Should I Become an Actuary? Reasons You Might Say No// LEDA 2

[@caddyshack68]

For not being a people person she seems really personable and loves the camera

[@DanielLoweOfficial]

I'm in my first year of actuarial studies at university, and I've had a lot of people try and tell me about all these stereotypical traits actuaries seem to have - that they're "boring" or "have no personality".. Yet, I watch your videos and find it really inspirational to see an actuary who's nothing like what people have told me. Seeing someone so lively, and genuinely passionate about being an actuary makes me a lot more confident about taking actuarial studies, and I can't thank you enough for that :)

[@Ellellevlog]

+Daniel Lowe just ignore those people and prove them wrong 😉😉

[@tiarragreen5913]

Hey Daniel, may I ask what university you're going ? I'm thinking about becoming an actuary.

[@valarigraham4697]

@@tiarragreen5913 I'd like to know too! Also thinking about becoming an actuary and applying to college this month.

[@tiarragreen5913]

@@valarigraham4697 okay let me know when you decide 😊

[@zebra1441]

Daniel Lowe Just do what you like dont pay attention to labels

[@BeautyAbExtra]

I hate numbers, that's why I majored in math

[@billasswhole9995]

The irony, lol

[@a.3160]

It's maths

[@allen.in.challengeofficial8749]

😂😂😂

[@cliffordwilliams9597]

you know what else eats up your time with your kids and partner? ... Never having enough money

[@annabelleong3792]

I am really grateful for people like you who make videos like this :) so informative and willing to share. you inspire me so much! Thank you!

[@Ellellevlog]

Aw thank you! I'm glad you find them helpful :)

[@Erik-tc6pg]

she's a freak. i love it. Cool videos, lady. Thanks for the insight

[@TheBBallEnthusiast]

I'm so glad I found this channel a couple of days ago. I'm currently struggling with my insurance sales job as a recently graduated student. I've been wanting to get in contact with an actuary in my state but it's hard to find because actuaries are so busy. Thank you for your information!

[@manviparikh]

How many hours do you work per day? Do you guys get all the vacations?

[@thegajuar4459]

I've always been a person who has loved math. I look at the dislikes and likes on a youtube video and subconsciously start trying to find the ratio. My hand always shoots up in math class and I've had almsot perfect maths scores in every exam I have given. I've been in love with this subject since I was a toddler. I'm gonna turn 17 next month and the last couple of years I had my mind set on wanting to be an actuary. But watching this video is making me reconsider. I am a people person: I love parties, meeting new people, hanging out with my friends; you get the point. I enjoy my free alone time too cause I write novels and dance and look at memes. I know I'm gonna grow out of some of these things (like memes for example) but I'm worried I won't be able to truly be myself and live if I'm gonna not have a lot of free time or a social life. I'm kinda confused rn and I don't know what to do so I'm gonna do a little more research into this. Thanks for this video; I'm gonna reconsider.

[@Natthaporn203]

omg, You're absolutely right. I have the cubicle life and my friend gradually disappear lol. It's quite sad but I want to be an actuary, I will keep going. Thank for your amazing video.

[@anabnana23]

What about someone who likes working with numbers/manipulating data but sucks at math. I love excel and programming but I have always been TERRIBLE at arithmatic and calc, algebra, ect. Aside from the exams, Is being an actuary a bad idea in terms of job scope for someone who isn't proficient at math?

[@JI77469]

A. Hogan M, unfortunately, you need to have a strong background in calc 1 - 3 and calculus based probability to pass exams, and there's no way to get a job without passing them. Why not look at the accounting field or some other area business/finance area? I have TONS of non mathy business people in my family (or are friends with) and not to get into specifics but they're happy people and have done very well for themselves (frankly quite a bit better than I have as an academic...)

[@justinhepburn1972]

I really appreciate your videos

[@Ellellevlog]

I'm glad!

[@rachelstroud91]

I love this video. As an ACAS and future fellow, I think your reasons for not becoming an Actuary are spot on. Especially not having a direct impact on people's lives and having to use your salary to do so instead.

