Anyone out there an Actuary?

[LuvOrlando]

I'm trying to figure how to go about becoming an Actuary for a career after the kids are out of the house (the clock says 6 years). Back when I worked in NYC I seriously considered becoming an Actuary but I had my son and became a SAHM instead. I already have a BS in Economics and an Associates in Finance, when the kids were little I started working towards being an RN but know my heart sits in Math & getting lost in Theory and puzzles. Trouble is now I'm all the way in Lehigh Valley PA and I can't find any schools for being an Actuary at all near me. I know its not a big field but still I wondered if maybe there is a Dis person out there who does this, or is married to one who can help me figure out how to prepare myself with independent study so I won't disrupt my home too much. I know I have to go back & remind myself of the Calculus and Logic Theory, I don't mind the work because it could be fun, I just don't want to spin my wheels KWIM?

 

[mrsv98]

I'm trying to figure how to go about becoming an Actuary for a career after the kids are out of the house (the clock says 6 years). Back when I worked in NYC I seriously considered becoming an Actuary but I had my son and became a SAHM instead. I already have a BS in Economics and an Associates in Finance, when the kids were little I started working towards being an RN but know my heart sits in Math & getting lost in Theory and puzzles. Trouble is now I'm all the way in Lehigh Valley PA and I can't find any schools for being an Actuary at all near me. I know its not a big field but still I wondered if maybe there is a Dis person out there who does this, or is married to one who can help me figure out how to prepare myself with independent study so I won't disrupt my home too much. I know I have to go back & remind myself of the Calculus and Logic Theory, I don't mind the work because it could be fun, I just don't want to spin my wheels KWIM?

DH began his professional career as an actuary. He has a BS and MS in mathematics so of course took all the higher math classes offered. From what I glean the hardest part of being an actuary is the constant study and pressure to pass the tests. I believe there are 9 in all and each one very rigorous. He took/passed three before he moved into QA and said he had no desire to go further.

If you really like math, the other thing to think about doing is working for the NSA. After Grad school, DH was well into the process of working for the NSA when his DMom got very ill. Code breaking and analysis is still a big deal and might be an interesting way to put your math skills to good use.

While you are "waiting" take refresher courses in math, even online classes would be good since it is a brush up rather than learning something new.

 

[arthur06]

I have began looking into the Actuary field as well. I would love additional info that someone might have.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I plan on taking a few calculus classes starting in the fall and picking up a few finance class textbooks for review, then I'll sit for the test and see how far off I am. I hope somewhere long the line I'll find a mentor but I am not seeing anyone or anything useful so far, I wonder why

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

My brother is one. He went to college at Lebanon Valley College. He has only passed 4 tests since graduating in 2004. He said his biggest mistake career wise was not passing all the tests before having kids. It's now almost impossible for him to study with 2 kids (3 yr old and 6 months). He has changed his work schedule to 4 10 hour days so he can spend 1 day a week studying. I think he may eventually change departments so he can stop with the tests.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I plan on taking a few calculus classes starting in the fall and picking up a few finance class textbooks for review, then I'll sit for the test and see how far off I am. I hope somewhere long the line I'll find a mentor but I am not seeing anyone or anything useful so far, I wonder why

Where are you in the LHV? My brother lives out there and works in NJ

 

[arthur06]

So, here is a basic question...

If I have a 4 year degree, even though its not in Actuarial Science, I can become an Actuary with passing a test? Or a series of tests?

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

So, here is a basic question...

If I have a 4 year degree, even though its not in Actuarial Science, I can become an Actuary with passing a test? Or a series of tests?

to be a fellow (I think that's the correct term) you have to pass all 9 tests

 

[can84]

If you check out the Society of Actuaries, you could probably find some information out. This link talks about the requirements for becoming an actuary: http://www.beanactuary.org/changers/faq.cfm

Hope it helps!

 

[LuvOrlando]

This is what I found. There are particular educational requirements involved so a degree is useful but the particular field of study may or may not fulfill the requirements.

www.beanactuary.org/exams/exam_info.cfm

LOL, can84 posted just before I did.

 

[can84]

This is what I found. There are particular educational requirements involved so a degree is useful but the particular field of study may or may not fulfill the requirements.

www.beanactuary.org/exams/exam_info.cfm

LOL, can84 posted just before I did.

I'd say great minds think alike, but I only got 1 college level question right

 

[kaytieeldr]

The tests are very difficult, and you only get - or got, when the two actuaries to whom I'm related started - two chances to pass each one. Each test is or was given every six months or so, so in addition to the education the actual process to become an Actuarial Fellow takes a number of years. I know one of them started taking the tests in college ( two, maybe three; I'd think the other did as well). At any rate, to really succeed in that career requires much time and dedication.

Since the OP likes math, what about accounting, statistics, finance, banking, auditing, IRS, etc.?