Maxwell Shafer ’21 (Actuarial Science, Math and Statistics Minors)

UIndy 360 spoke to Maxwell Shafer ‘21 (Actuarial Science, Math and Statistics Minors) about his UIndy journey.

UIndy 360: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Maxwell: Put yourself out there, don’t be shy.

360: What is the most significant way UIndy has had an impact on you?

M: Being out of state, I got to see how different everyone is with their mannerisms & etc. Gained a new perspective on a lot of things.

360: How has your program prepared you for the next steps in your career?

M: The classes offered followed the exact format of the actuarial exams. The professors made it super easy to get ahead in my career by passing a few exams in undergrad. 

360: Do you have any faculty mentors? If so, who are they and how have they helped you? 

M: Nadjib Bouzar has been my biggest help. He has put in countless hours helping me and going out of his way to help his students. I can’t describe how thankful I am to have had him as my main professor. Also, Lochana Siriwardena has given a lot of career advice and has been a huge help to me as well. I have also talked to other professors like Wendy McCoy who have actuarial experience and went out of their way to offer me advice! 

360: Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities? (athletics, RSOs, volunteer work etc.) How have those experiences impacted your time at UIndy?

M: I’ve been involved in a few things and the people I met have made the greatest impact on me. 

360: What would you like to do following graduation? What are your long-term career goals? 

M: I have a job lined up this Summer in Chicago as a Health Actuarial Analyst at Mercer. My goals are to pass all my exams and then maybe take my background in math and apply it to sport analytics/statistics some day!

360: What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?

M: The people I have met and having small class sizes so I had great relationships with my professors.