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Victor Wang

Actuarial science alumnus Victor talks about his work providing insurance to smallholder farmers in Africa & shares useful advice for future actuaries.

By U of T Statistical Sciences

February 13^th, 2026

Current Job: Actuarial & Analytics Lead, PULA Advisors

Degree: Actuarial Science & Economics (Double Major)

Cohort: 2018

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Eager to learn more about the African microinsurance market, Victor Wang started working in Africa three years ago as a volunteer consultant for agricultural firm PULA – which means “rain” in Tswana, Botswana's main spoken language.

PULA offered to hire him full-time as a manager in Kenya. Excited about putting his actuarial knowledge to use for a good cause, Victor jumped on the opportunity.

These days, Victor works in agricultural insurance for smallholder farmers where he is leading PULA's actuarial team. His work includes everything from pricing and reinsurance placements to claims.

I make sure that money is going from insurance companies to smallholder farmers when they need it the most, so that farmers don’t have to sell their goats or property to survive the season. ... It's really rewarding to be involved in providing this kind of direct support. - Victor Wang, Actuarial & Analytics Lead, PULA Advisors

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U of T Statistical Sciences: What do you do & what do you like most about your current job?

Victor Wang: In my current role, my team and me provide the technical support to provide ongoing insurance for close to a million smallholder farmers across Africa.

We also overlook claim processing. I make sure that money is going from insurance companies to smallholder farmers when they need it the most, so that farmers don’t have to sell their goats or property to survive the season. For example, when a drought happens, that’s when a farmer needs money the most, and that’s when they can get a payout.

It's really rewarding to be involved in providing this kind of direct support.

How did you become interested in the actuarial science program at U of T?

I studied in Vancouver and in Grade 10, we had to do a mandatory survey that tells you what job best suits you. When I took it, it said ‘Actuary’. So I reached out to the head of the actuarial science program at U of T and asked for more information. And after that, I decided to come to Toronto to study actuarial science.

How has the actuarial science program prepared you for a real-life work environment?

As a student at U of T, you learn the theoretical and technical foundations, and through work experience you learn to apply that knowledge. It was really helpful to have that theoretical foundation so that I could eventually go beyond that and apply those principles – not just outside of school, but outside of more traditional actuarial work, as well.

What lessons did you learn from the actuarial science program at U of T?

I learned that it’s important to seek out extracurricular activities and go beyond people’s expectations. Just like any other field, actuarial science is competitive. You need to continue to develop yourself to stay on top of your field.

What resources can students look into to try and get in touch with practicing actuaries?

The Actuarial Students’ National Association has a mentorship program that connects students with actuarial professionals. Anyone can sign up.

What advice do you have for graduates trying to start their career in actuarial science?

Get an internship in a country that you want to work in for a while.

For instance, a lot of people will do an internship in Hong Kong or the United States. There are different actuarial governing organizations in different countries. They each provide a different experience based on their actuarial governing organization. That's why it makes sense to get an internship in the country you want to be in.

What advice do you have for students entering an actuarial science program?

Look closely into the profession you want to pursue. Talk with practicing actuaries to understand what it is they do and whether or not you’d be willing to invest upwards of 10 years of your life into this particular field. It’s really about connecting with someone in the industry and making sure that you’re on your way to a career you really want.

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Are you interested in a career in actuarial science? Learn more about our award-winning actuarial science program or connect with us at UofTStatSci@utstat.toronto.edu if you have any questions.

We'd love to hear from you!

Footnotes

Written by Jessica Macy Lam

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FootNotes

Written by Jessica Macy Lam

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