My Actuary Journey 2020 | First 2+ Years as an FCAS

See the start of my Actuary Journey - picking my major, passing actuarial exams and getting an actuary job here: • My Actuarial Journey 2...
In my 2020 Actuary Journey, we will explore life as a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society:
- How life changed as a fellow
- Actuary Fellow Salary Increase
- Actuary Job Promotions
- New projects
If you have any questions about becoming an actuary, life as an actuary or things actuaries know about, leave it in the comments below.

[@Actuaryelle]

Learn more about life as an actuary here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWTYhKGomNJ4fMk Got any questions about becoming an actuary? Leave them in the comments below!

[@reformed5786]

I think you should make "A day in the life of an actuary" videos

[@Actuaryelle]

I like your enthusiasm! Once the world settles back down and I'm no longer working from home, I'll add it to my list

[@markhadden3888]

Our favorite actuary channel is back - woo! Definitely the most entertaining actuarial content on YT. When I started watching your videos about two years ago, I didn’t know what an actuary was - now I have two exams and an internship in P&C consulting :) Thanks for the great content!

[@Actuaryelle]

Ahh congratulations!!

[@allynshepherd6281]

Welcome back :) I love the energy reflected in your videos. Great personality! I'm looking forward to your future content.

[@Actuaryelle]

Thanks for sticking around 😊

[@sarak.7779]

Don’t expect any😔 she just has an extra time for the time being, considering the circumstances 👀

[@ryanolivier9066]

I would absolutely love to see the work that you do day to day, in a more technical overview. I'm a final year actuarial student with 4 exams completed and really would like to see what skills you use in P&C, since that is where I'm going to work one-day (I'm already signed at a company).

[@Actuaryelle]

Congratulations on having a job lined up!!

[@sherlingchan5054]

Welcome back! Your tone sounds more mature than in previous years, and I like it better! Look forward to your next video. If you could educate us more about the product pricing, it would be great! :)

[@Actuaryelle]

Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@softballgirl64able]

So glad you are back on the youtube!!!! Have missed your content so much and would love to learn more about your role and how pricing works and all of that! I have completed 2 actuarial exams, exams currently on pause while I work on a Masters in Data Analytics while working as an IT Analyst. Planning to get back to the books soon-ish and study for IFM 😁

[@Actuaryelle]

Good luck with IFM and your masters!!

[@ijiwoleadedamolaolamide6618]

Well done Elle, believe me you're my role model.. I've gat a question to ask you about being an actual Can you pls list the names and codes of all exams to be done to become an actuary .. hope to here from you soon

[@Actuaryelle]

You can find the list on the casualty actuarial society website 😊

[@sssomshukla]

Your approach towards Actuarial Science is unique. Seeking for mentorship from energetic person as you are.

[@Ellellevlog]

Hahahaha you've aged since your last video 😂😂😂

[@Actuaryelle]

As have you, me on another channel.

[@reformed5786]

Ok, is there something wrong????

[@mediumoscar]

Ellellevlog You two are the best.

[@timrunke]

Hey be nice. Lol

[@markhadden3888]

Michelle battling her inner demons 😈

[@marshak614]

as an actuary, how do you choose the best insurance product for your personal needs?

[@nutellanutella]

Loving the new content. And the channel logo is very cool.

[@Actuaryelle]

Yay! Glad you're enjoying 😊

[@efuakoomson8414]

Elle...I need you to realize you do know what you're doing. You just explained actuarial science to me better than anyone ever has. You're doing amazing queen, keep up the good work and keep doing what you're doing on this channel.

[@Actuaryelle]

You're very sweet thank you 😍

[@Narenddrajoshi1]

Respected Mam, Namaskar (Greetings) From India, I am working with India's Largest General insurance company, specifically I work in Claim and U/W department ( all types of claim and U/W) I want to persue actuarial science, could you please tell me how I should start, Anytime you say, so that I can start my journey.

[@Actuaryelle]

Can you reach out to the actuarial department at your company and have a conversation with someone there? They would be able to give you good advice 😊

[@Ahj911211]

I’ve always enjoyed your videos; it’s especially interesting to hear how you explain your work to aspiring/non actuaries. I’m not exactly the target audience for your videos (FCAS a year after you, work in commercial lines predictive analytics, with emphasis on pricing models and prospect/safety services triage), but it goes to show that your videos have appeal beyond the student/aspiring sector of the profession! Hope you keep it up!

