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Can I get into actuarial profession with a Music degree...

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Reply 540
Original post by JohnnySPal
CT2 :cry:


CT2 :cry:

My flatmate keeps saying we should test each other but I wouldn't be able to handle the embarrassment.
Reply 541
Original post by Jelkin
Interesting! What do you do? What part of Dorset do you live in? I love it there, but I am also loving London life as well, so it's all good. Luckily it's not too far or expensive to travel home every so often!
I'm in Poole/Bournemouth and work in GI. Whenever I come up for a tutorial or for work, I do miss travelling in and out of the City with the other commuters, but it's great over here in totally different ways. The novelty of being close to the beach still hasn't worn off, for example.

Original post by Tokyoround
Do the tutorials really make that much of a difference? I'm paying for everything myself so being a bit tight with my money :colondollar:
Agree with Jelkin - they can be useful but I wouldn't pay for them myself. In fact, I think the only thing from Acted that I would consistently buy is ASET.
Original post by m:)ckel
I'm in Poole/Bournemouth and work in GI. Whenever I come up for a tutorial or for work, I do miss travelling in and out of the City with the other commuters, but it's great over here in totally different ways. The novelty of being close to the beach still hasn't worn off, for example.

Agree with Jelkin - they can be useful but I wouldn't pay for them myself. In fact, I think the only thing from Acted that I would consistently buy is ASET.


Quoted for truth. I haven't yet bought an ASET myself but have seen some, and I'm strongly regretting it now for this exam period. Some of the solution packs on the profession's website (*ahem*CT8*ahem*) are terrible.

Envious of beach much!


Original post by Jelkin
CT2 :cry:

My flatmate keeps saying we should test each other but I wouldn't be able to handle the embarrassment.


Formula for debtors turnover period. Now, bitch :fuhrer:

I had my girlfriend over last night, and I was sorely tempted to get her to test me on the accounting ratios and the accounting concepts. I settled for food, wine and a night off revision instead :colone:
(edited 11 years ago)
Any CA1 takers today?

Good luck over the next two weeks...
Reply 544
I'm looking for some advice finding an actuarial trainee position. I am graduating in June (MMath from Warwick, 1st or at least 2.1) but unfortunately have failed to get any relevant experience. Didn't find any internships last year and have had no luck with them and full-time positions this year either (applied to 10-15 each year). I have, however, made it to several final/penultimate interview stages and I am very confident about my understanding of the profession. I have experience explaining difficult concepts to non-experts (Supervisor of Maths to first-years) and a solid work experience otherwise, I just cannot seem to impress all kinds of people.

I have followed some advice on here (e.g. JohnnySPal's) and applied to agencies specializing in actuarial recruitment (in addition to graduate schemes), but with no luck. One of them called me to explain that they usually deal with part-qualified students or at least people with exemptions (I might gain at most one - CT3 due to doing statistics at uni).

What else is there that I could do? I don't mind waiting another year and start in 2013, but what can I do differently? I have been thinking about taking (and passing) the CT1 as a non-member of the faculty in September, is it likely to give me an advantage when reapplying?

I would very much appreciate any kind of answer. Thanks!
Original post by GilbertLam
I'm currently on my gap year at the moment and I have thoughts of becoming an actuary when I finish my music degree at KCL. However I'm worried that most employers won't even look at me because I won't have a degree that's vaguely...mathsy. You may be thinking 'then why on earth are you doing a music degree' but my reason is just that I would like to study music at uni more than maths. However it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy maths. If it helps at all, I got an A* in GCSE maths and an A at A-level. Surely my music degree would be of some use because I would have gained experience in essay writing for writing reports etc. But will this be enough to prevent them from overlooking my CV do you think? Do you know of any people with an arts degree that have gone into the financial sector?

Thank you.


I think you may be at a slight disadvantage, but clearly you've got an aptitude for Maths which will be a bonus. Also, they don't just look at what degree you have (although Maths, Economics etc. help), they're more likely looking for certain traits which you may or may not have (Organised, can work without prompt, fast learner and what not). If you don't apply, you don't get a place, right? Good luck.
Original post by rowzee
I'm looking for some advice finding an actuarial trainee position. I am graduating in June (MMath from Warwick, 1st or at least 2.1) but unfortunately have failed to get any relevant experience. Didn't find any internships last year and have had no luck with them and full-time positions this year either (applied to 10-15 each year). I have, however, made it to several final/penultimate interview stages and I am very confident about my understanding of the profession. I have experience explaining difficult concepts to non-experts (Supervisor of Maths to first-years) and a solid work experience otherwise, I just cannot seem to impress all kinds of people.

