Do you still need to learn programming

The answer is a resounding yes.

While AI is a powerful tool, the true value for an actuary lies not just in writing code, but in knowing what questions to ask, how to structure an analysis, and how to interpret the results to solve real-world problems. This is where mastering a tool like R becomes less about syntax and more about supercharging your analytical thinking.

Our new ‘How to with R’ course on the VLE is designed with this principle at its core. It’s built to take you from the basics of programming to a place where you can confidently tackle complex data challenges, making you a more effective and insightful professional.

From spreadsheets to statistical power

Many of us start our data journey with Excel, and it’s a fantastic tool for many tasks. But as datasets grow larger and analyses become more complex, Excel's limitations become apparent. R offers a significant upgrade:

• Handling large datasets: R is built to handle large amounts of data far more efficiently than traditional spreadsheets.
• Advanced analysis: It provides access to a vast library of advanced statistical modelling and data visualization tools that go beyond the capabilities of Excel.
• Automation and reproducibility: R allows you to write scripts that make your analysis easily repeatable and shareable – a cornerstone of robust, error-free work.

As Patrina Effer (Senior Life Long Learning Executive at IFoA) and Rachel Gent (Head of Curriculum at IFoA) note, "Developing skills in R is about future-proofing your career. It equips our members with the ability to perform the sophisticated, data-driven analysis that employers increasingly demand."

A course born from a passion for problem-solving

I designed this course to bridge the gap between academia and practical application. With seven years of experience as a data scientist in the HR field and a formal education in Data Science from Duke University, I’ve seen firsthand how data can be used to drive critical business decisions. My greatest joy is taking these structured concepts and applying them to solve real-life puzzles.

This course is a reflection of that passion. It’s not just a series of technical lectures; it’s a guided tour through practical problem-solving using data. We won’t just learn functions and packages, we’ll apply them to scenarios you can relate to, such as:

• Calculating personal monthly savings
• Analyzing a YouTube channel’s engagement rate
• Evaluating the factors that drive car seat sales
• Assessing how daily coffee consumption might affect alertness.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to formalise your skills, I will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you build a solid foundation.

For every stage of your actuarial journey

The practical, problem-focused approach of ‘How to with R’ makes it relevant for everyone, from students to qualified professionals:

• For students: Build a foundational skill that will support you through your exams and set you apart in your early career.
• For qualified members: Enhance your toolkit, automate repetitive tasks, and unlock new levels of analytical depth in your work. The course provides a flexible way to upskill and stay current in a rapidly evolving field.

In the age of AI, your value is your expertise and your ability to reason with data. The machine can be your co-pilot, but you must be the one who knows how to fly. This course is your flight school.

Ready to supercharge your data skills? Visit the VLE today to explore the modules and start your journey with ‘How to with R’.