On June 7, the School of Finance successfully held a major selection seminar for the undergraduate students of the Class of 2023. The seminar provided a comprehensive introduction to the five major directions: Financial Technology, Financial Engineering, Finance, Insurance, and Actuarial Science, to help first-year students better understand each major’s characteristics and make informed decisions about their academic paths. The seminar was hosted by Professor He Jia, Associate Dean of the School of Finance, and featured presentations from Professor Wang Bo, Professor Li Zeguang, Professor Chen Xiaowei, Associate Professor Zhang Huayue, and Teacher Zhu Hang.

Firstly, professor Wang Bo provided a detailed introduction to the newly added Financial Technology major for the Class of 2023. He highlighted the current development and future trends of financial technology, emphasizing the importance of integrating “Finance + Technology” for the future of finance. He noted that the Financial Technology major, as a “new financial discipline,” aims to equip students with various financial skills, innovation abilities, and practical experience to meet major national strategic needs. He also showcased the significant attention given to financial technology research and talent development by peer institutions.

Associate Professor Zhang Huayue discussed the research directions and overall approach of Financial Engineering in areas such as risk management and asset pricing. She emphasized the interdisciplinary and innovative nature of Financial Engineering and explained that the major aims to develop students with a solid mathematical foundation and financial analysis skills, preparing them to become versatile professionals. Zhang highlighted the illustrious history of the Financial Engineering major at Nankai University and the successful career paths of its graduates, including continued studies at prestigious universities and careers in top companies.

Professor Li Zeguang provided a detailed overview of the Finance major, focusing on academic strength, professional characteristics, and career development. He pointed out that Finance emphasizes foundational knowledge and the integration of theory and practice, aiming to cultivate high-quality professionals with modern financial theory and practical skills. Graduates can pursue careers in banking, securities, and investment, with broad career opportunities. Li succinctly summarized the characteristics of the Finance major: uncovering the logic and risks of finance, exploring market fluctuations, and encouraging students to contribute their wisdom and efforts to building a strong financial nation.

Teacher Zhu Hang explained the characteristics, curriculum, and future prospects of the Insurance major. He emphasized the insurance industry’s significant role within the financial system and its close connection to people. Zhu comprehensively presented the curriculum and training objectives of the Insurance major and demonstrated the career development paths of insurance graduates through employment and further education statistics. The background of “Nankai Insurance” serves as strong endorsement for students’ career development.

Professor Chen Xiaowei introduced the discipline and advantages of Actuarial Science at Nankai University. He highlighted the three characteristics of the actuarial discipline: specialization, complexity, and applicability. By analyzing the course alignment with North American and Chinese actuary exams and sharing the industry saying, “An actuarial department without Nankai students is not a true actuarial department,” he showcased the outstanding strength of Nankai’s Actuarial Science program. Chen concluded that while studying actuarial science requires significant time and effort, it is not as daunting as it might seem, and encouraged students to choose based on their interests and strengths.

Finally, Professor He Jia summarized the seminar, affirming its effectiveness and emphasizing the importance of major selection for both personal development and the overall progress of the School. She encouraged students to carefully consider their interests and abilities when choosing their major and to prepare thoroughly for their future studies.

The successful hosting of this major selection seminar provided students with a platform to gain in-depth insights into the various major directions at the School of Finance, helping them make more rational and personally suited decisions in their upcoming major selection process. The School of Finance will continue to enhance teaching quality, cultivate high-quality talent suited to industry developments, and contribute to the high-quality development of its disciplines.