2 answers
Asher
Student
Imperial, California
3
Questions
Updated
394 views
Do you have to be commanding when working as an Actuary?
As an 8th grade student I am looking into my possible future career possibilities. My favorite classes are science and math.
2 answers
Donna Weinstein
actuary
11
Answers
Potomac, Maryland
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Mr. Meyers answer should be quite helpful to you. I am impressed at your interest in exploring career options at such a young age. My career spanned 40 years as a consulting actuary specializing in pension consulting. I majored in math and political science at college. Math was always a favorite subject of mine. After getting my BA, I started taking actuarial exams which led me to the professional designation of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. It was a long road and still is. At that time there were 9 exams and it took me 5 years after college graduation to complete them all. Personally, I liked studying and found the material interesting and helpful in my job. The companies I worked for were very supportive of those taking these exams, with bonuses, salary increases and time off to study provided. There are universities that offer actuarial science courses and degrees but such degrees are not essential for pursuing an actuarial career. The exams can be pursued through self-study but my mathematics background was helpful. Much has changed since I began my career in the 1970's. See next steps for two websites that might help you understand more about pursuing an actuarial career.
Commanding is an interesting term and can mean different things to different people, some positive and some negative. To me, if I look at the positive side, one obtains such a stature based on their work ethic and subject knowledge which in combination earns the respect of colleagues (both those junior and senior to oneself), employers, and clients/customers. My favorite aspects of being an actuary were gaining technical expertise that utilized mathematical reasoning and that my actuarial background could take me in many directions, some more mathematically oriented than others. My days were always interesting and my roles over the 40 years changed perhaps every 5 to 7 years, so I was never bored. Communication skills through verbal interaction, presentations and reports are very important. The ability to communicate complex matters in a relatively easy to understand way that encourages growth but doesn't suppress 2-way communication is important. Good interpersonal skills are quite important, both in receiving direction on complex projects as a junior staff member and later on giving such direction to others.
Good luck in your educational endeavers and your future career.
Go to the websites soa.org and casact.org for more information about actuarial careers and requirements for professional actuarial designations.
Commanding is an interesting term and can mean different things to different people, some positive and some negative. To me, if I look at the positive side, one obtains such a stature based on their work ethic and subject knowledge which in combination earns the respect of colleagues (both those junior and senior to oneself), employers, and clients/customers. My favorite aspects of being an actuary were gaining technical expertise that utilized mathematical reasoning and that my actuarial background could take me in many directions, some more mathematically oriented than others. My days were always interesting and my roles over the 40 years changed perhaps every 5 to 7 years, so I was never bored. Communication skills through verbal interaction, presentations and reports are very important. The ability to communicate complex matters in a relatively easy to understand way that encourages growth but doesn't suppress 2-way communication is important. Good interpersonal skills are quite important, both in receiving direction on complex projects as a junior staff member and later on giving such direction to others.
Good luck in your educational endeavers and your future career.
Donna recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Asher, I appreciate your curiosity about becoming an actuary, and I'm glad to provide some guidance to help you navigate this path.
Being an actuary doesn't necessarily require you to be commanding. Instead, the profession values strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. As an actuary, you'll be analyzing data, assessing risks, and formulating strategies to help businesses navigate financial uncertainties and make informed decisions. While being confident and assertive can be beneficial, the ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and think critically are more important.
Your interest in science and math as an 8th grader is a great starting point for a career in actuarial science. Actuaries use math and statistics to analyze complex financial data and predict potential outcomes, so a strong math foundation is crucial. You can strengthen your math skills by taking more advanced math classes in high school and participating in extracurricular activities or competitions that revolve around mathematics.
It would also be beneficial for you to enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities, as these are key for actuaries when assessing risks and finding solutions to complex financial issues. Activities that require critical thinking, like puzzles, logic games, or scientific research projects, can help you refine your analytical skills and prepare for the demands of being an actuary.
Good communication skills are also essential for actuaries, as they often need to explain complex technical information to non-technical people such as executives, clients, or regulators. You can work on improving your communication skills through coursework, presentations, and extracurricular activities that involve public speaking or writing. Being able to clearly and concisely explain technical concepts will be invaluable in your actuarial career.
You can also gain practical experience and exposure to actuarial science through internships, job shadowing, or informational interviews with actuaries. This can give you insights into what actuaries do every day, the types of industries and organizations that hire actuaries, and the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the profession. You might also consider pursuing advanced education in actuarial science or related fields, such as statistics, economics, or finance, to further enhance your knowledge and credentials.
In summary, being commanding isn't a necessary trait for an actuary. You can use your strengths in science and math to pursue a career in actuarial science. By honing your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, gaining practical experience, and continuing your education, you can set yourself up for success in the exciting and rewarding field of actuarial science. As you explore your future career options, stay curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and grow as you prepare for a fulfilling career as an actuary.
Being an actuary doesn't necessarily require you to be commanding. Instead, the profession values strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. As an actuary, you'll be analyzing data, assessing risks, and formulating strategies to help businesses navigate financial uncertainties and make informed decisions. While being confident and assertive can be beneficial, the ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and think critically are more important.
Your interest in science and math as an 8th grader is a great starting point for a career in actuarial science. Actuaries use math and statistics to analyze complex financial data and predict potential outcomes, so a strong math foundation is crucial. You can strengthen your math skills by taking more advanced math classes in high school and participating in extracurricular activities or competitions that revolve around mathematics.
It would also be beneficial for you to enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities, as these are key for actuaries when assessing risks and finding solutions to complex financial issues. Activities that require critical thinking, like puzzles, logic games, or scientific research projects, can help you refine your analytical skills and prepare for the demands of being an actuary.
Good communication skills are also essential for actuaries, as they often need to explain complex technical information to non-technical people such as executives, clients, or regulators. You can work on improving your communication skills through coursework, presentations, and extracurricular activities that involve public speaking or writing. Being able to clearly and concisely explain technical concepts will be invaluable in your actuarial career.
You can also gain practical experience and exposure to actuarial science through internships, job shadowing, or informational interviews with actuaries. This can give you insights into what actuaries do every day, the types of industries and organizations that hire actuaries, and the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the profession. You might also consider pursuing advanced education in actuarial science or related fields, such as statistics, economics, or finance, to further enhance your knowledge and credentials.
In summary, being commanding isn't a necessary trait for an actuary. You can use your strengths in science and math to pursue a career in actuarial science. By honing your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, gaining practical experience, and continuing your education, you can set yourself up for success in the exciting and rewarding field of actuarial science. As you explore your future career options, stay curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and grow as you prepare for a fulfilling career as an actuary.
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