Studying Mechanical engineering at a mid ranked non Russel-Group university. I didn’t do maths A level but the course is pretty much all maths (I did a foundation year)

Will these factors affect my chances of getting a graduate scheme even if I get an internship and a 2.1 or a first?

Hello,

I am currently a final year university student who completed an internship in actuarial this summer and am very much set on the career. Unfortunately, I was a few marks from a 2:1 in maths and stats last year at a solid Russell group university (due in large part to illness). As a result, I am struggling to get a graduate position. If I see a box to check for "on track for a 2:1" I am aware that saying I am not on track results in an instant rejection and sending across a transcript (even with a document explaining my difficulties last year) instantly bombs my application.

As a result of my current difficulties, I am considering applying for internships instead (in GI this time, I was working primarily in retirement this summer) and taking a year out whilst working and sitting a few IFoA exams before applying to graduate schemes next year when I have a good transcript to put across - is this a stupid move in any capacity/does anyone have any better ideas?

Thank you - any advice is very much appreciated.

I’m from India. Currently into Credit risk modelling. I have always wanted to do these CS1/cm1/cm2/cs2 exams. As I feel anyway this would be used in my line of work. But honestly is it worth? I’m already 30 in a okaying job. How would be the job market for me. Also, can I get a job in UK maybe after pursuing or in other parts of Europe ?

How's the interview process for the EY Actuarial Graduate Scheme look like?

What questions do you get normally asked? (Eg: Assessment Centre..)

Hello everyone! I recently started my job as graduate actuary. I am going to start studying for the exams soon and I would like to hear your recs on what exams is better to sit considering it’s my first time and the format is changing.

A few words about me, I have a maths and statistics background and graduated from my masters in September. I’ve been working for two months now in general insurance.

Any advice is greatly appreciated:)

Tia

I had been thinking of going for CB1 AND CS2 in the April 2025 diet but now, with the new exam system, I don't think it is the right choice. I still want to give two papers in April, and have also started CB1 a little. What do y'all think I should do? Shall I go for CS2 only or some other subject?

I have recently started practicing for CM1. can you pls suggest me some online sites to prepare for it

Hello everyone! Hope you're all having a great day. I'm aiming to become an actuary, but right now, I'm focused on my A Levels for 2025.

I’m looking for some advice on which subjects would be best for this path. I’m deciding between Maths, Further Maths, and Economics, or Maths, Further Maths, and Computer Science. I know Economics is relevant for an actuarial career, but if I swap it for Computer Science, would I still be okay pursuing actuarial studies? I’m wondering if it would make things more challenging when it comes to university applications.

I don’t have a strong preference and would really appreciate any outside perspectives!

Thanks a lot!

I’ve been working as a Life Insurance Actuary for 15 years now, and I just think it’s really not for me anymore. Personally, I don’t get any sense of reward or stimulation from the work, and I just can’t get past the lack of atmosphere and personality that comes with the working environment. The move to WFH has definitely not helped this either.

Does anyone have any stories of past colleagues that have moved away from the profession and have found successful careers elsewhere?

I'm a final-year math student with two graduate offers, and I’m looking for some advice. The offers I have are:

• Hymans Robertson - Trainee Pension Consultant
• WTW - Actuarial Insurance Consulting Graduate Programme, Property and Casualty

Which role would provide better work-life balance, career progression, salary, and exit opportunities?

I’ve heard that the hours in consulting can be very demanding. Is this true for graduates as well, or does it mostly impact those in management roles?

Hi everyone,

I am currently considering trying to obtain credentials in either IFoA or SOA.

A bit about my background: I graduated in Actuarial Mathematics in Denmark. The danish society goes through AAE, in which it does not, as I understood, have a MRA with IFoA and SOA. Furthermore, since the University of Copenhagen is not a credited university in both organizations, I would need to take the long route of going through all the exams, which bear in mind is something we have learned through university courses before, to obtain the credentials, which would be tedious and takes a long time.

I have the idea of potentially relocating to the US or the UK, since pay is generally higher there then in Denmark.

I am therefore seeking advice to what I should do, whether it is necessary for me to have a credential in either IFoA or SOA, and what the best choice would be.

