Discover financial solutions that protect your future and provide peace of mind. Whether you're exploring annuities, life insurance, or understanding employee benefits through your workplace, Pacific Life offers resources and products designed to meet your personal and family goals.
Support your workforce with innovative employee benefits and retirement solutions. Pacific Life partners with business owners, benefits administrators, and pension fund managers to create customized programs that attract and retain top talent while securing their financial future.
Simplify complex retirement and pension risk management with our tailored solutions for large organizations. Pacific Life specializes in working with institutions to address their unique challenges, offering expertise in pension de-risking and strategic retirement planning for a more secure future.
Empower your clients with confidence by leveraging Pacific Life’s comprehensive portfolio of financial products. From annuities to life insurance, we provide the tools, resources, and support to help financial advisors and brokers deliver exceptional value and long-term results.
-
Individuals
Discover financial solutions that protect your future and provide peace of mind. Whether you're exploring annuities, life insurance, or understanding employee benefits through your workplace, Pacific Life offers resources and products designed to meet your personal and family goals.
-
Employers
Support your workforce with innovative employee benefits and retirement solutions. Pacific Life partners with business owners, benefits administrators, and pension fund managers to create customized programs that attract and retain top talent while securing their financial future.
-
Institutions
Simplify complex retirement and pension risk management with our tailored solutions for large organizations. Pacific Life specializes in working with institutions to address their unique challenges, offering expertise in pension de-risking and strategic retirement planning for a more secure future.
-
Financial Professionals & Brokers
Empower your clients with confidence by leveraging Pacific Life’s comprehensive portfolio of financial products. From annuities to life insurance, we provide the tools, resources, and support to help financial advisors and brokers deliver exceptional value and long-term results.
Discover Gerrit Carlson’s journey from intern to Associate Actuary at Pacific Life. Learn how mentorship, exam success, and a collaborative culture shaped his early career.
From intern to Associate Actuary, Gerrit Carlson has built a career at Pacific Life defined by curiosity, growth, and collaboration. In this spotlight, Gerrit shares how mentorship, exam success, and a supportive team culture have shaped his journey—offering insights for anyone considering a future in actuarial science or looking to grow within Pacific Life.
When did you start at Pacific Life, and what has your career path looked like?
I began my career at Pacific Life as an intern in the summer of 2021. I had a fantastic experience and was thrilled to return to Pacific Life after graduation. My first role was as an Actuarial Analyst on the Institutional Division Pricing Team, where I worked on Stable Value Wrap and Health Savings Account products. In that position, I came to appreciate that actuarial work is less about mathematics in isolation and more about applying problem-solving skills to complex business challenges.
Last summer, I took the opportunity to join the Enterprise Reinsurance team. This role has exposed me to a broad range of projects and allowed me to collaborate with many talented colleagues across the company. Although I have been in this position for only about a year, I feel I have grown tremendously, both technically and professionally.
In February, I achieved my Associate of the Society of Actuaries designation and was subsequently promoted to Associate Actuary. I am deeply appreciative of the mentorship, support, and opportunities Pacific Life has provided, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my early career.
What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of in your career?
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is completing eight actuarial exams, multiple modules, and ultimately earning my Associate of the Society of Actuaries designation. I began taking exams in the summer of 2019, so officially achieving my first credential was a truly rewarding and surreal moment. Reaching this milestone was the result of years of persistence and support from colleagues and mentors, and I am very grateful for the guidance I’ve received along the way.
To those still working through the preliminary exams, I would encourage you to stay the course—the effort is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment and opportunities that come with it make the journey well worth it.
How has Pacific Life helped shape your career growth? What opportunities, mentorship, or resources have been most valuable to you?
The most valuable resources in my career so far have been the guidance and mentorship I’ve received from my managers. Each of them has dedicated significant time to providing thoughtful feedback, answering my many questions, and creating opportunities for me to present my work. Their support has been instrumental to my professional growth, and I am deeply appreciative of the time and effort they have invested in my development.
What do you enjoy most about working at Pacific Life?
Working with highly motivated and intelligent individuals is without a doubt my favorite part about working at Pacific Life. The witty banter, thoughtful conversations, and opportunities to learn and grow are what make me excited to work at Pacific Life.
What hobbies or interests bring you joy outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy smoking meats and cheeses, playing strategy video and board games, and watching football.