Before you pass your first actuarial exam, DO THIS!

[@cr1994yellow]

I graduated with an economics degree, I have been working at a governmental position for an embassy but it’s not my calling - it’s completely unrelated to economic. I am going to make the switch and this helped me a lot!

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Carmen! So glad to hear that this was helpful and that you're pursuing work that speaks to you! Best of luck on your actuarial journey!

[@jerichogalura9812]

I really learned a lot from this video as a Math senior student who doesn't have an idea on what to prioritize first when taking the actuarial path. I think your proposed timeline is way more efficient. I guess I should not worry first about the exams rather focus on improving my techinical skills ang gaining experiences. Thank you very much Brea for the insights!! (I might as well check AAC. Pretty much excited for that ☺️)

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hey Jericho! I'm SO happy that this video was helpful to you! Best of luck on your actuarial journey, I'm rooting for you! 😊

[@ghiannelesterdikitanan9415]

Congrats, kapwa Iskolar!

[@juliemiller5667]

Hi! My son is a high school senior who loves math and has passed several AP math courses (calc,stat, comp sci, etc.). He is currently looking at colleges and is trying to figure out the best major to apply for college to work in the math, business, finance area. He is looking at a BS in math with a concentration in actuarial science. Is this good starting point to have the option to become an actuary with flexibility to work in other business careers if he changes his career path? Thank you for any information you can provide!

[@Dominick30597]

What are some good stepping stone positions to apply for? And what are some good Excel Courses that includes Projects?

[@EtchedActuarial]

Here are some of the good stepping-stone roles for future actuaries: Data analyst, financial analyst, bookkeeping, data entry, analyst assistant, actuarial assistant... basically anything where you can get on-the-job experience with Excel, insurance, or programming :) For Excel courses, there are tons that are available but I'm not sure if they offer practice projects, as well. However, the Actuary Accelerator Community provides both practice projects and tons of real-world actuarial excel projects. If you're interested, go to this link to know more about what we offer in the AAC: etchedactuarial.com/accelerator/ Hope this help! :)

[@huduadizatu8025]

Thank you so so much 🙏. I hope to be with you in the near future.

[@EtchedActuarial]

Wishing you luck becoming an actuary, Hudu! :D

[@huduadizatu8025]

@@EtchedActuarial Thank you so so much

[@parthmalhotra777777]

Thanks for all your support. Your content is really helpful. I have a Bachelors degree in technology and an MBA degree along with 6 years experience in sales and account management(in insurance industry). However I have started preparing for the actuarial exams now. My question is, will my previous experience be useful for my transition to the actuarial role, even after i have cleared a few of exams. OR, will i need to start fresh, from scratch?

[@JorfDB]

How can you actually prove you've done practice projects to employers?

[@EtchedActuarial]

The best way to prove that you've done practice projects is to put them on your resume and show off your skills on any tests the employer gives you during the interview process. You can also explain what you learned from your projects if they come up during an interview!

[@kafung4399]

Can I get some advice? I am an Actuarial graduate with no professional papers passed so far, how could I enrol myself into Actuary field. Should I apply for internship to improve my technical skills in Actuarial or should I get a full-time jobs and fight for the Exams

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi there! You don't necessarily need an internship, a stepping-stone job could work just as well! Definitely focus on improving your technical skills and getting related experience. Here's a video with some more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6PUZYOco8apZ9k

[@JainilGames-yz5hu]

Can you give some tips for me to study actuary As I've just started it since 2 months .