I have followed some advice on here (e.g. JohnnySPal's) and applied to agencies specializing in actuarial recruitment (in addition to graduate schemes), but with no luck. One of them called me to explain that they usually deal with part-qualified students or at least people with exemptions (I might gain at most one - CT3 due to doing statistics at uni).

What else is there that I could do? I don't mind waiting another year and start in 2013, but what can I do differently? I have been thinking about taking (and passing) the CT1 as a non-member of the faculty in September, is it likely to give me an advantage when reapplying?

I would very much appreciate any kind of answer. Thanks!

Firstly, congrats on your previous interviews, even though nothing came from them, the experience will certainly help you in looking for a full-time position once you graduate. What are your extra-curriculars like? Your degree definitely ticks the right box, you should be getting interviews with that at least. What sort of companies are you looking at, insurance, reinsurance, pensions, risk consulting, banking? There are a lot of options out there depending on what you are looking for. If you just want somewhere that will pay you to qualify though then it doesn't matter too much where you go. Taking CT1 or even just registering to take it, will certainly help prove your commitment.

I really should be revising, only a few days left :cry:
Original post by rowzee
I'm looking for some advice finding an actuarial trainee position. I am graduating in June (MMath from Warwick, 1st or at least 2.1) but unfortunately have failed to get any relevant experience. Didn't find any internships last year and have had no luck with them and full-time positions this year either (applied to 10-15 each year). I have, however, made it to several final/penultimate interview stages and I am very confident about my understanding of the profession. I have experience explaining difficult concepts to non-experts (Supervisor of Maths to first-years) and a solid work experience otherwise, I just cannot seem to impress all kinds of people.

I have followed some advice on here (e.g. JohnnySPal's) and applied to agencies specializing in actuarial recruitment (in addition to graduate schemes), but with no luck. One of them called me to explain that they usually deal with part-qualified students or at least people with exemptions (I might gain at most one - CT3 due to doing statistics at uni).

What else is there that I could do? I don't mind waiting another year and start in 2013, but what can I do differently? I have been thinking about taking (and passing) the CT1 as a non-member of the faculty in September, is it likely to give me an advantage when reapplying?

I would very much appreciate any kind of answer. Thanks!


You're only expecting one exemption even though you're doing MORSE? Are you sure about that? This link, and the contact details should help you find out exactly where you stand: http://www.actuaries.org.uk/becoming-actuary/universities/university-warwick#1 (nice one for going to Warwick, by the way :cool: )

That agent sounds like he's talking nonsense. Phone some more up - Reed and Emerald were very helpful for me, but I dealt with others as well. The second half the The Actuary magazine is full of specialist agencies advertising themselves. Also, exemptions mean ****-all in the real world (except your time to qualify is reduced), so why he's said that they usually talk to people with potential exemptions is beyond me.

Don't give in and wait for grad positions, it's a huge gamble that won't necessarily pay off. I had bugger-all experience, first class honours from the same uni and naff-all exemptions (i.e. I was in almost exactly the same boat as you) and I had no problems securing interviews and job offers.

Trying CT1 as a non-member will, if anything, give you an idea of whether you're willing to attempt another 14 exams. It's a huge undertaking, don't take it lightly. It should also show your commitment to the cause and should usually make you stand out. But again, if you do it make sure you go at it full-blooded otherwise you may end up knocking your confidence somewhat. Be sure that that's what you want to do is all I'm saying.


Wow, you know I'm desperate to avoid revision when I go into this much detail :tongue:
Reply 548
Original post by JohnnySPal
You're only expecting one exemption even though you're doing MORSE?

