News and Views

Derek graduated with a BS in Mathematics in December, but even before he graduated he had set his sights on becoming an actuary. This past Monday he began working as an intern at an actuarial consulting firm in Scottsdale (Optumas). It’s a 6-month internship with a probable full-time job offer at some time during that period if both parties like what they see.

Interestingly, last month the Wall Street Journal published a list of “Best and Worst Careers“, and actuary came out number 1, at the top of the list. They based the rankings on “High pay, low stress, a robust hiring outlook, a healthy work environment and minimal physical exertion”.

Here’s another article from CNN about how actuary is “the best job you have never heard of”. The article gives a brief description of what actuaries do.

Actuaries have to pass a series of difficult tests to rise in the field. Most applicants take a test every 6 months to a year, and pass rates are generally less than 50%. In the four months since graduating, Derek has passed the first two tests and will be taking the third next week. However, he warns that now that he is working he won’t have as much time to study and his progress will probably slow significantly. Still, it’s a good start.