MASSA Podcast

MASSA Concordia

5.0 (5)
EDUCATION

The MASSA Podcast shares educational, inspiring and useful content made for Concordia students in the Math and Stats department. Featuring a wide variety of knowledgeable guest speakers such as alumni, teachers and professionals from different industries, the MASSA Podcast will cover subjects from interview skills to career paths to managing stress. You will definitely learn from our guest speakers' advice for success.

2025-10-05

Episode 34 : Meet the 25-26 Team

Programs within the math department are no joke! In this episode you'll get the chance to hear from MASSA's 25-26 team as we share insights, some tips, and tricks that have helped us along our academic journeys. Sit back, relax, and take in the advice that you can help you achieve your academic/career goals!

39 min
2024-11-16

Interviewing Alumni: Mentors, Mentees, and Mengding Tian

Looking for someone to lead the way? On our first podcast back, get ready to carefully reconsider some of your most important relationships, because a proper mentor is closer than you think. Coaches, teachers, managers, and even possibly the local gas station clerk… finding the right mentor could be challenging. However, on this episode of our interviewing alumni series, our guest speaker, Mengding Tian, elucidates on several topics related to being a leader in your field and the importance of an adequate mentorship. As we uncover her journey through school and work, Meng provides us with some much-needed insight that mentors and mentees are going to want to hear.

19 min
2024-01-21

Behind the Scenes of Health and Life Insurance

Welcome to another exciting episode of the MASSA Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating journeys of remarkable people. In this episode, join us on a journey with Matthew Di Nicolantonio, FSA, FCIA, CERA, an accomplished actuary working in the dynamic world of life insurance. Matthew shares his experiences, beginning with his time at Concordia University, where he embraced a plethora of extracurricular activities, such as Concordia's study abroad program and the ASNA mentorship program. Our conversation takes an adventurous turn as we explore the world of youth parliaments and the unique insights they can provide for personal and professional growth. Matthew also sheds light on standing out in the recruiting process, offering valuable tips for aspiring students. Matthew breaks down the role of actuaries and key assumptions involved in risk management in the life insurance industry. Tune in to this episode full of valuable advice and information. You can reach Matthew at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdinicolantonio/

45 min
2023-10-09

Numbers, Notes and Sports

Numbers, Notes and Sports. We're back with another interesting episode . Today we delve into the fascinating journey of Florence Houde-Gelinas, a remarkable student at Concordia University with a passion for numbers and music! Discover how she strikes the perfect chord between her studies in actuarial science and her love for creating melodious tunes. In this episode, we unravel the harmony between math and music, exploring the unique challenges, inspiring moments, and the resultant synergy , when analytics meets artistic expression. Tune in and have a great time . Florence's Socials: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/2VXer756SFxajNw7b7GLe6?si=2WfTXKFvSReNIAeQn16OzA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-houde-g%C3%A9linas

29 min
2023-04-10

The Big Picture of AI and Insurance

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence and insurance coincide? Today’s guest is Tony Yuan, a talented actuary who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. Tony is not only an accomplished actuary but also a visionary technologist with a passion for exploring the limitless possibilities that AI brings us. He brings a unique perspective to the table, having studied the impact of what AI can bring to the actuarial industry. In this episode, we dive into Tony’s time at Concordia University, his current role at TD alongside writing a master’s in computer science, and his vision for the future of actuaries and AI. Relax, and enjoy the episode!

21 min
2023-03-15

Interviewing a Seasoned Actuary : Jill Harper from Moody’s Analytics

Curious about what led Jill Harper to a career in the Actuarial Software field ? Join us in this episode as she shares her experience studying Mathematics & Biology and her journey towards becoming a programmer for actuarial software and an actuary. As she elaborates on her current role as a Programming leader and actuary at Moody’s Analytics, gain insights on what she enjoys and finds most challenging in her industry. Jill also highlights the valuable skills she has gained from volunteering. She ends off the episode by offering valuable career advice to our listeners. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

19 min
2023-01-05

Writing a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics

Want to know more about higher education in Actuarial Mathematics? In this episode, we invite Sebastien Jessup to walk us through his journey from the moment he learned about the actuarial profession and decided to study actuarial mathematics as an undergraduate student, to now being a PhD candidate in that same field. Sébastien discusses his experience on both the academic side and the corporate field of actuarial science, explains how he found his calling in teaching and research, and gives advice to students who are interested in this path. Moreover, he goes on to explain the topic of his thesis and the methods used in his research in property and casualty insurance. If you have further questions about post-graduate studies in actuarial mathematics, feel free to contact Sébastien at sebastien.jessup@concordia.ca.

35 min
2022-10-01

Analysis and Engineering of Big Data

Ever wondered the difference between Pure Mathematics and Pure & Applied Mathematics? In this episode, our guest speaker Sara Silva walks us through her career path studying mathematics during her undergraduate degree and Big Data analytics during her masters. Currently working at an insurance firm in Portugal, Sara discusses what it was like to take on a masters and writing a thesis during the pandemic. She also shares insight on learning programming languages, a tool that felt incredibly new to her when starting her graduate studies. Sara’s time in university serves as a reminder to us all that we can surprise ourselves with what we are capable of. Enjoy the relaxed conversation!

34 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

The MASSA Podcast shares educational, inspiring and useful content made for Concordia students in the Math and Stats department. Featuring a wide variety of knowledgeable guest speakers such as alumni, teachers and professionals from different industries, the MASSA Podcast will cover subjects from interview skills to career paths to managing stress. You will definitely learn from our guest speakers' advice for success.

Creator

MASSA Concordia
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

34
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© MASSA Concordia
Show Website

MASSA Podcast