[@Actuaryelle]

That's awesome!

[@rishabprakash2541]

Back after 2 years !!! GR8 content looking for more videos before another 2 years :)

[@Actuaryelle]

No promises 😂

[@sashakadira8277]

Hey I'm 15 and your videos have really helped me to decide on being a actuary I'm still a bit scared about all the exams but hopefully I'll be able to get through them

[@Actuaryelle]

I'm so glad! Thank you for watching!!

[@shivanimaurya8504]

Thank you for sharing your experience and talking us through your Actuary journey. It really has given me an insight into what I should be looking for and what my expectation should be? I am currently doing my Masters in Actuarial Sciences from Australia and planning to move to Canada and all this process is really stressful. But your videos are really informative and have given me a bit of guidance. I really love your personality. God bless you.

[@Actuaryelle]

Good luck with your masters ❤

[@shivanimaurya8504]

@@Actuaryelle Thank you

[@mainecoon5459]

I was first interested in Corporate Finance and ERM... now I'm thinking of becoming P&C 😂

[@Actuaryelle]

All good options! Choosing between multiple good scenarios is the best kind of problem 😉

[@mercyjohnchima7169]

Hello my name is Mercy i live in Gabon . Im intrested about actuary . I will like to come to Canada to study this . So please im in search of schools over there and i want to know more about actuary. Please help me

[@Actuaryelle]

I have lots of videos about becoming an actuary! I hope they help you learn more about the profession. If you have a more specific question, please let me know.

[@fifaplayerQZ]

Hey did you graduate university in Montreal? I got accepted to both bComm at mcgill and acturial mathematics/finance at concordia, so I’m wondering if you know anything about whether McGill’s “brand name” is really that significant when it comes to landing a job

[@Actuaryelle]

What job do you want?

[@fifaplayerQZ]

Actuary elle I’m still not sure. I’m more interested in finance overall, such as money management, investing, saving, but do also like the insurance side. Do you think graduating an actuarial program will limit me to actuarial jobs in the future, if I decide I don’t want to be an actuary?

[@Actuaryelle]

I dont think it limits you. I think it focuses you, which is good if you want to be an actuary

[@surajbinwani3975]

Hi @Actuary elle, I have cleared exam P and F and 3 VEE (SOA) about 4 years ago. After that I tried clearing MLC and failed and subsequently stopped. I'm 30 now and thinking of resuming my examinations but not certain as I'm quite old. What tips do you have for me?

[@imoleBytes]

I love you 😘♥️

[@chrisitangonzaga4401]

finally someone has been awaken! welcome back! I been learning a lot from your videos

[@Actuaryelle]

So glad you're enjoying them 😊😊

[@malikiopeyemi1235]

Heloo uv got interesting videos...Goodday I am a Nigerian mathematics Bsc. graduate aspiring to study actuarial sc. at Msc. Level, I have been on the research abt this career path for lyk two yrs bfr my graduation uptill nw, but my ideas re quite vague..I lld rili need some sort of guardiance/clarification on how to start the journey from this point like a lot of questions keep running through my mind in wch I hv no answers to..I lld love to be a life actuary, and I wish to gain a student membership at the IFoA,please I would really appreciate if u could be of help by throwing more light on this in any way suitable...thank you!

[@waletilahunabate9043]

You get cool now than 2017 presentation... This is experiencing and age... Do you

[@saifanam9862]

Hello! I'm an international student and it is difficult for me to get an internship during the school term. I recently passed exam FM and was wondering how I should be working to land my first internship, especially during the summer. Should I necessarily be focusing on some specific set of skills? Or should I try sitting for another exam? I'm currently in my 3rd year of undergrad as an actuarial science major.

[@simranjeetkaur9534]

Hi I am an undergraduate student in my second year now. I want to know in which company do you work now? (HUGE FAN)

[@thuthukamathebula4561]

How much free time do you have as an actuary?

