Joe Jackson BSc Mathematics with Statistics2014

Hi, I'm Joe Jackson and I studied BSc Mathematics with Statistics within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

I have nothing but good things to say about my time spent with the societies and at the University in general.

Q: What have you enjoyed about studying at the University of Southampton?

The lecturers have been fantastic here, they really do take their time to get to know you and to help you through your modules and your work which can be challenging at times but it’s always nice to have someone you can fall back on and ask questions who will just help you through your time.

Q: What made you choose to study at the University of Southampton?

There were a few different factors. I came here and looked at the campus which was fantastic. One of the key factors was during school when the Head of Maths at the time, Professor Vickers, visited and gave a talk where he told us about not just about the University of Southampton but particularly the mathematics department there and I think that was a massive factor in swaying me to apply.

Q: Were there any particular modules which you enjoyed?

I quite enjoy the Statistics side and found that Statistical Methods One was a good module. For my Dissertation I did a report on the pricing of diamonds using statistical models to relate various different factors. It was named ‘ A bling thing’ and was interesting. The module was very independent soI looked at what the various different factors are and learned a lot about different mathematical computer programmes. Then I considered how I could use those programmes on my data to try and infer information and see what conclusions, if any, I could draw..

Q: What are your plans for the future?

I am looking at going into either insurance or reinsurance so either going down the actuarial side or going into modelling, something like catastrophe risk modelling which would involve using skills I have learnt from my studies such particularly the CRM project so hopefully I will be successful in that.

Q: Were you involved in any clubs or societies?

I was involved in a few different societies such as SUMS (Southampton University Maths Society) and SUAS (Southampton University Actuarial Society). In terms of sport I was involved with the SUMS Mathematics football team. All the people who run the societies are really good and strive to include everyone as well as get new people involved. I have nothing but good things to say about my time spent with the societies and at the university in general.

Q: Any other comments?

It has probably been the best three years of my life and I wish I was starting my journey all over again now.