In the current economy, how competitive are actuarial jobs?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter glbhuo
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SUMMARY

Actuarial jobs are currently competitive, particularly at the entry level, although not as challenging as positions in top investment banks. This competitiveness has persisted for approximately thirty years, driven by the lucrative nature of the profession, which attracts many candidates. However, a significant number of individuals fail the exam process, creating an advantage for employers in hiring entry-level candidates. To enhance employability, prospective actuaries should focus on passing at least 2-3 actuarial exams, which are increasingly required for entry-level positions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of actuarial science principles
  • Familiarity with the exam process for actuarial credentials
  • Basic knowledge of statistics and probability
  • Proficiency in relevant computer science concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exam structure and requirements
  • Explore study materials for actuarial exams, such as coaching programs or textbooks
  • Investigate internship opportunities in actuarial firms to gain practical experience
  • Learn about the different actuarial tracks and specializations available
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students considering a career in actuarial science, current math majors exploring specialization options, and professionals seeking insights into the competitiveness of the actuarial job market.

glbhuo
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I am considering switching to a math major with a track in actuarial science (curriculum here https://catalog.louisville.edu/undergraduate/majors/mathematics-bs/#trackrequirementstext), with a minor in computer science (since that will only take me 2-3 more classes). I was wondering, given the economy's current conditions, how competitive actuarial jobs are, and how useful the actuarial track that I linked to is?
 
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Let me adjust your question slightly - I think you're asking how competitive entry level actuarial jobs are. The answer is that they are fairly competitive; not as bad as top investment bank, but certainly not easy. This has been the case for roughly thirty years; many people see the money actuaries make and are interested in the career, but many who start the exam process fail out. So you end up with a situation where employers are advantaged at entry level and candidates have the advantage at the credentialed/experienced level.

The big question you should be asking yourself is how quickly you can pass exams. What do you know about them? Have you passed any yet? 2 - 3 are practically required these days to get an entry level job.
 
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