Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Analysing Data
Building Models
Reviewing Models
Projecting reserves
Reserve reviews / Audit support
Risk and Quality
Coding / Programming
Implementing / Advising on regulation

A typical day would involve working on a couple of projects or one large project. Depending on the time of year and project will depend on what type of work I will be doing. It can either be technical or more qualitative work.

An average day is about 7 hours and generally involves working with clients, attending meetings, carrying analysis were appropriate.

Data checks are very important in a consultancy as we provide advice. We must therefore ensure that all our work is accurate when the results / deliverables are provided to the client.

Some clients can be demanding to work with so you must be more than just a technical person. Soft skills are just as important as your ability to solve an equation.

I enjoy project based work and moving from one project to another. I don't like the idea of doing the same thing year in year out. It can be challenging but you learn a lot.

I also like the balance between client interaction and technical work. The variety of work and areas you get to work in are great within a consultancy.

Studying and working. The exams are hard. Much harder than any I ever took during school and university. Preparation is key as you are competing with other students to pass.

Also, being put outside your comfort zone and challenged. You get to experience a lot of areas and encouraged to progress through the firm.

It applies analytic skills in the work place and is a very well respected professional qualification.

Statistics occasionally
Communication
Time management
Political
Working in teams
Accuracy
Efficiency

Actuarial study
Ongoing technical training (e.g. reserving / capital modelling)
Software training (e.g. SAS, excel, VBA)
Communication

Started work at Brit Insurance after masters degree as a Catastrophe Modelling Analyst. Gained experience of the Lloyds of London insurance market and passed the LLIMIT exam in 2010.

Moved to PwC as a Graduate Actuary and started on the professional exams

Qualified as an actuary in 2014 after completing the exams and time requirements.

Currentlly working in cyber risk solutions for insurance companies and corporate clients

Working within the London (specifically Lloyds of London) Insurance market either with a consultancy or moving into industry to a senior role.

Expect to be considered an expert in certain areas of my field and work with clients or be an important market prescence on my chosen topic e.g. Cyber insurance

Take the time to research the industry you are applying for or gain some work experience in that area. It's a very competitive area and you will impress at interview if you have a basic knowledge.

Be prepared for the exams, if you plan early enough you may be able to take modules that help you obtain exemptions from professional exams. If you do a masters course be aware that the dissertation counts towards one of the final (hard) exams so consider this when choosing your dissertation topic.

Consider if you want to be a consulting actuary or industry actuary. They can have very different skills. Also the location you apply for may determine what type of work you can do, for example general insurance is almost solely provided from London within the UK.

Don't underestimate the exams. Everyone you compete against has at least a 2.1 from a good university. But don't worry about failing. Most actuarial students do along the way and it's not like accountants who may lose their job at the big 4 if they fail.