[@parbinparajuli1316]

I got 76 in CT1, IFoA 2016 held on sept 27. 😁It feels really good while solving actuarial question in examination.

[@Ellellevlog]

+Parbin Parajuli 😀😀😀

[@MOHAMED-tc7pf]

Parbin Parajuli do u know any site to buy the revision materials....kindly replay to me it will be greatfull

[@tejendrachapagain1028]

Parbin parajuli , is it cool to choose this profession ,?

[@manavk1]

i want to do an actuary but i want to know if you have to like communicate a lot with other people and or if they work long hours like how is the job like and i also want to study optometry along side maybe

[@TheNestorppolo]

You should be honest. You are on TOP of your class, for sure. My daughter is in actuary, too.

[@Hamilton-and-Elizas-son]

I found out what an actuary is like 3 days ago and I've done so much research since. I really think I want to be one. I'm 16, a junior in high school. A concern I have is will i learn enough by majoring in math or stats to pass an exam or 2, or will i have to study separately from college?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Zakery Muse you will have to study separately

[@levisbae4719]

I love math and am very passionate about it (I LOVED calculus and statistics when I took the course) , but I'm introverted and I think actuaries have to be business-minded and a people person. I'm currently majoring in something that doesnt spark an interest in me, and I'm thinking of changing my major to actuarial science. Would it be worth it?

[@tammyjames3481]

Yess

[@melissajohnson7252]

Thank you for this

[@Ellellevlog]

+Melissa Johnson 😀

[@samueleverson8088]

I’m going to point out I’m a math teacher with four sections of 8th grade. The 1st, 2nd, and 4th sections have a very positive outlook on the class, but the half of the 3rd section hates it no matter what I do. It can be a game day, and they refuse to let the game happen without interference. I can put them in groups for a design project, but they hate it. They don’t like single assignments either. Math haters hate math to hate math. There is no such thing as a math person, there are just people who have a good attitude or a bad one. Thankfully, my efforts help the classroom, but for math, haters are gonna hate, no matter what you do.

[@melc7516]

I just found your videos and I love them! Thank you so much!

[@rajatgarg9145]

hey can u tell by being an actuary how much free time u have left after ur daily work

[@dominic2446]

i don't think actuarists have any free time.

[@RenataSimmons]

I feel like I might be a good fit for an being an actuary, but so much of it makes my head spin. It's just really confusing to me. I know that a lot of it comes with experience, but I'm just scared of trying to become an actuary when I don't really have a good grasp on what they do. Like, I could try and summarize it and do an adequate job, but it just seems so... difficult. I think I'm smart, even though I also struggle heavily with impostor syndrome. I just have a hard time feeling comfortable and confident with something until I have a 100% understanding of it. I've never had a job that I really had to use my brain for, so that's probably contributing to my fear. I just feel like I'll be getting in over my head. Blehhhhhh, I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I'm almost 22, and I know that isn't old, but I have no idea what to do.

[@yashbmr]

Similar situation here :(

[@lerolerolerolerolero256]

You are not alone buddy

[@iishuffle28]

I'm older than you and not in a career path I enjoy. I worked with computers, which I enjoyed, and switched to aviation, which is ok. Who knows, maybe higher up the ranks it'll get better, I'm giving it 4 more years. My point is don't worry about making the "right choice." You may find you don't like your choice after all, stay flexible and willing to change fields. You're young and have time. Don't settle for a job that makes you hate life. Just my two cents.

[@jpint2]

I graduated college in mathematics a long time ago(10 years), i have worked in group insurance underwriting for close to 7 years and now work for a large Reinsurer (where im the only non actuary in my team) but i always regretted not sitting any exam. I love my job now and i do not want to do it for professional reasons but for a personal accomplishment . Would it be really hard for me to start sitting exams at this point in my career so long ago after graduating?

