, we interview former students, ask them about their respective fields and learn from their experiences throughout their career paths. In this episode, we welcome Jesse Racicot to the show and discuss his time studying Pure and Applied Mathematics at Concordia University and find out what are the common challenges that undergraduates face. Learn about Jesse’s time as a Software Developer post graduation and his journey which led him to pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science. You will also hear about Jesse Racicot’s reading course with Professor Giovanni Rosso who was also an inspiring guest on the MASSA Podcast!
Wondering how you can reduce your stress and be more organized for your upcoming final exams?
In this episode, listen to Amine Ben Arous (MASSA President) and Mengding Tian (MASSA VP External) discuss how students can minimize their stress level in the weeks leading up to their final exams as well as during the final exam period. They share some examples of ways to reduce stress such as physical activity, relaxation and making time for things you enjoy doing. Find out more about various strategies to organize your time including prioritizing tasks, completing to-do lists and keeping track of your breaks. Our cohosts also share some helpful advice about building your network and remembering to put each exam in perspective to better manage the stress of finals.
Wondering what you can do with a major in Math and Stat?
Discover our Career Paths Series tailored to each Math and Stat program. In this episode, listen to Professor Debaraj Sen talk about the Math and Stat program at Concordia University. Find out more about career opportunities for Math and Stat students in different areas such as business analytics, scientific research, and data statistics. Learn about minor programs that complement well the major, discover the diversity of internship opportunities, and find out about the pursuit of graduate studies. Our guest speaker also elaborates on his research in numerous statistical fields and shares insightful advice for students in Math and Stat!
Wondering what Graduate Studies in the Math and Stat department looks like at Concordia?
In this episode, listen to Professor Galia Dafni talk about Graduate Studies in the Math and Stat department at Concordia and the various options available to students who wish to pursue higher education. Find out more about how to make this choice and the best way to apply for graduate studies. Learn more about the internships, summer programs and classes you can take as an undergraduate student to help you make the right decision for your graduate studies and career paths. Our guest speaker also discusses her research related to Harmonic analysis and shares helpful information on international research conferences!
Want answers to your questions related to Actuarial Mathematics?
In this episode, listen to guest speaker Professor Jose Garrido's answers to frequently asked questions from actuarial students. Find more answers about how many actuarial exams to take during university, the importance of finishing fellowship, exam exemptions, how many internships to take and more. Our guest speaker also shares some inspirational advice for actuarial students!
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Statistics?
Discover our Career Paths Series tailored to each Math and Stat program. In this episode, listen to Professor Lea Popovic talk about the Statistics program at Concordia University. Learn about many career opportunities in different fields such as the medical field, the technological field, the financial field and more. Discover the variety of internship opportunities, the benefits of doing a Master or a PhD and key tips when pursuing higher education. Our guest speaker also discusses her research related to evolutionary biology and provides well worth advice for students in Statistics!
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Mathematical and Computational Finance?
Discover our Career Paths Series tailored to each Math and Stat program. In this episode, listen to Professor Frédéric Godin talk about the Mathematical and Computational Finance program at Concordia University. Learn about the different career opportunities for MACF students, some internship examples, the benefits of doing a Master or a PhD as well as the difference between a Master in Finance vs a Master in Financial Engineering. Our guest speaker also shares his thoughts on important skills to enhance, CFA exams and gives insightful advice for MACF students!
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics?
Discover our Career Paths Series tailored to each Math and Stat program. In this episode, listen to Professor Giovanni Rosso talk about the Pure and Applied Mathematics program at Concordia University and the diverse range of career paths it can lead to. Find out more about opportunities for students with a Bachelor's degree in this program and learn how to apply to graduate studies. You will also discover what it means to do research while learning about our guest speaker's research on Number Theory!
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Actuarial Mathematics?
Discover our Career Paths Series tailored to each Math and Stat program. In this episode, listen to guest speaker Professor Jose Garrido talk about the Actuarial Mathematics program at Concordia University and the many career paths that it can lead to. Deepen your knowledge about various topics including the different fields actuaries can work in, pursuing higher education and the difference between CIA, CAS and SOA.
Learn more about areas of practice for actuaries: http://bit.ly/actupractices