Kishia Mae Ventura

1st year

What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt University?

The actuarial exam exemptions. So far, Heriot-Watt is the only university in Malaysia which offers up to 8 exemptions (CT1 – CT8). Also, the opportunity for campus transfer to the UK and/or Dubai really interests me. Not to forget, the lakeside view is pretty awesome!

What tips would you give to an international student thinking of studying at Heriot-Watt?

Mix with the locals and learn some basic Malay. It would be useful especially if you will be having Malay as a subject for one semester. It is quite easy so no worries!

What did you enjoy the most about studying your degree?

Studying actuarial science is not exactly a smooth sailing process. The joy comes as I have found friends of the same wavelength – my course mates! We get to think on mathematical problems together, and they become easier and understandable through discussions! Outside school hours, we have our own activities, such as wall climbing (somewhere really near the university) and post-exam celebrations. The lecturers are also willing to assist whenever they can, so that's a plus point.

Do you feel your degree has prepared you well for a career?

It may be a little early to tell. However, I believe that the inclusion of R Programming and Microsoft Excel in our first year's syllabus is a positive indicator. We get to learn both the theory and the practical application, which I think is good exposure.

Has your degree programme helped you develop links with industry?

Definitely! A lot of talks from relevant companies are organized at least once a month. Some examples include Shell, Great Eastern, Public Bank among others. There were a few out-of-school-trips too (conferences, boot camps, office visits). Always a great chance to network with diverse people from the industry, to listen and learn from their experiences.

How do you think your degree will impact on your career prospects?

In my opinion, there is a wide range of prospects for us upon graduation. The mathematical understanding and analytical skills which we gain would be our asset. I believe that we can be career ready if we learn to apply our knowledge to real world situations.