[@thobanibuthelezi1294]

hi Ellellevlog well having a social life doing these professional exam and varsity is just astronomical, any suggestion on how u can make it through but still not feel like an problem solving robot

[@arishshahid8955]

how different is an acturial consultant with respect to doing a job in insurance sector

[@alessio4265]

Do you think that a robot one day cuold replace the actuary's work ?please answer me for me is very important your opinion

[@jackpage5895]

Do the conferences work similar to medical conferences? (You are given a certain amount of money a year to spend on going to conferences, hotel and possibly plane tickets, that can only be used for conferences)

[@sleepsnoopy934]

Totally my type of girl 😂

[@omarreyesortiz5641]

How many hours daily you studied for any of the exams ? And how many hours weekly between college and homework?

[@joelucchetti1299]

What is a typical work day like as an actuary, in terms of hours? Is it just a typical 5-day work week at 40 hours or do you put in a lot of overtime?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Joe Lucchetti I work 35-40 hours per week. I cannot say that that's true for every actuary, but it's true for me

[@arishshahid8955]

hows the acturial market now a days

[@NikeAirJordanGabes]

arish shahid In very high demand for more 😁

[@vanessalopez2565]

I am a graduate with a bachelors in Math. I want to be a data analyst to make money to pay for the Actuary Exams. my jobs pays for one college course and I am taking VEE courses and trying to take programming courses. How should I study for exams?

[@sarahburke4872]

Hey, love the videos!! I'm in the medical profession in Europe and am thus not afraid of the hard work involved in relation to the hours of study etc. (you do pretty much the same in medicine here, without the study leave or any increase in pay!). I was wondering if 29 is too late to be thinking of a career in actuary. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to aim for something in health insurance, as I could combine my knowledge somewhat, so I was also wondering if this is a good idea?

[@chueyv9080]

How many hours do you work ? And study outside of work ? Do you have slow periods where you don't have to study and enjoy life a bit ?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Chuey Vang I work 35 hours a week. I don't track my study hours, but it's a lot. I study January-April, off May-June, study July-October, off November-December

[@chueyv9080]

Thank you ! This was very helpful since my college doesn't offer this major or much exposure to this field so this information is gold! I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future! :)

[@Wild4lon]

I'm interested in physics and I want to do a masters in it and then transfer to finance. Is this truly the equivalent of selling my soul? How easy is it to get Lucifer (or Goldman Sachs, whoever is more evil) to take my soul? I just want to be rich enough to justify working so hard in my school years...

[@daniel11shauri]

felicity

[@congyuanchen3808]

I have a question, I wanna become a actuary in the future and I’m currently a sophomore in community college majoring mathematics. I want to start looking into it, should I start studying for the exam right now. Or I need to finish my degree first.

[@varunupadhyay1576]

What package you have got...After becoming an actuary??

[@Ellellevlog]

What do you mean by "package"?

[@dopetrailerz9938]

he means salary increase

[@alfredtovar6451]

This seems like a good career for aspergers folk

[@MOHAMED-tc7pf]

wow. very on top and i like how u explain it very well.

[@Ellellevlog]

+mohamed ara thank you :)

[@yohannawoldesselasie9030]

Hi Elle ,thanks for the video . just subscribed . Quick question ,so how does one become an a consultant ?

[@benjaminschaefer4234]

When you were studying, why didn't you just study with other people taking that exam?

[@abuhurerahbinzakriya1837]

does university degree or doing bachelors in Actuarial Sciences is necessary for being an actuary?? Can i start giving exams of SoA after my Alevels (college) ?

[@NikeAirJordanGabes]

Hurarah Zakriya Nope, most have a B.S. in Mathematics

[@katelynnecabello3168]

What should I do if my GPA is too low to get an internship? I'm already finishing my junior year and am planning to sit for my first exam in August. How many exams should I pass to have a chance at getting a job?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Katelynne Cabello I'd say, if your grades aren't your strength, I would focus heavily on your soft skills / transferable skills. I'd really highlight them in any job application. Also, if you have the opportunity to go to a career fair, in-person networking is a great way to bypass the "i-dont-look-good-on-paper" problem

[@rodrigoavila5580]

Where do you work and what do you do there? I hope not to work in a cubicle all day when I finish studying actuarial science...

[@Ellellevlog]

I work as an actuarial analyst for a property and casualty insurance comapny

[@dcarsoncpamfctheleanmachin5110]

You will find that with time your methods become more efficient. Age reinforces knowledge adoption in new ways.

