On November 29, 2023, the third session of “Meet the Mentor” for the Fall Semester was successfully held by the Student Affairs Department of the Nankai University Party Committee and organized by the Graduate Student Union of the School of Finance. This event also featured the “Interdisciplinary Forum” as part of a one-stop student community. The session invited Professor and PhD supervisor Chen Xiaowei from the Actuarial Science Department of the School of Finance, focusing on data analysis and career choices from an interdisciplinary perspective to help students clarify their future career plans.

Professor Chen Xiaowei started his presentation by discussing the “changes” and “unchanged” aspects of insurance actuarial science in the era of digital economy. He highlighted two major changes brought about by the era of big data: the increase in data volume and the challenges in data acquisition. He emphasized the importance of embracing different disciplines with an open mind. Furthermore, Chen Xiaowei illustrated how big data empowers various aspects of risk management, using examples from its application in bank risk management to demonstrate its advantages in marketing and efficiency identification.

Simultaneously, Chen Xiaowei shared essential skills that students should master in the era of digital economy. From an AI perspective, he introduced commonly used models and algorithms in statistical and non-statistical learning, emphasizing the significant value of machine learning in data analysis. Chen Xiaowei also highlighted the differences in data analysis approaches across different disciplines. He noted that computer science emphasizes precision in data analysis, while economics focuses on storytelling in its analysis. Chen Xiaowei stressed the importance of identification in empirical research, advising against formulaic and exercise-type papers in academic research. Finally, regarding future career choices, Chen Xiaowei encouraged students to explore various opportunities with courage.

During the interactive session, students raised questions such as the basic requirements for data analysis-related positions, how to accumulate skills while still in school, and how mathematical models in actuarial science contribute to learning data analysis. Chen Xiaowei patiently addressed each question, providing practical learning advice and guidance tailored to the students’ needs.

This session of “Meet the Mentor” not only provided students with insights into interdisciplinary approaches to data analysis but also offered practical career guidance, enhancing the academic and career development of students at the School of Finance, Nankai University.