“What’s an actuary?” If you’ve ever had to explain your job, you’ve probably been met with blank stares. Even in a video from the Society of Actuaries, people were stumped. It’s a profession that flies under the radar – but for those in it, there’s no better career.
Actuaries are problem-solvers, risk assessors, and financial forecasters all in one. They analyze data to help businesses make smart, strategic decisions. And if being an actuary isn’t well-known, being a woman in actuarial science might be even rarer.
We're lucky to have talented actuaries across the business at MetLife – including women who are shaping the future of the field and those working in it. We sat down with a few of them to hear about their careers, what makes this work so fulfilling, and why MetLife has been the right place to grow.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on this profession and spotlighting actuaries from across MetLife – starting with Erica Provido, whose actuarial journey began with childhood curiosity and evolved into a career shaping financial futures.
Meet Erica, Assistant Vice President, UK Reinsurance
Some people stumble into actuarial science. Others, like Erica, have their sights set on it from an early age. Now she’s putting her expertise to work as part of MetLife’s Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) organization, which helps businesses manage risk while offering retirees secure lifetime income. With expertise in pension risk transfer to reinsurance, RIS actuaries play a key role in ensuring long-term financial stability for companies and individuals alike.
As part of the UK Reinsurance team, Erica leads client relationships and inforce management – helping companies in the UK navigate financial uncertainty with tailored reinsurance solutions. Based in the U.S. but supporting the UK market, she collaborates with global teams to deliver strategies that create lasting financial security for businesses and retirees.
“I first heard about actuarial science when I was nine years old, I didn’t fully understand it at that time but knew it required strong math skills – and I had a passion for mathematics and puzzles.”
That early interest led to a dynamic career in a field that’s constantly evolving, full of complex problem-solving and opportunities to make an impact.
“What excites me most is that no two days are the same. There are so many different areas where actuaries can apply their skills – including valuation, asset-liability management, pension risk transfer, underwriting, pricing, or longevity reinsurance. I feel fortunate to have gained such a broad range of exposure to different products and teams.”
Solving Problems, Supporting People
For Erica, the technical side of actuarial science is just one part of the equation. The other? Helping people grow.
“One of the most rewarding and impactful aspects of my career thus far has been the opportunity to mentor and guide others. I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with aspiring actuaries, assisting them in navigating the complexities of the profession and achieving their career goals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my mentees grow and succeed in their career journeys.”
As a leader, Erica focuses on individual strengths.
“Everyone has different skillsets and motivations. As a manager, my job is to create an environment where they can thrive. I take great pleasure in learning about my associates, understanding what drives them to succeed, and providing them with opportunities to do so. This approach aligns well with my empathetic nature and my ability to understand people, serving as a sounding board and listening to what is important to them.”
Challenges That Push You Forward
One of the biggest actuarial challenges in Erica’s career came when she had to migrate a model from outdated software to a more advanced actuarial platform.
“This project required extensive research into a black-box software with limited documentation, complex coding, and thorough data analysis to ensure the accuracy of the results. What made this project rewarding was the successful implementation, resulting in enhanced transparency and auditability of the calculations. The sense of accomplishment I felt when the project was completed and how it impacted the efficiency of the organization was incredibly fulfilling.”
And at MetLife, success is done together.
“Throughout the project, I received invaluable support from my colleagues and mentors. Here, everyone is willing to share their expertise and guidance, working together to solve problems and move projects to completion, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals.”
A Global Community of Actuaries
When we asked Erica what makes MetLife a unique place to build an actuarial career, her answer? The global network.
“With offices around the world, MetLife employs actuaries globally. Each year, MetLife hosts an Actuarial Conference, providing an opportunity for actuaries from different regions to come together and collaborate. It fosters a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas, both cross-functionally and cross-culturally, enhancing the overall practice.”
She also values the early career experience she received, which helped shape her path.
"Through MetLife’s Actuarial Development Program, you start off through different teams, gaining exposure to various departments. As someone who went through this program and now as a leader, I am one of many who are uniquely positioned to help our junior actuaries thrive. With a better understanding of their motivations, I can help foster an environment where they can succeed. Our commitment to their growth and development is a testament to MetLife’s dedication to nurturing talent.”
Making an Impact – For People Who Count on Us
At the heart of Erica’s work is a mission to provide financial security to MetLife’s customers during their most critical life transitions.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the real-world impact of our work. For instance, providing retirees with guaranteed lifetime income offers them certainty and peace of mind. I take pride in working for a company that prioritizes the well-being of its customers and continually strives to offer innovative solutions tailored to their needs.”
From a math-loving nine-year-old to a leader in the field, Erica’s path is an example of the many opportunities within actuarial science – from solving complex challenges to working cross-culturally and everything in between. At MetLife, actuaries don’t just analyze data; they collaborate, innovate, and grow with the support of leaders who champion their success. They are part of the One MetLife community.
Join us next month as we continue this series, highlighting more actuaries who are shaping the future of the profession and making a difference every day.
Curious to learn more about actuarial roles at MetLife? Check out our open positions or join our talent community to stay up to date on the latest.