[@colinhebb8627]

I'm 14 and going into high school now, I was looking into being an actuary but I wanted to know if it's possible to do it from home.

[@Ellellevlog]

I know a lot of companies encourage people to work from home sometimes.. but I think, at least at the beginning, you're better off working around other actuaries.

[@vanguard7674]

Hi. Would you recommend the ASM or ACTEX study manual for exam P and FM? :)

[@Ellellevlog]

+Van Guard I used actex for P and ASM for FM and passed both

[@vanguard7674]

Thanks for answering :) Did you only use the study manuals or did you supplement with something else?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Van Guard I had taken university courses that covered some of the material prior to writing the exams. I didn't use adapt for P or FM, but I've heard good things. I enjoyed it for FM

[@pranjalarora1037]

How many cts should be cleared before job

[@andiecornelia3594]

Hi .. you said 21 isn't too late to start studying towards becoming an actuary. Would you say there is an age that you consider to be "too late" ?

[@Ellellevlog]

It's all a matter of being willing to put in the study hours. I feel like the older you get, the less you want to spend your time studying. But if someone wants to study, I'm not going to discourage them!

[@vanshitudernani7260]

Hey, how important is the knowledge of computer programming for an actuary?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Vanshit Udernani depends on what field you go in to.

[@nathanschwartz9337]

Why have you chosen your path as a actuary for Life Insurance

[@oestera85]

Do you think that AI will replace human actuaries?

[@Ellellevlog]

+oestera85 in my opinion, that won't happen in the near future... but who knows?

[@parbinparajuli1316]

oestera85 AI can't replace this profession. It needs human brain and need to analyse various sector before solving any problem.

[@Brian_Duke]

willrobotstakemyjob.com/15-2011-actuaries

[@skoshin25]

Does GPA matter for being an actuarial science career (mainly for your career)?

[@skoshin25]

Honestly never offends me :)

[@ashleymcginnis957]

What do you mean by "writing exams" ?

[@perillivolcomha]

it just means taking exams. It confused me at first too.

[@parthachalise8964]

How long did you take to complete Acturial science ?

[@zishanchaudhary5208]

Hii ellelle I m from india and i earned my bachelors degree in actuary i want to become a proffesional actuary so what should i do now. pls reply.

[@bLaReD89]

I'm having a dilemma,I don't feel like I'm good enough to be an actuary at the moment,as my FM exam comes up in June. I already registered, but I feel like I fail, I might consider a FRM or CFA. how much do you know about those and can you compare them a bit please!!! :o

[@Ellellevlog]

Honestly, I know nothing about them, so I can't really compare. However, one thing that I do want to say is that failing an actuarial exam does not make you a bad actuary. The exams are designed to have a 40% pass rate - which means that most actuaries have failed multiple exams. If you want to switch, that's completely fine, but don't think that failing an exam = failing at being an actuary

[@bLaReD89]

Ellellevlog hmmm by the way sorry I'm late, I've only watched some of your live streams live because of school, but I did watch them after! ok back to it: FRM I've heard is similar to an actuary because of risk management and then the CFA is apparently similar to the corporate finance fsa route. Don't get me wrong, I've been getting A-A+ on the exams given in class and I feel like I understand the material, and that's why I feel like if I do fail i should probably try something else (or maybe it's just test anxiety that I developed I'm college ).

[@Ellellevlog]

+bLaReD89 don't worry! I don't expect people to always be online when I decide to live stream! I'm going to say it again: failing an exam doesn't make you a bad actuary. Also, deciding that you need to switch careers in anticipation of failing an exam that you haven't even written yet.... doesn't seem like the best reason to switch. If you want to switch, switch. Thats completely allowed but don't quit before you try. Giving in to the "fear of failure" is a bad precedent to set. ...sorry if I'm being preachy

[@poochyboi]

holy shit. why didnt someone tell me about this life. IT SOUNDS FANTASTIC.

