STORY BY NIGEL HING
Achieving Fellowship status in the Society of Actuaries otherwise known as FSA is no easy feat.
The process typically takes years of studies, with candidates required to pass a series of exams and modules. A typical exam hour requires an average 100 hours of study and exams are typically three hours long each.
Roy Ju, a junior finance major, is the youngest person ever to achieve this distinction.
His approach reduced the amount of time spent on repetitive practice problems and allowed him to focus more on developing an understanding of the subject matter.
On top of studying, Ju works and plays tennis and an instrument in his free time.
“I make sure to keep my most important priorities in check while aiming to be efficient in all aspects of life,” Ju said. “I feel that one can never be too busy to enjoy their passions and interests.”
Roy admitted that it did not come across his mind while preparing for exams.
“Some people had sent me the article written on the previous youngest record holder during my freshman year in college,” Ju said. “It didn’t occur to me that I was within reach of this record until I was very close to the end of the exam process.”
Professors in the college of business believe he showed merit in the award.
“He was actively involved in asking questions and showed much interest in my class,” said Associate Professor of Finance & Actuarial Science Toby White. “Many other professors (in College of Business) and I could tell that he has a higher level of intelligence as well as curiosity, similar to those studying at a graduate school.”
“I hope to some day make a positive influence within the financial services industry that would benefit the industry’s profitability and societal well-being,” Ju said.
Although Ju has attained this distinction, he remains humble.
“Despite his achievement, he never goes around telling everyone about it,” White said. “He just has a strong positive attitude while having a goal-oriented mindset.”
