tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6660460810418738523.post496938856895635248..comments2023-10-11T07:00:28.936-04:00Comments on RISCARIO INSIDER: MAILBAG: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ACTUARY — MORE CAREER ADVICEUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6660460810418738523.post-87184511505197465822014-04-11T15:31:14.394-04:002014-04-11T15:31:14.394-04:00Thanks for sharing your experiences, Kelly. Adapta...Thanks for sharing your experiences, Kelly. Adaptability is very important. <br /><br /><br />I've challenges with actuarial students who thought some work was below them. For instance, photocopying was needed and our secretary was away. That's a time to pitch in!Promod Sharmahttp://promodsharma.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6660460810418738523.post-57447535360025309842014-04-08T15:57:22.469-04:002014-04-08T15:57:22.469-04:00I couldn't figure out how to post a comment in...I couldn't figure out how to post a comment in the version of IE that I am using, but it is working in Firefox.<br /><br />Great advice. As a student I remember having a very simplified view of the world. "Consulting is exciting! Insurance companies are boring!" and "Consultants are better communicators." (maybe true on average, at least at lower levels). Having worked in both environments, it dramatically depends on the kind of work you want to do. I hated some of the work that I did as a student. So I thought I would hate being an actuary. I even considered leaving the profession. Once I got my FSA, I realized that the exams were the ticket to an interesting career path in the insurance industry, as well as to a unique way of thinking about the world.<br /><br />The advice I would give a student now is that the most important trait you can bring to the business world is adaptability. Getting rid of my preconceived notions about the jobs that I would and wouldn't like has been hugely helpful.<br /><br />I am glad you point out that student work can be pretty boring though. Entry-level work is often boring no matter what field you go into. You have the chance to sharpen your spreadsheet and programming skills while getting paid to study (vs. going to grad school). I wish I'd had more perspective on this when I was in those shoes. :) You are also learning how to self-study which is critical for keeping up your skills in this profession. When a new regulation comes out, there is no professor who will come spoon-feed it to you.<br /><br />Best of luck in your decision!Kelly Rabinnoreply@blogger.com