Meet the Experts: Macarena Barrio
1. What do you find most unique about working at October Three?
I think one of the most unique aspects of working at October Three is the environment that the people have created. Coming in as an intern, it can be incredibly nerve-wracking to step into an unfamiliar workplace. However, from the beginning, I was welcomed by people who are not only driven and highly intelligent but also friendly, respectful, humble, and kind. It has been an incredible experience to join the team without prior knowledge and have everyone willing to share their time to help me learn and better understand the necessary processes. Additionally, it is an environment that is truly focused on helping everyone grow and advance in their careers; people are always willing to help and step in when needed.
2. How did you get into this industry?
When I was younger, I took a career path assessment where the actuarial profession stood out to me. I was immediately intrigued by the combination of analytical thinking and problem-solving, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an actuary.
In 2023, while searching for summer internships, I spoke with an actuary who referred me to October Three and spoke highly of the firm’s collaborative culture and willingness to share knowledge. I was especially interested in learning about the pension industry because of its long-term impact on people’s financial security and the opportunity to solve complex problems that affect both organizations and individuals. After completing my internship, I fell even more in love with the industry, as I found myself in an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
3. What's one project or achievement you're particularly proud of?
One of the projects I’m particularly proud of involves working on the termination and creation of new pension plans for companies. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of a firm’s retirement solutions, ensuring the transition is as seamless as possible for the client and the participants. The work involves a lot of coordination and attention to detail. It is a great feeling to know that the solutions we provide make a real difference for the client.
4. What's one thing you wish others could know about your role?
An actuarial consultant is a really fun job! While a lot of it involves math, it also requires effectively communicating with your team and with clients. We get to apply the “people” side of the role by understanding clients’ needs, building relationships, and tailoring solutions for them. So yes, there is plenty of math, but we’re also people-oriented at the same time.
5. What's a book, podcast, or other resource you'd recommend to others, and why?
A book I recently read and would recommend is Let Them by Mel Robbins. I loved it because it focuses on letting go of things outside of one’s control and putting energy where it truly matters. The lessons are applicable both at work and in personal life. It emphasizes avoiding unnecessary stress, staying focused instead of overthinking others’ actions, and encourages healthy boundaries and a balanced mindset.
6. What's a skill or hobby you have outside of work? Have you applied any lessons or knowledge from your skills or hobbies in your role at October Three?
One of my skills outside of work is baking, which I genuinely love. Baking has taught me patience and the importance of following each step of a process. From preparing the batter to letting it bake, every stage matters and contributes to the final result. I have found that this directly applies to my work at October Three, where projects go through multiple stages of review. If something does not look right, we revisit and revise it, just like adjusting a recipe. Ultimately, baking has taught me that a great result takes time, attention to detail, and consistent effort, just like any work product.
