Actuarial

Actuary

Actuarial

Actuaries measure and manage financial risk through applied mathematics. Actuaries are found throughout corporate America, helping executives make intelligent and informed financial decisions. In addition to helping insurers mitigate the chances of losses, actuaries help weigh risk in pension funds, stock and bond portfolios, and even hedge funds. Actuaries also work in areas beyond the financial industry, helping to determine and alleviate risks for product launches, production facility expansions and much more.

Job Title Examples:

Skills Needed:

  • Complex problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Mathematics 
  • Oral/written communication
  • Systems analysis and evaluation
  • Analytical skills
  • Quantitative skills

Further Education/Training:

  • Bachelor's degree required for entry-level position 
  • The backbone of a career in the actuarial field is education. You will need a thorough understanding of advanced mathematics just to get through the first of many actuarial exams. 
  • Advancement in this career will depend on continuing your education not only in mathematics and actuarial science, but also economics and finance.

Find Opportunities

Using IrishCompass, LinkedIn, and ND’s alumni association directory called myND is the best way to start on the networking front.

Job Databases:
Please note, it’s common for companies in this industry to post directly to their own website’s employment pages - it’s recommended to also check these for opportunities.

Industry Timeline

The hiring timeline for the Actuarial industry is mostly year round. A stronger need in the fall, employers are recruiting and interviewing for both full-time positions and internships. However, the spring is also an active time for opportunities.

Applying and Interviewing

Resumes
Your resume will often be the first impression for a potential employer.  You want to make sure that your resume is concise, direct, and specific. Ensure that your resume is tailored for the position and for the industry. Highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your fit for a particular position. Review our guide on resumes for more information on how to construct one.

Cover Letters
A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer. Use the position description to make specific connections between your skills and experience and what the organization is looking for in a candidate. The cover letter should be concise and well-written—if a potential employer reads your cover letter and is intrigued, they will then read your resume. Your cover letter should not repeat your resume verbatim, but enhance it. Together the cover letter and resume can help land you an interview. Review our guide on cover letters for more information on how to construct one.

Interviewing
Most interviews will contain a mixture of resume based questions (questions about your past experience) and behavioral based questions (your ability to handle prospective situations at work.  Most positions will begin with an interview that has a mix of these questions. Review our guide on common interview questions.

Preparation is extremely important for interviews. Research the company/organization, current and previous projects they’ve worked on, and even the people that you’re interviewing with. Know the current business climate by researching online journals, the WSJ or New York Times. We also recommend talking with a professor who knows the field prior to your interview. This will not only help provide talking points but will show your knowledge and genuine interest in the position. Utilize our resources on how to best prepare yourself to excel in your interview.

Online Resources

Campus Resources

Ray

Career Counselor:
Ray Vander Heyden
Assistant Director, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Corporate Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
Schedule an Appointment


Student Clubs:

Employer Examples:

  • Nyhart
  • Aon
  • Willis Towers Watson
  • Marcer
  • Windhaven
     

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  • Access to personalized job recommendations – This is based on major, career interests, and profile information such as skills and experiences. When students fill out their profile, they’ll be able to see jobs and internships that match their interests and skills.
  • Ability to schedule one–on-one counseling appointments  – Counseling appointments are able to be scheduled through Handshake and held virtually via Zoom. 
  • Ability to Interact with employers – Students can research contact information for local and national employers. Employers can also message students with opportunities and information.
  • Connect with students across the country -  Students can interact with their peers through messaging, get tips and advice, as well as network. 
  • Search for and apply to open positions -  On Handshake, students can see jobs and internships posted specifically for them as well as employers actively recruiting from Notre Dame.