McMaster announces partnership with BHER to provide work-integrated learning opportunities

In partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada, McMaster University Faculty of Science will provide work-integrated learning opportunities for actuarial financial mathematics students. 215 opportunities will be provided through 145 case competitions, 60 industry projects, and 10 internships.

“The Actuarial Career Test Drive Program gives students access to opportunities that will allow them to solve real-world problems with data submitted by insurance companies. We’re focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry,” said Alice O’Carroll, Director, Science, Career Development and Cooperative Education. As part of this initiative, students will have access to mentorship support and technical and professional skills training.

McMaster’s Actuarial and Financial Mathematics (AFM) program was recognized by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) with the Gold Level distinction, highlighting McMaster’s dedication to preparing students for careers in property and casualty insurance.

“Our aim is to extend this model to other programs and disciplines across the faculty and campus, fostering a comprehensive approach to experiential learning,” said Dr Anas Abdallah, Assistant Professor and Actuarial and Financial coordinator, Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Work-integrated learning is key in establishing an agile workforce that is both equitable and diverse, catering to the evolving needs of the industry.

BHER is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization. The Government of Canada is providing support for post-secondary institutions and industry organizations to increase access to experiential learning for students and employers. These work-integrated learning opportunities will be more flexible and accessible than traditional co-ops and internships.

To read more about BHER, click here.