Is now the right time to become an actuary, or are there better paths to explore? What’s holding you back or pushing you forward in this career choice?
This is a good point too! I expect the actuarial career to still be totally worth it for people who are really dedicated :) It's just not the big salary growth we were seeing before!
@@StonesiferDrew You're doing amazing! Prepping for P and FM back-to-back is no joke-stay consistent, and you'll crush it. 😊 The dedication you're showing is exactly what makes actuarial work so rewarding!
Good point - this is definitely impacting the whole economy right now! The current economy combined with more ways to pass exams definitely creates more competition for entry-level actuarial roles.
Sorry, I didn't mean to stress you out! Getting your first job in the current market might be tricky, but if you're taking all the right steps to become a top candidate, like getting internships, learning Excel, and passing exams, you've got a great start. Networking is also an awesome tool to help you get hired ASAP when you graduate :) Don't give up - you can do it!
That’s a great goal! For actuarial science in the U.S., major in math, statistics, actuarial science, or a related field like economics. Focus on building strong math skills and start preparing for actuarial exams like Exam P and FM. Internships and learning Excel will also help a lot.
Ive been working as a pricing manager for a few years now and want to move into an actuarial career. I have a mathematics degree, and lots of experience in Ms Excel (financial modelling, forecasting etc). How could I move into the actuary world?
It sounds like you've already got lots of related experience, which is a great start! I'd say your next step is to take Exam P or FM. Since you have financial experience, starting with FM might be your best bet! Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out with any more questions! :)
@EtchedActuarial would you recommend passing both exams before trying to land a junior actuary role? And assume all study material can be found online?
@ Great question! Passing one exam is often enough to start looking for a junior role, especially if you pair it with strong technical skills like Excel, SQL, or Python. Having both exams passed can make you stand out more, but it’s not a strict requirement. Focus on building skills, networking, and tailoring your resume to highlight problem-solving and attention to detail. And yes, there’s plenty of great study material online-just make sure it’s reliable. Good luck!
What do you think of the university of quebec in Montreal UQAM? Is it a good school apparently you do the 2 first exams while getting your bsc in actuarial science
I don't know a whole lot about UQAM, but from what I've heard, it's a good school! Getting your first two exams passed while in school is a big advantage!
Hi there! Do you mean the Black Friday Excel Projects Bundle? That one doesn't come with access to the WhatsApp group, unfortunately. If you have a different bundle with access and are still having trouble getting in, feel free to message support@etchedactuarial.com, and they can help you get in. Sorry about that!
If the CIA allows people to come out with their associateship, wouldnt that just be the new normal, but now there are no more exam increases? Wouldnt this just make this career path progression just be the same as a business analyst where there is no clear ladder up?
You still need to reach fellowship which provides a ladder. And I see your point about no more salary increases for passing exams. I wonder how that will play out.
I totally agree! It's an alternative to the actuarial field that some people might want to consider right now, but competition for data science roles has also gotten more intense. Thanks for mentioning that!
Do you recommend the actuary career for people who aren't inherently good at math? I'm a senior in highschool who has become interested in the career, however math does not come naturally to me: I feel that I need to work harder than others to achieve the mark I want, but I'm willing to work for it. Any advice? Thanks 👍
I think it depends on how much you really want to become an actuary, honestly. If you know this is your dream career and it's worth all the effort, you can 100% make it happen! It's all about deciding if that extra time commitment to pass the exams is worth it for you :) If it's not, you have other alternatives. And if it is worth it, I know you can do it!
If you’re willing to work harder, go for it! But you must be patient and resilient because it’s not easy. Personally, I wouldn’t describe my relationship with math as “natural”; however, I’m someone who likes challenges and who is really committed to study for becoming an actuary with U.S. credentials. My Bachelor’s degree is from a Mexican University (I’m Mexican, living in Mexico) and, I’m on this journey! Challenging exams, different regulations, different language, different culture. Personal opinion: it doesn’t always depend on if you’re good at something naturally, rather how willing you are to unlock your potential and find the ways to develop those required skills.
@@acookie9388 just remember this youtuber is here for engagement. She has no real incentive to show you what would truly be good for you, her only incentive is to keep you coming to her TH-cam channel so you can continue to support her. Actuary position requires a bachelor's in stem field and taking masters level mathematic exams. Anyone who says that you can boss your way into this career is lying. I have yet to meet a fellow ASA who wasn't born naturally excellent at math. There are plenty of stem careers that only require calculus level math, but actuary no
Is now the right time to become an actuary, or are there better paths to explore? What’s holding you back or pushing you forward in this career choice?
Counterpoint: the fact that salaries have even kept pace with inflation is a great sign compared to lots of other jobs!!
This is a good point too! I expect the actuarial career to still be totally worth it for people who are really dedicated :) It's just not the big salary growth we were seeing before!