[@anitkumar6531]

hello.. í recentl come to know about this... i am b.com 1st year student in accountancy and finance. can i opt for it. i like number and good in maths ( not too much ... maybe practice will help me ) and good in accounts. i don't like other subs.... after 2 years i will complete my graduation. i came to know about many things. but one thing I don't understand is how to start carrier in actural science. relationship and etc doesn't matter for me. I having no problem in investing my whole life in studies. ( till 35 years. ) .... at which level you are at..... thanks a lot....

[@Ellellevlog]

+ANIT KUMAR you can absolutely try 😀😀

[@wizzylegend3073]

hey elle thanks for the videos youve been so much help👑 i have alot of questions because im really interesting in having an actuarial career so anywhere i can discuss with you?

[@Ellellevlog]

Thanks for watching! I try to answer questions left in the comments, but do not offer my time for one on one mentoring.

[@JonFox1945]

You look like an actuary.... but seriously guys whats the most cost effective way to become an actuary with someone who has a gneral business B.S.

[@NikeAirJordanGabes]

Cinamon Gains Go back to school and get a B.S. in Mathematics 😂

[@p.hhenry4454]

Even better, get a degree in Actuarial Science.

[@mohitdhanjani4379]

can u give any link from where I can learn excel Nd VBA online

[@Ellellevlog]

+Mohit Dhanjani I don't have a resource off the top of my head, but if I find a good one, I'll let you know!

[@mohitdhanjani4379]

+Ellellevlog thank you..😊

[@melisamani4299]

Fortunately I found the Actuarial science program in the city which I am living; I have some questions which need to be answered because I am going to transfer to the program in the fall. Is it required to pass the Actuarial exam to finding the first job as an actuary after grad?? how many exams does it need to be able to find job at the beginning? the other question, how many exams is required to be pass in a year at least??? how many months in a year need to study to pass the exams? Is it similar job as data scientist?? I heard it is a very stressful job I know its depend on the field but I want to know totally,

[@jaceynaea7874]

Even though I'm not really an actuary I found this website to be pretty helpful: www.beanactuary.org/ They recommend that you take at least two exams and a few summer internships to even be considered. They also recommend that you know how to use SQL, and other programming languages like VBA and C++. Still, I don't know how vital all of that is to landing a job as I'm sure there are variations. Hopefully, though, Ellellevlog can give you a better answer as she probably knows first-hand. I hope that helps.

[@melisamani4299]

Thank you Jacey ; hopefully she will answer;)

[@ricardojimenez1284]

Hi Elle! is it 27 year old too old to start? Greetings!

[@Tigertazer23]

Is it better to wait to take the exams after you receive the degree? Or should i try to take the exams during classes?

[@andrewpj7]

Trey Batt Passing at least one exam prior to graduation since many companies require you to pass at least one exam before they accepting you for internship.

[@kodydavis55]

Hello, I just found your channel while searching for information between becoming a mechanical engineer vs actuary. Thank you so much for making these. My question, how good or bad is the competition for getting hired in an actuarial position? I.E. Are there more qualified applicants than available positions or is it the other way around? What are some entry level positions you would recommend to start with?

[@Ellellevlog]

Where do you live?

[@kodydavis55]

Ellellevlog I live in the United States, more specifically in Alabama. I understand there may be geographical variances but hopefully you see an overall trend

[@ashinsarkar6006]

I love maths..... But i only scored 60 in my 12th level maths.... And my concept of probability is not that good.... But in my tenth level i scored 85 in maths... So should i opt for actuary.???

[@notimpressed8678]

Don't even think about it.

[@timpiku]

Hey Elle, I'm wondering if I should continue pursuing my Actuarial career because I live in a city that doesn't really have a large demand for them. I don't plan on moving from here and I'd love to find work nearby. Is city size a really big factor finding work? Or if I have enough qualifications work will find me? Thanks :), love your videos.

[@Ellellevlog]

+Tim I've only ever looked for actuarial work in a big city, but it feels like more of a big city job to me. You're in a better position than I am to gauge if there's demand in your area. I can't really know.

