How do colleges assist students and alumni in identifying and advancing to higher-paying, more stable jobs? Finding a steadier career path is the focus for driven SPC student Anthony Bradford.

Anthony started SPC schooling at 15 as a PSEO student. After graduating from High School, he left SPC in 2021 to work as a software engineer at US Bank. Anthony thought things were going well until he found out his employment was terminated as the company made massive layoffs in 2024. After receiving this disappointing news, Anthony explored career options that matched his skills and provided more job stability. He was intrigued when he discovered that the skills needed to become an Actuary included communications, IT, and math, which he excelled in. Then, he became more intrigued when he read that the career outlook for actuaries was bright, with a projected growth rate of 23% through 2032. With a lofty goal in his sight, Anthony returned to SPC to earn his prerequisites by Fall 2025, and then attend the UofM’s Actuarial Sciences BS degree in Spring 2026.

The median pay for an Actuary in 2024 was over $125K per year, but entering this career field begins by attaining a bachelor’s degree and passing three actuary exams: 1) Core Principles (statistics, mathematics & business); 2) Probability (theory & practical actuary science applications); and 3) Financial Mathematics (interest, annuities, loans, bonds and financial instruments). The success rate for exam #1 is only 40%, but Anthony is determined and confident that he will pass this first exam this upcoming July.

Earning the associate-level certification of an actuary can take up to seven years. After that, earning fellowship status can take several more years. Anthony wants to become a Financial Actuary, which the Society of Actuaries governs. Many employers expect prospective hires to have passed these three demanding exams before graduating. Anthony recognizes that this road takes time, but he firmly believes that it will be so worth it in the end!

Anthony appreciates SPC’s reliable commitments to students, including Basic Needs services, Mental Health Counseling and Wellness services, Student Emergency Funds resources, and bus cards, which he uses frequently to get to campus. Anthony’s ultimate goal is to travel extensively across the US as a Financial Actuary, as is commonly done by those in this field.

Beyond his focused career pursuit for a stable job, Anthony holds a double black stripe in martial arts and is actively training to earn his black belt this upcoming winter. He also has achieved a 1-star ranking in Krav Maga, a self-defense system rooted in Middle Eastern martial arts. Similar to his academic goals, Anthony credits his success to mental discipline and endurance with a vision of the end goal in sight.

SPC’s Career Services office offers extensive services to students and alumni, including assistance in finding growing career fields that best match their skills and interests.