Preparing Students for an Actuarial Career

Students who are interested in pursuing a career as an actuary should consider the following suggestions that will help prepare them for the profession.

High School Students should:

Follow a college preparatory curriculum.
Take math classes every year.
Take advantage of advanced courses, such as calculus.
Enroll in computer science courses to develop computer skills.
Participate in extracurricular activities that will give them a chance to work as part of a team on a project or stand out as a leader.
Look into actuarial internships for high school juniors and seniors.
Attend career fairs for the actuarial profession.
Consider attending an actuarial summer program.
Explore colleges and universities that offer actuarial science curriculum.

College Students should:

Aim for a broad-based education that concentrates on business and mathematics.
Consider a degree in business, math, or actuarial science.
Develop a strong mathematical background by taking courses such as calculus, probability, statistics, and actuarial science.
Take business courses, such as finance, accounting, management, economics, and computer science.
Take courses in English, speech, and business writing to help them acquire the communications skills actuaries need.
Take courses in the social sciences and humanities, because actuaries are involved in a growing variety of social and political issues.

Classes for College Students should include:

finance
microeconomics
macroeconomics
3 semesters of calculus
1 semester of linear algebra
2 semesters of calculus-based probability and statistics
business courses, such as marketing
computer science courses
communication courses, like writing, technical writing, speech, or drama courses
literature, history, art, political science, the humanities, and other liberal arts classes
actuarial science courses, as available

If this curriculum gives you the idea that actuaries need a well-rounded education, you're right. What sets actuaries apart from other professionals is their ability to learn and assimilate a wide range of information. As their careers move beyond the traditional insurance industry boundaries, actuaries are finding that an versatile storehouse of knowledge pays off.

College Students should also:

Participate in extracurricular activities that will give them a chance to work as part of a team on a project or stand out as a leader.
Attend career fairs for the actuarial profession.
Look into actuarial internships and training programs.
Learn about the actuarial examination system and review the practice actuarial exams.
Begin taking actuarial exams with the goal of passing at least one exam by the time they graduate.