1. Is it correctly understood that fully qualified actuaries from europe is not recognized in either the UK og US?
2. Is it true that unless I can provide a very detailed course syllabus to show that the VEE requirements are covered (which is hard since UCPH do not have a detailed course syllabus), then I wouldn't be able to complete the VEE approval?
3. Is there any form of MRA between IFoA and SOA, in which i can obtain fellowship through?
4. What would you suggest, if you were in my position?
5. The growth of salaries in Denmark are usually linear, and quite low. How does the salary and future salaries look in the US and the UK?

Sorry about the long post and questions, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I joining a job in november , this was unexpected and i wasnt going to switch so i had made bookings for italy from 23-2nd jan. I am from India and one does not get christmas holidays its just 25 and 1st jan for us. Would it be possible to take 2 weeks off?

Does a part-time role in the actuarial/finance field count as PPD Work experience for associateship? If so, would 9 months of part-time work count as 9 months of work experience in the 24 months requirement for being an Associate?

Colm F's gofumdme initiative is interesting. Looks worthwhile but loads of people have been complaining about students cheating and now someone is complaining about the IFoA challenging potential cheaters. Not sure we can have it both ways. It would be good to see examples of unsound accusations. Otherwise how will we know our donations aren't just used to defend wrongdoers. I hope he has evidence to back up his allegations given he's on council. But if he does, why not just publish it so that unjust accusations get thrown out. The IFoA needs to.publish what invigilation software it is going to use, with example organisations that are already using it. Hopefully then we can hear from current users and find that it's reasonable and not going to disqualify students for looking out of the window.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fitzgerald-colm-97a84a16_donate-to-making-right-to-be-right-in-ifoa-activity-7259816858072051712-y6s9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

I have 2 in person interviews for a year long Internship at the same time and have to drop one.

(UK Based)

Software Engineering and Machine Learning at the Francis Crick Institute (£25,700)

Actuary at Pacific Life Re (£30000)

My ideal end goal is to go into Quant research, I plan to do a masters at Oxbridge/Imperial after I finish my Undergrad (Mathematics, Statistics and Data science @ Uni of Bath). Which should I choose?

I'm really torn bc Pacific Life Re pays more, especially if I continue down that path and become a qualified Actuary. Francis Crick pays less in short and the long term, and I'm also not too interested in Biomed research, but the skills for this specific placement could transfer to the field I want i.e quant/ machine learning/ai research.

Hi, I’ve been trying to look for roles that would help me move from life side to GI.

I think my current experience sets me to work as actuarial systems developer/analyst. But I want to move into pricing or capital modelling (most malleable here).

Been struggling looking for roles or find contacts that can help move me to where I want. I have 10 passes and 3 EOY experience. Anyone can help provide some tips or assistance?

Thanks

I'm intrigued in different types actuaries ,the most popular types of actuaries I've seen people pursue are pension and general insurance , why aren't there that many investment or banking acturies?

This topic has already been discussed here, but I’d like some tailored advice on my situation.

I’ve completed CS1, CM1, and CB2 and am seeking guidance on which paper to take next.

For context, I tend to take a bit more time to study topics in depth to ensure a thorough understanding. For instance, I dedicated 4.5 months to intensive study for CS1 and passed it. Similarly, I gave 2 months to CB2.

Some peers suggested I move on to CS2, but, to be honest, I find the subject daunting due to its extensive syllabus and reputation for difficulty.

Given this, what would you recommend? Should I proceed with CS2, or would CM2 be a better choice? I’ll also have less preparation time for the September attempt, so that’s a consideration.

Additionally, if I decide to take up a job alongside my studies, how might that affect my choice of subject?

I have cleared CT1&5 (pre2019 curriculum) , CS1, CB2 & CB3, so only 4 exams and have been facing alot of failure with clearing exams in online format. I am thinking of pursuing masters from either ine of the universities( Heriotwatt, kent or bayes) such that I can get max. Exemptions and can get over with the academic part of the career.

Currently i’m earning 13LPA and have experience of ~4 yrs. I believe after doing masters I’ll have much better package and would be taking an education loan of 50k pounds to do the same. Can anyone with similar experience advice if this seems to be good decision?? Or if you can guide on the same!!

TW - mention of a serious crime

Heard through the grapevine today about an actuary who unalived his partner via a harpoon, went to jail, and on top of that IFoA kicked him out of the profession with a 5k bill to boot. Any people know/remember the story? I’m legitimately interested.

Hey everyone.

I've been trying to submit my Formal Learning Activity today, but getting a "403 Forbidden" error. Other PPD activities were submitted fine, both before and after trying to submit this.

