loving my co-op term...

I guess I'm about the only person who's actually really loving co-op in ottawa. Although I was skeptical about my work in the beginning, I'm really into it now. I'm thankful that the new person I'm working with is such a nice guy: his knowledge of SAS and time series is even less than mine (what I've gained after almost 4 weeks here), but he's been here before and he knows the people, and through him I'm getting more comfortable with the people here, which is something I'd want to do. (Yeah, it's hard to break the ice with me...) Anyways I was a bit stupid though, I asked him about whether they rent skiing equipment in Gatineau Park, and he asked for my shoe size etc and said that he might be able to get a friend to sign out the equipment. I told him I probably would go with someone if I decide to go, and not just myself... when in fact he was thinking of letting me tag along his group... yeah, a REAL nice guy... it's really nice working with him and we got so excited when we got a relatively good model for the 5-year big forecast (and it actually make sense...).

I've learned to appreciate my supervisor: she is an extremely resourceful person, and quite shrewd. I've got access to a lot of her books, and she talks to me, about many things: the goods and bads she sees in this place, things that happened in her previous work place, things that she's experienced. She trusts me -- or at least she makes it appears as though she does -- and either way I respect her for that. She's even letting me take part in the interview process for selecting the next candidate.

Anyways, I've come to realize that even though Actuarial Science is still sortaf my 1st choice in terms of professions, act sci jobs aren't the only choice. My priority shouldn't just be to get an act sci job, but to get a job where the interviewer asks really hard questions that tests how you think: that's usually a hint that the job requires thinking and learning.

... and I just have to be confident and not undersell myself again

Goal for next co-op term is still an actsci job, though, just I won't be anal about it. In my opinion, a good econometrics/stats/operation research/finance position with a good company is no less desirable, so long as it pays well and I get to learn more. Hell, maybe I should try and apply to sales or project management positions ...

End of entry