[@Actuaryelle]

Now that I'm done with my exams? Tons. I leave work by 5:30pm and never work on weekends

[@dj-kl8iw]

When do you get to work?

[@mozaffari_elt]

Hi! I have a question for you! Is it right that all reinsurance actuaries are either ACAS or FCAS?

[@Actuaryelle]

There is life reinsurance as well, but P&C reinsurance seems like it would be more interesting. I havent tried either one

[@mozaffari_elt]

@@Actuaryelle Thank you for the response. I have another question :) Which exam did take the most time and effort out of you? Is MAS as hard as it looks?

[@Actuaryelle]

They all took a lot if energy. I didnt take MAS. Back when I took it they were exams MLC and exam C

[@mozaffari_elt]

@@Actuaryelle I studied statistics and I'm studying actuarial science for the master's at the moment. Any advice for a would-be FCAS?

[@Marcxman1991]

Were you making over 6 figures before becoming or after becoming a fellow

[@Actuaryelle]

After

[@Marcxman1991]

@@Actuaryelle is that standard across the industry? I.e is there anyway a person with on 5 exams can make over 6 figures?. Thank you for responding 😁!

[@Actuaryelle]

That would depend on where you live, the years experience you have, how good you are at negotiating salary... lots of factors! I'm sure there are people with fewer exams out there making more money than me 😂😂

[@miteshbothra5541]

Yearly or monthly

[@Bryan-od1fv]

What age did you become a actuary?

[@Actuaryelle]

I got my FCAS at 25

[@bnv8514]

@@Actuaryelle ur so good

[@Frank78565]

15:00

[@rakeenakiel3038]

Hello what other jobs, other than actuary, that an undergrad in actuarial science can get you?

[@Actuaryelle]

You can do whatever you want to do afterwards. I know people who went in to more data science/analytic roles, finance, corporate development/m&a, investment banking... What careers interest you?

[@69ms]

You sound like you'd be better off working for yourself or at least being in a position where you can say what the hell you want without having to be punished by office politics. I'm sure the pay is good though if you're still choosing to work with the company, but I probably would have just walked out the door and worked at a place with a more accommodating company culture if that was the reason I wasn't promoted. First year studying actuarial mathematics in college now bcs of a handful of videos on youtube including yours btw.

[@Actuaryelle]

Oh I love my job. I just dont have the personality to climb the corporate ladder and I'm ok with that. I work with amazing people and I work on interesting projects so I cant really complain too much

[@assikaikov7687]

Life after qualifying is basically getting a life where is before there was no life :D XD

[@Actuaryelle]

Accurate

[@vishalsejwal4525]

Hlo At what age you pursued actuary as your career and how much time you took to reach this level?

[@Actuaryelle]

I started university in September 2011. I finished all my actuarial exams in summer 2017 😊

[@pheasantviewaerialservices6072]

Thank you for this!! Finishing my associates at a local community college then it's time to buckle down and finish my degree at my four year university.

[@Actuaryelle]

Good luck!!

[@meganarisaling]

Hi Elle, I’m a year 12 student at the moment. I would say that I’m good at maths but I’m not the best in the class. I get around 80-90s. Can I still consider actuarial science or should I already be someone that’s getting consecutive 90s? Thank you!

[@Actuaryelle]

Of course you can consider it! Grades are not the most important thing in life (and 80% is a good grade).

[@neolaneunchae]

love this video. love that you dont sugarcoat anything and there are many things i can relate to haha

[@Actuaryelle]

Thank you 🥰 glad you relate

[@user-mq3ts7lr9l]

Consider applying elsewhere and letting them know, you do not have to supply your labour at a discount because personality.

[@Actuaryelle]

I dont feel underpaid. I love where I work. Just get annoyed sometimes, but that's a function of working for a large company rather than because I work for this company Thanks for watching 😊

[@huonggianghoang3280]

I’m in high school ;-;; I’m not good at Science (more like i don’t want to study at all). I do like Maths but hate the exams, GPAs,.... I’m considering Actuarial Science. What should i do ;-;;;?

[@Actuaryelle]

What else are you considering?

