CAS Profile: Michael Suess, FCAS, CPCU, ARe
Michael Suess, FCAS, CPCU, ARe, is an Actuarial Research Director at COUNTRY Financial, where his current responsibilities include oversight of predictive models, rate indications, and rate verification for personal, commercial, and agricultural lines of business. Michael is a Fellow of the CAS, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, and Associate in Reinsurance. He obtained a bachelor’s in Science from Illinois State University.
Michael currently serves on the advisory board for Illinois State University’s Actuarial Science Program and has also been able to teach basic ratemaking at Illinois State. While not at work, his free time is spent with his wife, Emelia; two children, Aubry and Koen; two dogs, Arya and Stark; two ducks, Cupcake and Rose; and one rabbit, Bun Buns.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I work at COUNTRY Financial as a director of property casualty actuarial research.
Why did you decide to become an actuary?
Honestly, going into college I had no idea what I wanted to be. I was good at math but knew I did not want to live on a teacher’s salary. I also know I preferred the practical application of math rather than understanding all the theory. Luckily, I went to Illinois State University, which has one of the best actuarial programs that I eventually joined my junior year.
What parts of the profession do you love most?
Nothing is static, which has allowed for continuous learning throughout my career.
What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Be open to new experiences but don’t stretch yourself to thin. This advice has allowed me to push myself into new areas or volunteer opportunities, while gracefully leaving some I have tried that were not a good fit for me.
Why would you recommend a career in the P&C insurance industry to current college students?
At the core of insurance is the promise to make someone whole after they may have had one of the most devastating experiences in their life. If you find the right company, you will realize how you contribute to that promise and ensure future promises can be made.
What can students and early professionals do now to prepare for a career in the industry?
Beyond gaining a base understanding of terminology in the industry, I highly recommend practicing communication skills. Actuaries need to be able to explain complex topics to less-technical audiences all the time. Once of the easiest way to advance in your career is by being able to explain what you are doing and why you are doing it the way you are.