An Actuarial Science undergraduate must possess a solid foundation in calculus and the management of underlying business risks. This requires extensive knowledge of Mathematics, Statistics, and Demography, enabling them to develop strategic actions for problem diagnosis and to construct models for risk assessment and measurement.
Furthermore, they must be acutely aware of their professional environment and equipped to handle the diverse variables affecting Open and Closed Pension Funds (Private Pensions), Insurance Companies, Capitalization Companies, Banks, Financial Institutions, Industry, and Commerce.
Due to their diversified training and robust foundation in applied quantitative methods, Actuaries possess the skills to manage risk across various sectors, including corporate environments and government agencies.
Program Objective
The FEA-USP Actuarial Science program aims to train the finest actuaries in Brazil, prioritizing competence, professional skills, values, and ethical attitudes. Graduates are expected to contribute significantly to improving society’s quality of life and the competitiveness of economic agents through the application and dissemination of knowledge.
Core Competencies and Skills
The curriculum is designed to develop the following essential competencies:
- Critical Analysis and Initiative: The ability to critically analyze acquired knowledge, adapt to new situations, and lead research initiatives. This includes the managerial skill to coordinate multidisciplinary teams to gather technical inputs and disseminate actuarial information.
- Scientific Culture and Systemic Vision: Interacting with other professionals through an interdisciplinary view of actuarial activity. As actuarial work begins with collaboration, the actuary must be prepared to participate actively in decision-making and understand the core fundamentals of the business in which they operate.
- Communication Proficiency: Mastery of oral and written expression using the specific terminology of the actuarial environment. This involves understanding Actuarial Science as an applied science and engaging in discussions with professionals from other fields, as well as laypeople (participants, policyholders, and shareholders).
- Modeling and Data Management: Proficiency in measurement techniques, modeling variables within their field, database management, and the development of actuarial information systems.
- Financial and Social Awareness: Understanding that managed assets do not solely exist to maximize risk-adjusted returns but are linked to actuarial liabilities related to socio-economic well-being.
- Logical Reasoning and Product Design: Accurate analytical reasoning combined with creativity to use statistical and actuarial models to design new products, particularly in insurance and private pension plans.
- Regulatory and Ethical Knowledge: Deep understanding of general and specific legislation, ethics, and professional prerogatives. Actuaries must exercise their responsibilities by mastering actuarial, equity, and governmental issues, ensuring the solvency of institutions and the protection of society’s interests.