[@huonggianghoang3280]

Psychology... i know i won’t get bored learning it. Econs or Finance... (thankiu for replying)

[@robertog7362]

Is it worth it to get the fellowship or the associate is enough 🤔

[@Actuaryelle]

Depends what your goals are. I dont think that the extra exams made me a better actuary, but they did get me a higher salary. They did get me "status" and job security. Its dumb, but I'm glad I did them

[@8karolane]

Yeah you are back!!! I love your videos please don’t leave youtube again!

[@Actuaryelle]

No promises 😂😂

[@georgexavier1352]

Love all your videos 😍. Please do a video on rate making.

[@Actuaryelle]

Glad you enjoyed 😊😊 thanks for watching!

[@TheHendogga032888]

You are really cute. Do you have a boyfriend?

[@Actuaryelle]

😂 thank you

[@michaelbayardsmith8221]

why not become FSA?

[@Actuaryelle]

I work in property and casualty insurance so FCAS is the designation to get

[@michaelbayardsmith8221]

Maybe true when U started but now SoA offers a bonafide P&C educational path that leads to FSA

[@Actuaryelle]

Unfortunately the SOA general insurance track isn't recognized in Canada

[@jadeboyd7716]

This was really interesting! Would love you to make more videos about your job!

[@Actuaryelle]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@yashb6087]

Holly Molly wow very well explained

[@Actuaryelle]

Thank you 😊

[@knights_limit]

Hi Michelle, nice to see you’re back and making videos. In my state, Georgia, the governor passed an executive order allowing teenagers to get their licenses without taking their road tests. What’s your actuarial perspective on this? I really enjoyed this video, and I’m looking forward to more of them!

[@Actuaryelle]

Was this executive order passed because of covid?

[@knights_limit]

Actuary elle yes- forgot to add that part.

[@Actuaryelle]

Having no real context for what the lockdown situation is in Georgia, my initial thoughts are: 1. Under normal circumstances, less experienced drivers have worse loss experience (higher claim volume per policy sold) than more experienced drivers 2. I would assume that inexperienced drivers who didnt have to take a driving test would have even worse loss experience 3. The decrease in claim frequency due to covid may mask the worse loss experience by these drivers, the longer the lockdown, the longer the cost offset 4. Depending on how car insurance is regulated, insurers probably would not have the option to charge a higher price for drivers who did not take their road test (currently we can do things like provide a discount for new drivers who took a driver training course) 5. We could increase prices for customers with 0 years licensed in anticipation of worse loss experience, but again, depending on the regulatory situation in Georgia, they probably wouldnt allow this. It "looks bad" to increase prices due to a covid-caused situation

[@praneydhawan314]

Welcome back great to see you again😊👍🏻

[@Actuaryelle]

Thanks 😊

[@thuthukamathebula4561]

Please, day in the life of an actuary videos

[@Actuaryelle]

Once the world goes back to normal. At the moment I'm working from home. Everything is a bit weird right now

[@bojelotiroyakgosi]

I genuinely love your content

[@Actuaryelle]

Aw thank you

[@jH-ky3os]

Bruh....I watched a video from your beginning and came to this one to see if you ever told what your salary was lol....wasted like 6 mins and got no info. what up with that?

[@Actuaryelle]

Sorry bruh

[@jH-ky3os]

@@Actuaryelle no problem dude. Your videos are inspiring. Congrats on the transition too. I guess I should refrain from the bruh/dude since it no longer applies.

[@Actuaryelle]

Have a great day! Stay safe 😊

[@alecvan7143]

Hey I met you at ASNA! Nice to see a new video :)

[@Actuaryelle]

Hiii!

[@EmmaLukoskyMusic]

I would love to see a day in the life of an actuary!

[@Actuaryelle]

Thanks for the feedback! It's on my list

[@miteshbothra5541]

You should make a social media account for question and queries (i think instagram would be best) please make it !!!

[@Actuaryelle]

I try to answer questions in the comments. Otherwise I enjoy my personal life. Making these videos is a hobby for me and I appreciate that people look to me for advice, but I dont have time to coach everyone individually, unfortunately!