[@mzKhaosz]

Do you work in life insurance or p&c? Also, did you pass all your exams on the first try? I took fm and didn't pass, it's been my only try so far though

[@Ellellevlog]

+marlene deleon I work in P&C. Thus far, I have passed all of my exams on the first try

[@mzKhaosz]

Ellellevlog which exam has been closest to the actual math that you have to do on a daily basis at work?

[@carterjin3372]

Hi, I'm currently in high school and I love math, computer science, and accounting. I've been suggested by my teachers to become an actuary. Do you know if actuarial jobs combine these three fields ?

[@Ellellevlog]

+carter jin they sure do.

[@carterjin3372]

Ellellevlog thx for replying. One more question, will doing coop in high school give me a higher chance of getting a coop job in university?

[@Ellellevlog]

+carter jin what does it mean to do a coop in high school?

[@carterjin3372]

Ellellevlog there is a coop program at my high school, where I can possibly spend half of a semester working in a bank. Not paid though.

[@jordynbartlett7316]

What university did you go to? And were the co-ops required?

[@Ellellevlog]

At my university, they only admit a small portion of actuarial students into the coop program. However, many non-coop students were able to find internships just as easily as coop students.

[@evanderwilliams1227]

how old is too old to go into the profession?

[@Ellellevlog]

+Evander Williams I don't think there's a "too old" as long as you're still willing to put the hours into studying

[@evanderwilliams1227]

Ellellevlog thank you!!! :)

[@xanthirudha]

Very good video. So the next video: Reasons You Might Say YES

[@Ellellevlog]

+Jonas Kgomo I've already made that one 😉

[@xanthirudha]

Thanks Michelle :)

[@toddakiva2770]

Hi! I really like your actuary videos (: does your channel also have a facebook page?

[@Ellellevlog]

I do have a facebook page under 'ellellevlog' but I never really use it. I occasionally use twitter @ellelletweet and instagram @ellellepic.

[@toddakiva2770]

Sounds good. Thanks again for the vids! :D

[@quant_in_sa]

Reading this while sipping a cuppacino with my A211 notes starring at me 😂😂

[@sanjeetchhokar5800]

I love ur vids. So relatable. We r basically the same person ❤️

[@Ellellevlog]

Twins

[@MultiWilliam15]

Do you feel pressured now that MJ the student actuary mentioned you in his video, which is primarily targeted towards student actuaries?

[@MultiWilliam15]

And by that I mean pressured to make more actuarial science and life as an actuary videos.

[@Ellellevlog]

Not at all. I think it makes sense to make a few actuarial videos in order to encourage the inflow of new viewers to stay for more, but I'm just choosing video topics from a list I had made a while back

[@alfredtovar6451]

Giiiirl, did you just wake up and immediately start filming

[@Ellellevlog]

Doubt it, but I havent watched this video in years and dont remember my mindset at the time, so maybe?

[@manavk1]

how long did this career path take you

[@Ellellevlog]

I was hired right out of university. The exam process took me over 5 years

[@Adam-bq2vw]

Please focus on being direct and succinct. People should get precisely the information promised in the title.

[@Ellellevlog]

You definitely shouldn't watch any of my other live streams then 😆

[@Adam-bq2vw]

+Ellellevlog What's wrong with efficiency? You like receiving extraneous information?

[@Adam-bq2vw]

+Adam 1 No offense intended. I've just never understood. It seems like you would get more views. Extraneous information is like going to a fast food restaurant, and having them try to sell you things you didn't ask for.

[@Ellellevlog]

I live stream to accommodate people who are watching live. I leave the recorded video on my channel for those who are interested.

[@peacekamu]

gg

[@chufflangs]

21:15 Typical actuary, anticipating decline or amortization. tsk tsk ;)

[@ricoz8603]

So your not compassion? lol :D I'm kidding

[@Ellellevlog]

+Rico Z not the most 😉😉

[@ricoz8603]

Ellellevlog thanks for posting your videos. I originally started majoring in economics by my junior year I decided to pick up actuarial science as well. I'm graduating this May.😭😂😁 mixed emotions.....If you have a Twitter account you can follow me at @actuarialzelaya 😁 if you want of course lol

[@ricardopadilla7252]

Marry me... 😍