Suleman Sadiq Beyond Columbia
“Half of an actuary’s job is being a detective. That’s the fun part.”
Suleman Sadiq (SPS’24)
If you knew Suleman Sadiq during his time at Columbia, you probably remember him as many things: Actuarial Methods TA, Vice President of the Actuarial Society of Columbia University, ACTEX Editor, the brain behind the ACTEX Champion Program, mentor, and friend. Today, Suleman has carried that same energy into his role as an Actuarial Associate I at American Equity in Des Moines, Iowa, where he’s quickly making a mark both in the workplace and in his professional exam journey, having already passed five SOA exams.
Transitioning from student life to a full-time actuarial role, Suleman explains, “People think the transition ends when you show up on your first day. But it’s actually months of adjusting—getting comfortable with new terms, new models, and just the rhythm of full-time work.” To make the shift smoother, he prepared early by researching neighborhoods, touring apartments, and making sure his personal life was settled before starting. Once at American Equity, he quickly realized that the learning curve was steep—but also energizing.
Adjusting to life in Des Moines brought its own surprises. “It’s definitely more affordable than New York,” Suleman smiled, but what stands out most for him is the professional environment. At American Equity, he enjoys being part of a culture that balances technical rigor with collaboration. Much of his work, he says, “feels like detective work—digging through data, analyzing patterns, and building solutions.”
A strong support system and mentorship have been key to his experience. American Equity’s strong actuarial student program has been another highlight. Beyond exam support, Suleman emphasized the importance of mentorship. His manager, Tom, not only guides him on technical skills but also asks what kind of leader Suleman wants to become—and helps him take steps in that direction. “That’s been really meaningful,” Suleman said. “It makes you feel like you’re not just doing tasks, but actively building toward the actuary and professional you want to be.”
Balancing work with exam preparation remains a challenge, but Suleman approaches it with focus and discipline. “One or two hours of quality studying is better than a full day of distraction,” he said. For him, consistency and real understanding matter far more than memorization. Having colleagues on the same exam path also creates a supportive environment that feels collaborative rather than isolating.
“Everyone’s going to be smarter, stronger, or better at something. But no one else is you. That’s your selling point”
Reflecting on his time at Columbia, Suleman credits Columbia’s technical foundation—particularly classes with Professors Lina and Yubo—for preparing him for the challenges of his current role. Predictive Modeling and Data Science in Finance and Insurance, he noted, “come up more often than expected.” He added, “Even in interviews, SQL and R were important. Coding and data skills aren’t just academic—they’re tools you use every day.”
Suleman Sadiq and cats
If he could leave one piece of advice for Columbia students preparing for their own actuarial careers, it would be this: “In interviews, they already know you’re qualified. What they’re really asking is: do I want to work with this person every day? Soft skills and presentation skills will take you further than you think.”
Suleman’s journey illustrates how preparation, curiosity, and meaningful mentorship can turn the transition from student to professional into an exciting, fulfilling journey.