Currently prepping for P in January and FM in February, so I hope so! 😊
@@StonesiferDrew
You're doing amazing! Prepping for P and FM back-to-back is no joke-stay consistent, and you'll crush it. 😊 The dedication you're showing is exactly what makes actuarial work so rewarding!
You just described most careers right now. It’s the economy as a whole.
Good point - this is definitely impacting the whole economy right now! The current economy combined with more ways to pass exams definitely creates more competition for entry-level actuarial roles.
ok so now im really worried as a sophomore in college, i still have internships under my belt but now im just worried that wont even be enough....
Sorry, I didn't mean to stress you out! Getting your first job in the current market might be tricky, but if you're taking all the right steps to become a top candidate, like getting internships, learning Excel, and passing exams, you've got a great start. Networking is also an awesome tool to help you get hired ASAP when you graduate :) Don't give up - you can do it!
Spot on. Actuarial science is often overhyped.
I want to be an actuary but what should I study to be an actuary in USA as an undergraduate international student
That’s a great goal! For actuarial science in the U.S., major in math, statistics, actuarial science, or a related field like economics. Focus on building strong math skills and start preparing for actuarial exams like Exam P and FM. Internships and learning Excel will also help a lot.
Ive been working as a pricing manager for a few years now and want to move into an actuarial career. I have a mathematics degree, and lots of experience in Ms Excel (financial modelling, forecasting etc). How could I move into the actuary world?
It sounds like you've already got lots of related experience, which is a great start! I'd say your next step is to take Exam P or FM. Since you have financial experience, starting with FM might be your best bet! Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out with any more questions! :)
@EtchedActuarial would you recommend passing both exams before trying to land a junior actuary role? And assume all study material can be found online?
@ Great question! Passing one exam is often enough to start looking for a junior role, especially if you pair it with strong technical skills like Excel, SQL, or Python. Having both exams passed can make you stand out more, but it’s not a strict requirement. Focus on building skills, networking, and tailoring your resume to highlight problem-solving and attention to detail. And yes, there’s plenty of great study material online-just make sure it’s reliable. Good luck!
What do you think of the university of quebec in Montreal UQAM? Is it a good school apparently you do the 2 first exams while getting your bsc in actuarial science
I don't know a whole lot about UQAM, but from what I've heard, it's a good school! Getting your first two exams passed while in school is a big advantage!
Hi Brea, I just bought your Excel bundle and its excellent. Do you know where I can find the Whatsapp group?
Hi there! Do you mean the Black Friday Excel Projects Bundle? That one doesn't come with access to the WhatsApp group, unfortunately. If you have a different bundle with access and are still having trouble getting in, feel free to message support@etchedactuarial.com, and they can help you get in. Sorry about that!
If the CIA allows people to come out with their associateship, wouldnt that just be the new normal, but now there are no more exam increases? Wouldnt this just make this career path progression just be the same as a business analyst where there is no clear ladder up?
You still need to reach fellowship which provides a ladder. And I see your point about no more salary increases for passing exams. I wonder how that will play out.
IMO data science is also a competitive and oversaturated field right now.
I totally agree! It's an alternative to the actuarial field that some people might want to consider right now, but competition for data science roles has also gotten more intense. Thanks for mentioning that!
Do you recommend the actuary career for people who aren't inherently good at math? I'm a senior in highschool who has become interested in the career, however math does not come naturally to me: I feel that I need to work harder than others to achieve the mark I want, but I'm willing to work for it. Any advice? Thanks 👍
I wouldn't, the exams are extremely high levels of math
I think it depends on how much you really want to become an actuary, honestly. If you know this is your dream career and it's worth all the effort, you can 100% make it happen! It's all about deciding if that extra time commitment to pass the exams is worth it for you :) If it's not, you have other alternatives. And if it is worth it, I know you can do it!
If you’re willing to work harder, go for it! But you must be patient and resilient because it’s not easy. Personally, I wouldn’t describe my relationship with math as “natural”; however, I’m someone who likes challenges and who is really committed to study for becoming an actuary with U.S. credentials. My Bachelor’s degree is from a Mexican University (I’m Mexican, living in Mexico) and, I’m on this journey! Challenging exams, different regulations, different language, different culture. Personal opinion: it doesn’t always depend on if you’re good at something naturally, rather how willing you are to unlock your potential and find the ways to develop those required skills.
@@dianakarinapellon2620 Yes. I totally agree!
@@acookie9388 just remember this youtuber is here for engagement. She has no real incentive to show you what would truly be good for you, her only incentive is to keep you coming to her TH-cam channel so you can continue to support her. Actuary position requires a bachelor's in stem field and taking masters level mathematic exams. Anyone who says that you can boss your way into this career is lying. I have yet to meet a fellow ASA who wasn't born naturally excellent at math. There are plenty of stem careers that only require calculus level math, but actuary no