[@miteshbothra5541]

@@Actuaryelle could understand it but you know there are not many actuaries in the world so very less people to ask anything so I would request you to just try it and no need to stay active just chat or answer whenever you have a time just a suggestion as I have many questions

[@miteshbothra5541]

Any one else interested in knowing why this is a highlighted comment

[@alessandracaia4477]

Omg it's been so long. So nice to see you back :)

[@Actuaryelle]

It really has been forever 😂 so glad you stuck around!!

[@johntatendamushonga7790]

You were a fellow already woah?!!!🙆🏾‍♂️

[@Actuaryelle]

I am indeed

[@johntatendamushonga7790]

@@Actuaryelle I'm starting my first year this september and i wanted to find out how long it takes to to become a fellow

[@Actuaryelle]

Good luck!

[@rumislife5924]

Ahh nice to have you back!

[@Actuaryelle]

Thanks for sticking around 😊

[@wilsonkhong8396]

Hiiiii miss your videos

[@Actuaryelle]

Hiii. Glad you stuck around during my 2 year hiatus!

[@puduhari1]

I loved your explanation of "rate level indication"

[@Actuaryelle]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching that far in to the video 😃😃

[@puduhari1]

@@Actuaryelle Do you use Gini Coeff as an actuary?

[@umangagarwal6540]

So happy to see u again

[@Actuaryelle]

So happy you stuck around 😊😊

[@7222487]

You're back?!!!

[@Actuaryelle]

For at least the length of this video (good thing it's a long one!)

[@SmokingwithBush]

Oh yeah, she back!! Love the vid, keep em coming

[@Actuaryelle]

Doing what I can to keep people home!!

[@SmokingwithBush]

@@Actuaryelle lol, appreciate that

[@pastir111]

Well, this is a surprise :)

[@Actuaryelle]

Hopefully a pleasant one!

[@pastir111]

@@Actuaryelle Is there any other epithet we could use with you in one sentence. There, compliment asked, compliment given [as if you need them ;)].

[@YashGupta-rf3hd]

How old are u?

[@Actuaryelle]

I am 28

[@YashGupta-rf3hd]

@@Actuaryelle Hmm, Although I'm 16 years right now.Your video are really helpful for guidance .Earlier I thought the actuaries are only one of the most unfamiliar course in India.But after watching your videos it's totally chance my perspective toward it Thank you once again One last question Did any rolement of computer science in actuaries?

[@zadyonks5658]

Hi, how many exams are there?

[@zadyonks5658]

How many years did it take you to finish all of them? I love your vids!

[@Actuaryelle]

It depends on the path you take. I had 10 exams and it took a little over 5 years. I did most while still in university

[@zadyonks5658]

How many exams did you take while still in university?

[@Actuaryelle]

6 exams

[@einandaraung4480]

May I know about the SOA exam that are very difficult or not. How long we have to take the time to pass.

[@timrunke]

Do you do work similar to Data Engineers, Data Analysts or Data Scientists. Do you work with them? I'm sure you're wondering how my actuarial journey has been over the last 2 years. Haha you don't know me but I was an active consumer of your content. Well, it hasn't gone anywhere. I renovated a house and started reffing hockey. Considering I've officiated roughly 1700 hockey games since then... I havent studied. In conclusion, I'm glad to hear from you again when I'm back to being able to study again? Thanks for the content.

[@Actuaryelle]

I do work with data scientists. That's a lot of hockey games. Sounds like you enjoy it! No rush on the actuary stuff. If it's not your passion, no need to force yourself in to it

[@timrunke]

@@Actuaryelle Actuarial work will always take a back seat to reffing hockey as far as enjoyment goes but I love the data driven aspect of insurance. I work full time as an Underwriter so the time management piece has been a battle. Any chance you are willing to do consulting as far as how to prep for the exams P and FM? For example, what resources did you use to know what topics to study, and which courses in your first two years of university were most beneficial for test related information?

[@akashbhowmik7993]

Is eco, maths, stats, a good major to take up Acturial exams?

[@Actuaryelle]

Yes

[@akashbhowmik7993]

@@Actuaryelle hey, now that you replied 🤧, can you tell, on an average how many years does it take to complete the actuarial exams? Like I wanna do my bachelors and masters in Economics,maths ,Statistics along with it. How good of a decision would it be?

[@TouchHerICutU]

you seem less crazy now

[@Actuaryelle]

I'm sorry