Original post by rowzee
I am graduating in June (MMath from Warwick, 1st or at least 2.1)

MMath=4 year Maths\neqMORSE. As a student outside the Statistics department you can only get exemptions from CT3 via a second year stats module and CT7 via some Economics options (And even these aren't designed to follow the actuarial syllabus, whereas the other exemption modules are, so whether the exemptions are clear cut or not I will have to wait and see!). Pretty much all the others are reserved for (M)MORSE students afaik :smile:
Reply 549
Original post by Tokyoround
Firstly, congrats on your previous interviews, even though nothing came from them, the experience will certainly help you in looking for a full-time position once you graduate. What are your extra-curriculars like? Your degree definitely ticks the right box, you should be getting interviews with that at least. What sort of companies are you looking at, insurance, reinsurance, pensions, risk consulting, banking? There are a lot of options out there depending on what you are looking for. If you just want somewhere that will pay you to qualify though then it doesn't matter too much where you go. Taking CT1 or even just registering to take it, will certainly help prove your commitment.

I really should be revising, only a few days left :cry:


My EC's are decent. There is a cinema society that I've been involved with from the very beginning of my degree, learning lots of technical stuff, but also lots of interactions between other members and customers as well as training and supervising new recruits. Other than that, I do some sports and have worked part-time during term.

The interviews I've had so far has been a great experience and I have plenty of examples for the competency questions, but it seems that usually you really need to connect with the interviewer which is sometimes hard.

I wouldn't mind working in any of the companies you mentioned, the priority really is the training provided. So far I have looked at insurance companies as well as consultancies (mainly investments but pensions too). I think I have applied to most of the companies that come to graduate fairs, but it is definitely very competitive.


Original post by JohnnySPal
You're only expecting one exemption even though you're doing MORSE? Are you sure about that? This link, and the contact details should help you find out exactly where you stand: http://www.actuaries.org.uk/becoming-actuary/universities/university-warwick#1 (nice one for going to Warwick, by the way :cool: )

That agent sounds like he's talking nonsense. Phone some more up - Reed and Emerald were very helpful for me, but I dealt with others as well. The second half the The Actuary magazine is full of specialist agencies advertising themselves. Also, exemptions mean ****-all in the real world (except your time to qualify is reduced), so why he's said that they usually talk to people with potential exemptions is beyond me.

Don't give in and wait for grad positions, it's a huge gamble that won't necessarily pay off. I had bugger-all experience, first class honours from the same uni and naff-all exemptions (i.e. I was in almost exactly the same boat as you) and I had no problems securing interviews and job offers.

Trying CT1 as a non-member will, if anything, give you an idea of whether you're willing to attempt another 14 exams. It's a huge undertaking, don't take it lightly. It should also show your commitment to the cause and should usually make you stand out. But again, if you do it make sure you go at it full-blooded otherwise you may end up knocking your confidence somewhat. Be sure that that's what you want to do is all I'm saying.


Wow, you know I'm desperate to avoid revision when I go into this much detail :tongue:


I'm doing a straight maths degree so no exemptions for me (CT3 at best).

I will look at some more agencies (I though the likes of reed, monster etc. are not as targeted, so haven't really considered them). I admit I've ignored the careers pages in The Actuary since they target senior people, will have a look.

Honestly, grad schemes seems to be the only way anyone knows to get a grad job (even people at the careers centre at uni didn't quite suggest alternatives). So I'm completely mystified how regular people get jobs. I mean, it just doesn't sound plausible (to me) that there are companies out there willing to take up people on a full training contract but without a public statement (grad scheme).

It sounds like CT1 is serious business. I probably have to agree with you that more than anything it would give me a flavour of what I'm signing up for. I will have to reevaluate after I'm done with university (time and monetary concerns).
Anyone else get battered by CT4 this morning?
Original post by Wraggy
MMath=4 year Maths\neqMORSE


Original post by rowzee
I'm doing a straight maths degree so no exemptions for me (CT3 at best).


I can't read. Fail.


Original post by rowzee
I wouldn't mind working in any of the companies you mentioned, the priority really is the training provided. So far I have looked at insurance companies as well as consultancies (mainly investments but pensions too). I think I have applied to most of the companies that come to graduate fairs, but it is definitely very competitive.

I will look at some more agencies (I though the likes of reed, monster etc. are not as targeted, so haven't really considered them). I admit I've ignored the careers pages in The Actuary since they target senior people, will have a look.

