Students studying statistics and actuarial science at the University of Iowa can explore various professional opportunities in the fields of data analysis, risk assessment, and insurance. Some potential career paths and opportunities include:

1. Actuarial science

Graduates can pursue careers as actuaries, where they assess and manage risk for insurance companies, pension funds, or financial institutions. They may work on pricing insurance policies, analyzing financial data, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

2. Data analyst/statistician

Graduates can work as data analysts or statisticians in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and technology. They analyze data to extract meaningful insights, make data-driven decisions, and solve complex problems.

3. Risk management

Students can pursue roles in risk management, helping organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks. This can involve working in banking, finance, or corporate risk departments.

4. Financial analysis

Graduates with strong quantitative skills can work as financial analysts, evaluating investment opportunities, conducting financial modeling, and providing insights to support investment decisions.

5. Consulting

Management consulting firms often hire graduates with statistical and analytical skills to assist clients in solving business problems, optimizing processes, and making strategic decisions.

6. Government and research

Opportunities exist in government agencies and research organizations where statistical expertise is essential for policy development, social research, and public health analysis.

7. Academia

For those interested in academia, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can lead to teaching and research positions in universities and colleges.

8. Data science

With the growing demand for data-driven insights, students can explore data science roles that involve advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in various industries.

9. Health-care analytics

Students can work in healthcare organizations, analyzing patient data to improve healthcare outcomes, optimize operations, and assist in medical research.

10. Internships and co-op programs

Participating in internships or cooperative education programs during their studies can provide valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Students can enhance their prospects by participating in one of our student clubs (Actuarial Science Club, Statistics and Data Science for Undergraduates and the Statistics Student Organization for Graduate Students), attending bi-annual career fairs presented by the Pomerantz Career Center, attending presentations from major companies, and building a strong professional network.

Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications, such as taking courses which lead to passing professional exams or obtaining data science credentials, can further boost their career opportunities in these fields.