I’m Uzwothe Budeli, a 19-year-old student at the University of Witwatersrand pursuing a BSc in Actuarial Science. I was raised in Vaal by my single mother as an only child. I played on the netball first team in school from grade 9 to grade 10. Notably, my abilities in singing, poetry, and performing monologues have earned me multiple awards at the Vereeniging arts festival.
Together with my students, I took the initiative in 2021 to organise a food drive for the Sedibeng Children’s Haven. I also served as a head prefect in grade 12, which demonstrated my commitment to duty and leadership.
The process of finding one’s passion frequently involves a complex interplay between curiosity, exposure, and personal development. These elements led to the development of my desire to pursue a profession in mathematics, specifically actuarial science. In this essay, I’ll go into detail about how my interest in actuarial science developed, how I first became interested in it, my experiences as a student at the University of Witwatersrand, the significance of the South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) in my life, advice for prospective students, and a look at my future goals.
The process of finding one’s passion frequently involves a complex interplay between curiosity, exposure, and personal development. These elements led to the development of my desire to pursue a profession in mathematics, specifically actuarial science. In this essay, I’ll go into detail about how my interest in actuarial science developed, how I first became interested in it, my experiences as a student at the University of Witwatersrand, the significance of the South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) in my life, advice for prospective students, and a look at my future goals.
Actuarial science first caught my attention while I was in grade 11. When researching different mathematical careers, I came upon the discipline of actuarial science, which immediately resonated with me. Actuarial science involved applying mathematical models and statistical approaches to analyse risk and uncertainty in various financial and insurance-related scenarios. It is frequently referred to as the marriage of mathematics and finance. My interest in the subject was sparked by the connection between mathematics, finance, and practical applications.
Several reasons influenced my decision to pursue a profession in actuarial science. First and foremost, the idea of using my prowess in mathematics to assess and reduce risks in various businesses was incredibly alluring. Second, the practical applications of actuarial science fit with my ambition to help society by promoting financial stability and well-informed decision-making. Lastly, the prospect of learning about a dynamic and developing field like actuarial science interested me because it implied a lifelong learning process.
My enrollment at the University of Witwatersrand marked the beginning of an exciting phase.. The university’s Actuarial Science programme provided students with a thorough education that cultivated both technical expertise and critical thinking abilities. The South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) had a significant impact on how I developed academically and professionally. I was able to fully commit to my academic work thanks to SAADP’s mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support.
To current scholars contemplating a career in Actuarial Science, I strongly encourage taking on the journey. The discipline provides a combination of statistics, economics, and mathematics that empowers people to make wise financial decisions. Although the course may be difficult, the intellectual satisfaction and impact on society are extremely fulfilling.
I like to participate in my hobbies when I’m not immersed in Actuarial Science. I have a strong interest in drawing since it enables me to capture the beauty of nature and moments. Outdoor activities like hiking keep me physically busy while also giving my mind the much-needed mental rest it requires.
My transition into the field of actuarial science has been the result of my interest, exposure, and development as a person. My goals in the actuarial field focus around using my abilities to develop original answers for difficult problems as I look to the future. To anyone who are thinking about taking a similar route, I urge you to seize the opportunities and benefits that Actuarial Science presents, as doing so has the potential to turn your interest into a fruitful lifetime endeavour.
