Quantifying an ANU experience

Wrapping up his high-school education, Chengyu (Jack) Wu was looking for a challenge and a change of scenery.

Though he’d loved spending his formative years in Adelaide, he knew that stepping out of his comfort zone personally and academically would be essential for his growth, and The Australian National University (ANU) ticked all the boxes.

“The University’s reputation as a prestigious institution was a key factor,” he says.

“Canberra’s strong student presence, beautiful campus, and the opportunity to meet diverse students from all over Australia and the world, also made it an ideal place to study and build friendships.”

Most of all, Jack was excited to explore the career diversity that his ANU experience would expand for him. Studying a double degree in Actuarial Studies and Advanced Computing (Honours), he was able to apply his technical skills to a range of internships.

“I completed an internship with Deloitte in data analytics under their Risk Advisory branch, where I contributed to a presentation that was delivered to an external client. I also interned at Canary Capital, a boutique investment management and corporate advisory firm, where I worked on modernising a trading program that is used on a day-to-day basis. Due to the success I had during the internship, this role transitioned into part-time work in 2024 during my Honours year.”

Jack has now secured a role with Canary Capital as a quantitative analyst, where he will continue modernising the trading program, while exploring machine learning enhancements, and take on additional financial operations.

My academic background has prepared me well for this role. It requires a balance of the computing and machine-learning expertise I developed in my computing studies, and the statistical and financial analysis skills from my actuarial studies.

Jack explains that the complexity of his studies and the vibrant campus life of ANU equipped him with more than just technical skills.

“The five-year program required dedication and resilience, teaching me the importance of being persistent and staying driven,” he says.

“The diverse environment at ANU exposed me to a range of perspectives and allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals.”

Actuarial Techniques, a class run by Associate Professor Adam Butt, was a standout learning experience for Jack. He completed it in his final semester, and felt it perfectly merged technical skills and knowledge.

“It allowed us to see how each component contributes to solving real-world actuarial problems. It was refreshing to step back from the technical details and apply the broader concepts of actuarial studies in a practical and meaningful way.” says Jack.

Despite the workload, graduating is bittersweet.

Time really does fly when you’re having fun – living life at Wright Hall, share-housing with my closest friends, spending countless hours in Chifley Library, watching and attending thousands of hours of lectures and classes, and even representing ANU for UniGames Tennis in both the Gold Coast and Canberra. These are the memories that stay with me.

In his parting thoughts, Jack reflects that balance was key to staying on the right path.

“Balancing study, work and personal interests has helped me clear my mind and approach challenges with fresh perspectives. It’s been essential for maintaining my wellbeing, and has taught me good habits for the future.”