Career clinic
Use the Career Clinic to post your career-related questions or submit an answer to one of the questions below. Simply e-mail careerclinic@the-actuary.org.uk
Q050801: What is the hardest question you have been asked at interview?
A: "So, do you find the prospect of working for London Transport exciting?" - asked at my interview with them in 1963. I knew the answer of course but as I was facing the prospect of increasing my then Legal & General salary from £520pa to £595pa all I could answer was "um..."! - Mike Ramsay
A: When I was a newly qualified actuary I was asked, with no prior warning, to give a 20-minute presentation on the purpose of, and principles underlying, statutory valuation in a life company, to two senior actuaries who were role-playing as banking professionals on the board of a newly launched bancassurer. - Rob Green, Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP
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Q050802: My daughter (currently in Yr 11) needs to find a work placement for a week later this year. She is interested in possibly becoming an actuary. She is a bright student – gains grades of A* for all her subjects. Would you be able to advise what companies are likely to be able to offer her week so she can get an idea of what it would be like to be an actuary?
Lee-Anne Smith
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Q050803: I am a 25-year-old software developer with a keen interest in finance and investments. I am considering studying actuarial science to give a better understanding of the risk management and business requirements involved in the development of financial software.
Do you think it’s really worth it that I study actuarial science to achieve this? If not, what programme would you recommend?
Lawrence Mucheka
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Q050804: I am a degree-qualified electronic engineer having graduated in 1994. I have worked in numerous engineering roles and industry types since qualifying. I am 35 years old.
At the moment I am contemplating a total career change and for years an actuarial career has always interested me. I have a very strong background in maths both from secondary and tertiary education.
1) Taking into account my present career and age – would it be considered advisable to pursue this?
2) Will the completing a post-grad in actuarial science allow me the stepping stone to become a trainee actuary?
3) There is the option of completing a post-grad over 1 year full time, or via distance learning. Both are accredited and if you perform well can gain exemption from CT exams. Is the distance learning viewed as the poor relation to the full time option?
4) There is also the option of applying to the Faculty and start working through the CT exams. This means I would not have to give up present work. After passing 2 exams - am I then in a position to start applying for Trainee Actuary positions?
John Doran
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Q050805: I am considering being an actuary as a career and I’m just wondering is it possible to have a life outside work and be a mother and be an actuary?
Becca Larkin
