Zhehao Zhang

Zhehao Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. After graduating from Kent with an MSc in Applied Actuarial Science, he completed his PhD in Melbourne and embarked on a career in academia.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating from Kent I gained my PhD in Actuarial Science from the University of Melbourne and since 2019 I have worked as an Assistant Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

As an academic staff member, my daily responsibilities encompass delivering lectures and conducting research activities.

I am also the Program Director for the BSc in Actuarial Science, which means I am actively engaged in curriculum development and provide consultations on actuarial matters to both students and colleagues. Occasionally this role enables me to pursue collaborative opportunities with external partners as well.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

As a lecturer, my greatest joy comes from receiving recognition alongside my students. In 2022, I co-authored a paper with an incoming PhD student that won the 2022 China Insurance Cup and a prize of RMB 5,000 for our work.

Additionally, I led the BSc Actuarial Science program in securing funding for the Jiangsu Brand Programme Development Project-Phase III.

These were both huge achievements for our school.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

The foundation of knowledge that I gained at Kent has been instrumental in shaping my career path to where I am today. By providing exceptional training, my studies enabled me to complete the UK actuarial exams and secure a full scholarship for my PhD in Melbourne.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

If you're aiming for a career in actuarial science, choosing the University of Kent is a decision you won't regret. My advice would be to embrace opportunities and to speak up and share your ideas. This will be essential for cultivating a sharp mind and shaping your perspective.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

As the actuarial science journey was intense and time-consuming, most of my efforts were focused on study. However, in my second year, I did utilise the Language Centre to improve my skills before an exam. I found all the staff members to be very kind and I made several lasting friendships in the sessions.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

I often find myself reminiscing about my university days, but it’s difficult to choose a favourite memory. I miss the quiet days and nights spent studying, the support from my lecturers, and engaging discussions with friends.

The campus was particularly beautiful under snow over the Christmas break and I loved the views of the Cathedral from the top of the hill

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Compared to the bustling cities of London and Shanghai, I truly appreciated the quiet countryside scenery and rich cultural heritage of Canterbury. If I could repeat my time at Kent, I would definitely spend more time exploring these aspects.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Most of us in my cohort went on to work in actuarial related fields, so we keep in touch from time to time. Being one of the few who ended up in academia, I’ve also had the unique chance to stay connected with our former lecturers, which has made me a kind of communication hub for our group.

What are your future ambitions?

My motivation for pursuing a PhD was to bridge the gap between industry and academia, as I my work to that point had highlighted a significant disconnect between the two. This ambition continues to be my career goal.

Additionally, I look forward to the day when I can return to Kent!