Mathematics, flexibility, and international opportunities – how Analytical Finance gave Hanna a strong foundation
After graduating in Analytical Finance with a focus on Financial Engineering, Hanna Andersson gained a solid foundation in mathematics and applied finance. The programme allowed her to tailor her studies to her own interests, spend a semester abroad, and continue with a master’s degree in Lisbon. Today, she works as an actuary in Copenhagen and looks back on her education as a springboard for both further study and her career.
Hanna Andersson combined mathematics, hands-on experience and international opportunities through the Analytical Finance programme – experiences that now strengthen her career as an actuary.
Why did you choose Analytical Finance at MDU?
I’ve always been fascinated by numbers, mathematics, and statistics. Analytical Finance offered the perfect mix of theoretical and applied maths, and I liked that the programme could be adapted to my own interests. That was what attracted me to MDU,
says Hanna.
What was the best part of your studies?
The best part was meeting others with similar interests, studying and passing exams together. Analytical Finance felt like a small family – our class wasn’t as large as many others, and the atmosphere between students and teachers was very supportive. I also felt that the programme gave me a strong foundation for further studies and my future career,
she says, continuing:
During my studies, I had the opportunity to go on an exchange semester in Canada. That experience was incredibly valuable – both the experience itself and the exciting courses I took. It really changed a lot for me, she describes.
What challenges did you face during your studies?
There are always challenges in life! I failed my first exam, retook it, and realised it wasn’t the end of the world. I also took a few extra courses simply because I enjoyed them, but it was tough – discipline and planning saved me,
she says and continiues:
Sometimes I wondered if I’d chosen the right programme, but today I’m very grateful that I persevered. Everything works out in the end, and no matter what, it turns out fine. I often remind myself of that when I’m facing harder times in life,
she adds.
From MDU to a master’s degree and a career
My education at MDU gave me a very solid foundation, and the mathematical skills I gained there were invaluable during my master’s studies in Lisbon,
she says and continiues:
After completing my master’s, I moved to Copenhagen and started working as an actuary at the largest insurance company in the Nordics. I estimate claims costs across all our products in the private market in Denmark
, Hanna describes.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best part is having a real impact and insight into our financial results. I get to test new models, optimise processes, and work with smart colleagues from across the Nordics. And I get to travel for work – which I really enjoy,
she explains.
Advice for future students
I have a few classic tips – study something you enjoy and believe in yourself. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do in the future. It was actually a colleague at MDU who introduced me to the actuarial profession. It’s also useful to look at the job market and talk to companies at career fairs,
says Hanna and concludes:
If you enjoy mathematics – both theoretical and applied – and want to combine it with finance, Analytical Finance is the perfect choice. You get a broad foundation while also having the chance to find your own direction.