Campus Club ambassador Nam Nguyen shows how intentional preparation can make the internship and interview process feel much more manageable, even while balancing classes, exams, and leadership roles.
Preparing for an internship or interview as an aspiring actuary can feel overwhelming at first. Between classes, exams, and extracurriculars, it is easy to wonder where to begin. Through my own experience, I have learned that successful preparation comes down to being intentional, organized, and confident in my story.
Building a Strong Technical Foundation
First, I focused on building a strong technical foundation. Employers want to see that I understand the basics, so I made sure I was comfortable explaining key actuarial concepts, Excel skills, and relevant coursework.
I did not aim to know everything. Instead, I aimed to clearly explain what I did know. Reviewing past projects and class assignments helped me speak more confidently about my experience.
I did not aim to know everything. Instead, I aimed to clearly explain what I did know.
Preparing for Behavioral Questions
Second, I spent time preparing for behavioral questions. Interviews are not just about technical knowledge. They are also about how to think, communicate, and work with others.
I practiced answering questions using real examples from school, leadership roles, and group projects. Having a few strong stories ready made me feel much more confident during interviews.
Researching the Company
Another important step was researching the company. Understanding a firm’s values, culture, and role expectations helped me tailor my answers and ask thoughtful questions. This showed genuine interest and also helped me decide whether the company was a good fit for me.
Preparing for an internship or interview is not about being perfect. It is about showing growth, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Using Feedback and Practice
Finally, I leaned on feedback and practice. Mock interviews, résumé reviews, and conversations with peers or mentors made a major difference. Each round of feedback helped me improve and feel more prepared.
Preparing for an internship or interview is not about being perfect. It is about showing growth, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. With consistent preparation and the right mindset, the process becomes far less intimidating and much more rewarding.
About the Author
Nam Nguyen is an actuarial science and risk management student at DePauw University with a strong interest in pursuing a career in actuarial science. As an aspiring actuary, he is actively preparing for actuarial exams while building technical and professional skills through leadership and community involvement.
He serves as a student ambassador for the SOA and Treasurer of Gamma Iota Sigma’s Delta Gamma Chapter. He also holds leadership roles as vice president and treasurer of the DePauw Table Tennis Club and serves as a student mentor for the Modeling the Future Challenge.
Nam will be joining UnitedHealth Group as an actuarial analyst intern, where he looks forward to applying his academic knowledge in a professional setting. Outside of academics, he enjoys cooking new dishes and experimenting with different sauces, combining creativity with precision both in and out of the classroom.