Meet Chris Bitz: Star of UW-Whitewater

July 14, 2025

Ever wondered how excelling in math can shape your career? Hear from Chris Bitz, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and how his passion for numbers has led him to a successful career as an actuarial analyst at Nationwide in downtown Milwaukee.

Bitz, who graduated with a B.S. in mathematics in 2023, was also a four-year member of the Warhawk men’s track and field team. His journey as an actuary began during his internship at Nationwide in 2021, which turned into a full-time position after graduation.

Utilizing Mathematical Skills in the Real World

Bitz’s internship at Nationwide allowed him to apply the mathematical skills learned at UW-Whitewater. He started with manual group processes and gradually learned how to make strategic decisions based on data. This experience prepared him to manage interns and strategize business opportunities for the company.

While the role of an actuary typically involves assessing financial risk, Bitz explains that it’s much more than just that. In his role on the first-year pricing team, his job involves pricing groups looking for health insurance for the first time, demonstrating the vast range of fields within actuarial sciences.

A Rewarding Journey at UW-Whitewater

Bitz’s decision to pursue actuarial science was influenced by his mother, Maria, a fellow UW-Whitewater alumnus. His love for numbers and passion for athletics led him to join the university’s track and field team. His time at UW-Whitewater was transformative, creating a balance between academics and athletics and fostering lifelong friendships.

As a student-athlete, Bitz achieved several accolades, including being a UW-Whitewater Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete and earning his third straight All-Academic award from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as a senior.

In addition to his athletic career, Bitz was a part of the university’s Actuarial Club, which provided him with the opportunity to learn more about the actuarial profession and network with individuals in the industry. His active participation in the club led to his internship with Nationwide.

Towards a Successful Actuarial Career

As a professional actuary, Bitz aims to secure his certification from the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and aspires to grow into a managerial role within Nationwide. With the comprehensive preparation he received at UW-Whitewater, Bitz is well on his way, having already passed four out of the ten exams required for certification.

The benefit of attending UW-Whitewater was not limited to the classroom. Bitz also acknowledges the positive influence of faculty members and the opportunities he had to serve as an instructor and tutor during his time at the university.