[fblade]

I'm into the Actuarial service lines that the firms have as its got the maths and consulting parts in the job. What will be easier to get into? In terms of people applying. I know Accounting is popular but then the Maths grads who dont get into Banks will most probably try for Actuarial...

[harry_the_bear]

IMO its far easier to get into accounting than actuarial, as there are typically far less actuarial trainee positions and the competition for actuarial is tough, most applicants have a first in maths (or at least a 2.1) from a top uni. plus there are getting to be more and more people with actuarial science degrees who have proven they can do the exams, or at least work at that level and also have exemptions so are cheaper for firms to train

[beatleboar]

(Original post by harry_the_bear)
IMO its far easier to get into accounting than actuarial, as there are typically far less actuarial trainee positions and the competition for actuarial is tough, most applicants have a first in maths (or at least a 2.1) from a top uni. plus there are getting to be more and more people with actuarial science degrees who have proven they can do the exams, or at least work at that level and also have exemptions so are cheaper for firms to train

It's not as hard as your portraying.

[NW86]

It is easier to get into assurance just simply because of the numbers recruited. While the big 4 do consult, don't forget their main work is audit/assurance and as such the numbers recruited are much higher

[harry_the_bear]

(Original post by beatleboar)
It's not as hard as your portraying.

Am not saying its really tough, just harder than accountancy.

If someone can get a first or good 2.1 in something mathsy, can work well with people and can give a decent presentation they've got a decent chance IMO

[beatleboar]

(Original post by harry_the_bear)
Am not saying its really tough, just harder than accountancy.

If someone can get a first or good 2.1 in something mathsy, can work well with people and can give a decent presentation they've got a decent chance IMO

Yeah that sounds better, sorry it was just my first impression lol.

[harry_the_bear]

(Original post by beatleboar)
Yeah that sounds better, sorry it was just my first impression lol.

Don't worry. You working in or considering career in actuarial/accounting?

[beatleboar]

(Original post by harry_the_bear)
Don't worry. You working in or considering career in actuarial/accounting?

yeah I am , so I am considering economics at newcastle university do you think if i get an upper second there I have a good chance?

[harry_the_bear]

Actuarial??...Yep AFAIK economics degree is fine and might also get you a couple of exemptions from the exams, depending on your exact syllabus

[.ACS.]

(Original post by beatleboar)
yeah I am , so I am considering economics at newcastle university do you think if i get an upper second there I have a good chance?

You should do, but make sure you choose the most quantitative modules possible. Have you thought about doing a JH Economics/Statistics there?

Lots of people who go into actuarial work do economics, but not many go to Newcastle (only 17 since 2005). Mind you, if you're determined, and do well, you'll be fine; it's just there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest among Newcastle students.

[beatleboar]

(Original post by .ACS.)
You should do, but make sure you choose the most quantitative modules possible. Have you thought about doing a JH Economics/Statistics there?

Lots of people who go into actuarial work do economics, but not many go to Newcastle (only 17 since 2005). Mind you, if you're determined, and do well, you'll be fine; it's just there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest among Newcastle students.

Thanks and shall do.

[beatleboar]

(Original post by .ACS.)
You should do, but make sure you choose the most quantitative modules possible. Have you thought about doing a JH Economics/Statistics there?

Lots of people who go into actuarial work do economics, but not many go to Newcastle (only 17 since 2005). Mind you, if you're determined, and do well, you'll be fine; it's just there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest among Newcastle students.

The joint honours are easier to get into ABB rather than AAB so I don't know what to make of that in cases of economics and maths, and economics and stats.

[.ACS.]

(Original post by beatleboar)
The joint honours are easier to get into ABB rather than AAB so I don't know what to make of that in cases of economics and maths, and economics and stats.

The only reason I suggest JH Econ/Stats is because obviously you'd cover a lot more statistics, which would be highly relevant toward a career as an actuary.

Employers won't realise or even care that your course was ABB as opposed to AAB. It is simply an indication of how popular a course is, and not necessarily the quality.

It's just an idea, mind. You would be fine with a degree in economics having taken all the quantitative modules.

[beatleboar]

(Original post by .ACS.)
The only reason I suggest JH Econ/Stats is because obviously you'd cover a lot more statistics, which would be highly relevant toward a career as an actuary.

Employers won't realise or even care that your course was ABB as opposed to AAB. It is simply an indication of how popular a course is, and not necessarily the quality.

It's just an idea, mind. You would be fine with a degree in economics having taken all the quantitative modules.

Would they have a problem with the university I got it from though, even though newcastle is in the russel group and is a red brick university? I will do all the quantative options.

[.ACS.]

(Original post by beatleboar)
Would they have a problem with the university I got it from though, even though newcastle is in the russel group and is a red brick university? I will do all the quantative options.

No, the university is fine.

Actuarial isn't like IB or consultancy with one of M/B/B. It's more about you as a candidate, and your academic ability. I'd say it's more a case that there isn't so much interest in actuarial at Newcastle, but that isn't to say you won't get in if you're determined.

http://www.actuaries.org.uk/__data/a...OurMembers.pdf
If you look at Page 7 and onward, you can see the number of students that enter actuarial work from each different university.

[Mustard-man]

Actuarial is harder to get into than Accounting in general. I say in general as it depends on the serviceline within Accounting. Something like audit is one of the more easier roles to get in to since it has one of the biggest intakes and comparatively low requirements. As someone mentioned, since you're talking about the Big 4, Accounting is naturally less competitive than Actuarial.

Also, this year, unlike previous years, one of the Big 4's declined the Soton Actuarial Society's careers fair invitation due to "a reduction in the number of vacancies we have in the Actuarial".

[harry_the_bear]

IMO the best degree to take if you may want to do actuarial is MORSE. You can get exemptions but its not so narrow as doing just a straight actuarial degree. But Maths / Econ / Physics / other Science (have even heard of people with languages / music degree) are all fine. All that really matters is that you can convince them your maths is up to scratch. Newcastle is fine.

[.ACS.]

(Original post by harry_the_bear)
IMO the best degree to take if you may want to do actuarial is MORSE. You can get exemptions but its not so narrow as doing just a straight actuarial degree. But Maths / Econ / Physics / other Science (have even heard of people with languages / music degree) are all fine. All that really matters is that you can convince them your maths is up to scratch. Newcastle is fine.

I don't know how true this is, but according to the Actuaries website, you have to do MMORSE (the Masters version) and you don't get all the exemptions, whereas you could do Maths with AS or Econ with AS at Southampton and get them all.

[harry_the_bear]

Tbh I'm not 100% certain of the requirements anymore, but I'm pretty sure MMorse @ warwick gives you almost all the CTs. Other subjects with actuarial science can probably give you all the CTs but I always think its a slightly specialised degree if you're not certain you want to commit to actuarial at age 18.

[harry_the_bear]

http://www.actuaries.org.uk/students/tuition/courses

Shows the exemptions its possible to get if you choose the right options and do well enough on each course