[@rolimiranda9291]

This kinda make me think that , I'm a bit near on reaching an actuarial job.. My actual background is that I started working on a Call Center for about 3 years after that became phone sales rep for another 4 years then become an Analyst a year ago which a lot of excel work and SQL etc. The only thing that I'm strategizing is that how I can pass the Actuarial exams 😂 . I'm near completing my degree in Accounting but my soul tells me that I want to become an actuary

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Roli! With your experience, an actuarial job could definitely be in your near future!! I'd recommend making a study schedule so you can fit in all that exam prep in between work (and eating and sleeping)! This article has more tips for you: etchedactuarial.com/how-to-start-studying/ Hope this helps! :D

[@jordandement8811]

I have been looking into the actuarial field, however I am a computer science student in my junior year. Would this hurt me when applying for jobs? My minor is in math.

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Jordan! A computer science degree is a great choice for a future actuary, especially with a math minor. Knowing how to program will be a huge help, especially if you're also learning Excel. It shouldn't hurt you at all when applying for jobs. Hope that helps! 😊

[@clivedoyisi1898]

What advice can you give to a fresher majoring in math and want to venture into the actuarial field? Thanx Etched.

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Clive! Basically, you'll want to start building up technical skills and getting related experience while you look into passing your first exam! Here's a blog post that outlines the whole process for you: etchedactuarial.com/steps-to-becoming-an-actuary/ Hope that helps! 😊

[@tamannavohra4615]

Ok. But if u work and study at the same time, u might take longer to clear those exams!

[@EtchedActuarial]

That's a good point, Tamanna! It all depends on how much time you have to dedicate to studying while you're working. If you don't have much time each day, you'll definitely want to start studying earlier to make up for it. Typically, in the first approach mentioned, future actuaries are still working (they need to pay for rent, school, food, etc), just not in a stepping stone position that is going to give them the experience that actuarial employers are looking for.

[@brinkrya3031]

What occupations would you recommend applying for as a stepping stone occupation?

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hey there! I'd recommend underwriting, analyst jobs, or bookkeeping! This video goes into more details about stepping-stone jobs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6PUZYOco8apZ9k Hope this helps!

[@yifuzuo9894]

what if I passed 3 SOA and 1 CAS exam with 3 VEE courses by the end of college and took a year off to get my ASA license before even getting a job?😂

[@EtchedActuarial]

Wow, that's a lot of exams passed, congrats!! Do you have Excel or programming skills? If so, you might be able to qualify for an actuarial internship or entry-level job. It's always worth applying! If not, that's when a stepping-stone job will come in handy!

[@emmanueledu7645]

I have 20 years of experience as a property and casualty adjuster and I'm looking into becoming an actuary. How difficult is it to get a job for someone over 45 yrs of age? Also, does the career as a homeowner's adjuster qualify as a stepping stone position?

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi there! While it can be a bit harder to get an actuarial job in your 40's, your 20 years of relevant experience will definitely help! I'd say that qualifies as a stepping-stone position for sure. Once you have an exam or two under your belt and edit your resume for actuarial roles, I can see actuarial employers being very interested in you! :)

[@Darr300]

Would you suggest working on Excel and studying for the P exam at the same time. I'm preparing to take the exam in March 2023? Also any advice for a High School math teacher working towards becoming an Actuary?

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Darrell! Depending on how much spare time you have, you might be able to learn Excel before you really dive into studying. It usually takes 3-5 months to study for an actuarial exam, for context! Also, it's super common to go from being a math teacher to an actuary! I've got a blog post about it that might help you out: etchedactuarial.com/math-teacher-to-actuary/ Wishing you luck! :D

[@thehubbardsfamily4312]

@@EtchedActuarial Thanks for the info will read the blog post now.

[@lambdaserb]

What’s the best option to start learning excel? I’m a freshman mathematics student at a 4-year university. I can graduate next year with my degree if I want but don’t know what I should do to start my actuarial journey.

[@EtchedActuarial]

Hi Seth! I actually have a special challenge going on right now that I think would be perfect for you :D You can check it out here: etchedactuarial.com/excel_ninja/

[@iankararian3127]

which programming languages would you prescribe

[@EtchedActuarial]

I usually recommend learning VBA first, because it'll help you automate tasks in Excel which is super helpful on the job!