Honestly, grad schemes seems to be the only way anyone knows to get a grad job (even people at the careers centre at uni didn't quite suggest alternatives). So I'm completely mystified how regular people get jobs. I mean, it just doesn't sound plausible (to me) that there are companies out there willing to take up people on a full training contract but without a public statement (grad scheme).

It sounds like CT1 is serious business. I probably have to agree with you that more than anything it would give me a flavour of what I'm signing up for. I will have to reevaluate after I'm done with university (time and monetary concerns).


I'm only suggesting The Actuary for a source of agencies. Just because they're targeting senior people, doesn't mean to say they won't look for other people. The senior people will be the most lucrative for them, so it's hardly surprising that grads barely get a look-in on their adverts!

My company, though they now also have a grad scheme running, recruit grads on an ad hoc basis. One of my analysts (I'm not a manager but I'm practically managing the workloads of two of my team, don't diss :tongue:) got put straight onto a study contract after joining a few months ago, and is sitting CT1 and CT3 in this session.

... But saying that, if you're still at uni then no wonder you're struggling to get anything out of agencies. Wait until you're graduated until you start seriously talking to agents. And don't get downhearted if the search for an all-elusive grad scheme doesn't come along, honestly you have way more options than that if needs be. I really wouldn't worry about it if you don't have a job lined up for you before you graduate - I didn't and look at me now!


Original post by Mustard-man
Anyone else get battered by CT4 this morning?


Tee hee CT4. I got battered by mine back in the day too :teehee:
(edited 11 years ago)
Reply 552
Original post by Mustard-man
Anyone else get battered by CT4 this morning?


A friend of mine at work said it was horrendous. Actually, he didn't say that exactly - he just looked at me and shook his head.

Original post by JohnnySPal
Tee hee CT4. I got battered by mine back in the day too :teehee:


I'm sure you passed it though?

Oh ****, CT3 tomorrow. I am not prepared enough. I swear a week ago past papers were going fine, and over the last few days they've been terrible - what happened?!?!?
Reply 553
My friend accidentally missed out the last CT3 question because it was on the back page - it was worth 15% :erm:

CT2 :cry:
Original post by Jelkin
My friend accidentally missed out the last CT3 question because it was on the back page - it was worth 15% :erm:

CT2 :cry:


It's not an actuarial exam if you don't attempt a third of the paper and blag your way through the rest :tongue:
Original post by JohnnySPal
It's not an actuarial exam if you don't attempt a third of the paper and blag your way through the rest :tongue:


... As demonstrated by JohnnySPal today during his CT8 exam.

So bored of CT2. I might just write it off as a loss and watch The Apprentice instead :s-smilie:
(edited 11 years ago)
Hah, reading this thread makes me feel like I'm being suicidal for wanting to be an actuary. Hell, if a first class MMath Warwick grad is finding it hard... :shock:
Original post by wanderlust.xx
Hah, reading this thread makes me feel like I'm being suicidal for wanting to be an actuary. Hell, if a first class MMath Warwick grad is finding it hard... :shock:

Tbh I think it's the working while trying to grasp and store a lot of information that's hard. So many distractions as well since you aren't a student anymore and have money you want to spend and enjoy instead of studying 24/7.


Original post by JohnnySPal

So bored of CT2. I might just write it off as a loss and watch The Apprentice instead :s-smilie:

Guilty. Watching it and then "You're Fired" afterwards :facepalm2:
Original post by wanderlust.xx
Hah, reading this thread makes me feel like I'm being suicidal for wanting to be an actuary. Hell, if a first class MMath Warwick grad is finding it hard... :shock:


it's only JohnnySPal. loljk.


Original post by rowzee
It sounds like CT1 is serious business. I probably have to agree with you that more than anything it would give me a flavour of what I'm signing up for. I will have to reevaluate after I'm done with university (time and monetary concerns).


I'm pretty sure CT1 is srs business if by serious business you mean memorising a **** ton of definitions with childlike maths involved.

P.S. Who are you? Jannis? I can't remember anyone from maths being with student cinema in first year apart from Jannis.
Original post by wanderlust.xx
Hah, reading this thread makes me feel like I'm being suicidal for wanting to be an actuary. Hell, if a first class MMath Warwick grad is finding it hard... :shock:


I'm starting to feel exactly the same - hoping I'll get there but wondering whether its even worth trying :frown:

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