Derek Koster

Background

About Derek Koster

Just graduated Drake University in the spring of 2020! Exams Passed: FM December 2017 P May 2018 IFM November 2018 LTAM April 2019 SRM January 2020 STAM February 2020 I'm currently working full-time at American Equity in West Des Moines on the financial reporting team. Although starting from working at home has certainly been a challenge, I have enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to continuing to help out the AE team! Since the begging of 2019 (and presently continuing part time), I have had the opportunity to work with Coaching Actuaries here in Clive Iowa. Not only has this opportunity helped develop my actuarial critical thinking skills, but it has broadened my ability to communicate. I assist, through discussion forum and email, customers who struggle with complex actuarial exam materials and provide personalized study advice and exam strategy to customers as needed. My area of focus pertains to exam LTAM. Actuarial exams can be tough, and I thoroughly enjoy helping students conquer these intimidating milestones. In the summer of 2019, I ad the opportunity to work for American Equity Life Insurance company here in West Des Moines. Besides learning a TON about the FIA market and pricing within MG-ALFA, I got a first hand look at how adaptive and constantly changing insurance companies can be to adjust to fluctuating market conditions. During the summer of 2017 & 2018, I was employed as summer assistant for Cousins Electric Incorporated; this experience was a great learning opportunity. Throughout the summer I learned several things about being an electrician. I became familiar with the electrical code book, and was required to do a lot of wiring to exceed code standards, which drove me to strive for perfection with each task I was set on. This experience also taught me how to manage time; I had specific deadline for jobs and also had to send in my time card hours each week. On the job site it was crucial to be able to effectively communicate with and work alongside other tradesmen in order to ensure proper timing and completion of jobs. Besides working for Cousins, I have worked at Hy-Vee since 2015 which has reinforced my communication and people skills.