My deadline is in 5 days (dumb of me, I know), so I have little faith that they'll respond to me in time.

Has anyone faced this before? Do you know if there's something I can do besides reaching out to them (which I've already done)?

Has anyone made the move from Life to the Lloyds market? I've been working for 3 years at a Life insurer with 1 years experience in pricing and think I fancy a change.

The Lloyds market seems appealing and I've seen a few pricing roles come up recently but not sure if I'd stand a chance. I've got 3 exams left and have taken the specialist exams in Life and Health and Care so feel like I may be overlooked?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks

I got to know from this sub that there is grad entry scheme for entry level positions and your company pays for your exams(even the first one). As an Indian I find this completely shocking because here you clear at least 4-5 exams before applying for entry level positions. And we pay from our own pocket, thats why most we are the ones asking for free study material as its very very expensive for us to buy the study material.

Wont the company be at a loss as they have to pay you for your exams, study material and salary for your work ?

Hi Everyone,

I was thinking of creating a YouTube channel for actuarial content and wanted to see what people are looking for. I have put a few of my ideas below; any feedback would be useful.

1. General actuarial information: for example, how to qualify in the UK, step-by-step guides to exams, and different roles in the industry.
2. A video series of lessons covering exam content: for example, video tutorials of CM1, with each video covering one or two chapters of the core reading.
3. A video walkthrough of past papers.
4. A video series on how to use PowerBI, tailored specifically towards actuaries.
5. A video series on how to use Python, with an emphasis on AI and machine learning techniques.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I am looking to apply for summer internship/placement year opportunities at actuarial firms, and from the one smaller firm I managed to find and I apply to, I feel that I find their application process a lot better than the standardised one at bigger firms.

The problem with smaller firms is that they are quite hard to find, let alone find open positions for work placements at. It was sheer coincidence that led me to find the options available at the smaller firm I applied to.

So if anyone knows of a website where smaller firms advertise summer positions/placement years in the UK that would be great. Even better, if you personally know a firm that is offering such placements I would be immensely grateful.

Applying to internships in multiple sectors (banking, consultancy, accounting, actuarial etc.) and I feel like I'm hitting the brick wall.

Ive only got three rejections so far out of the 20-25 applications l've put in but l'm quite concerned that I won't get anywhere. I've been told there's often not a lot of science or a methodical approach to these applications (such as with their online tests) and to be honest the more applications I do the more it seems the whole process is random (and the same for each firm).

Is the secret just to apply to as many positions as possible and hope for the best? Does it help to apply early? I'm trying my best but it's hard to applications and tests alongside uni work (especially if you've never done applications like this before), l've only managed to muster 20-25 so far but should I aim for 50-100 in a quicker pace (as it's now November, or do more positions come out in the new year?) I do feel you get a hang of the process the more applications you do, but in some ways I regret applying to some of my top choices first with little experience of the process.

How should I view it if a firm takes a long time (weeks) to get back to me after the initial applications or video interview stage?

Any advice helpful as I'm not used to this process.

Hi everyone!

I’m an Italian-British recent graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I'm interested in transitioning to a career as an actuary. I've always enjoyed working with numbers and analyzing data, so I believe this path could be a great fit.

Since my background isn’t in finance or statistics, I’d love to get some advice on a couple of things:

• What’s the general process for recent graduates to enter the actuarial field?
• Would my Mechanical Engineering degree provide any sort of advantage (or disadvantage) in pursuing this career?

Any guidance on certifications, courses, or where to start would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

I was going through my paper and noticed that I incorrectly labelled question parts for one question. Interchanged the two. The iii I labeled iv and the iv I labeled iii. Will I be penalized for this typo. In terms of content they are very different to the extent that this will be noticed by the marker as one part is longer and the other one short.

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking some advice for the April 2025 exam session. I still have CM2, CP1, two SPs, and one SA paper to complete. Although I haven’t started studying yet, I do have a basic understanding of CM2.

Would it be better to tackle CM2 on its own, or would combining it with SP5 or CP1 be manageable? If anyone has been in a similar situation or has guidance to share, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

Hi there,

I'm currently working in France and I would like to go to London to work (mostly for an international experience). I'm Associate from SOA with 4 YOE of Actuatial Modelling and Solvency 2 (2 in consulting and 2 in company). Is the job market in UK is open for European ?