Actuarial Science degree

Waterloo Actuarial Science graduates commonly pursue careers in finance, management, education, actuary, risk analysis, and consulting. They often work at insurance companies, financial institutions, schools, and more.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Actuary

Assess financial risks for insurance companies and other organizations using probability and statistics. Over time, you’ll develop models to price insurance products, evaluate future financial obligations, and help organizations stay financially stable in uncertain situations.

Actuarial consultant

Instead of working for one company, you could advise many clients on risk, insurance, or financial planning. Solve a wide range of problems, often communicating complex ideas to non-experts.

Data scientist

Use statistical models, machine learning, and large datasets to uncover patterns and support decision-making. Your actuarial training helps you understand uncertainty and build models that go beyond simple trends.

Quantitative analyst

Study financial markets and develop mathematical models to evaluate investments and financial risks. You’ll use probability, statistics, and financial math to price financial products, analyze investment strategies, and manage financial risks.

Enterprise risk manager

Look at risk across an entire organization—not just financial but also strategic or operational risks. You’ll develop frameworks that help businesses anticipate and respond to challenges.

Pension consultant

Work with employers to design and manage retirement plans for their employees. You’ll calculate how much money needs to be saved now to ensure people have secure income later in life.

Investment analyst

Study financial markets and recommend investment strategies to clients or firms. You’ll apply probability and financial math to evaluate risk and return when making decisions.

Government policy analyst

Apply actuarial thinking to public programs like pensions, healthcare, or social insurance. You’ll evaluate whether policies are financially sustainable and suggest improvements.

Catastrophe modeler

Specialize in predicting the financial impact of natural disasters and climate-related events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Using simulations and historical data, you’ll help insurers prepare for large-scale losses.

Investment consultant

Work directly with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. You'll learn about their needs, explain investment options, and provide guidance that helps them make confident decisions about their financial future.

Reinsurance analyst

Work with companies that insure other insurance companies, helping spread large risks across the insurance industry. You’ll analyze portfolios of policies to help decide how risks should be shared globally.

With actuarial science, you’re not just learning math—you’re learning how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Whether you work in insurance, finance, or beyond, you’ll be using your skills to help people and organizations plan for the future with confidence.

Learn about the future of careers in business.