My Actuarial Journey 2017 | FCAS at 25
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- In which I explore my adventure from never having heard the word "Actuary" to becoming a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society at 25!
If you have any questions about becoming an actuary, please let me know, and I'll try to answer them in the comments or in an upcoming video!
Congratulations! I took my first exam at 39. Now looking for my first actuarial job.
Thanks! Good luck with your job hunt!
Just turned 41. I’m considering starting my journey!
Erik Yates My dad went back to start medicine (he left it 20 years ago) at 42! He's in his 3rd year now :)
Hi Dan. Would you be kind enough to say hi to me on this email, leemandirunga@gmail.com. You may just change someone's life. Thank you.
Hey , any update so far?
Video Suggestions:
1. How did you negotiate your first salary, bonus, health insurance, retirement and vacation package?
2. A demonstration of your daily exam study process.
3. Which software tools/languages have been the most valuable to you and why?
4. How does one know if they are good enough at math to pusue actuarial science?
5. What are some other career paths for those who complete actuarial science degrees?
6. What are your favorite aspects of your current work environment?
7. How much and what kind of writing and/or communicating is required of an actuary?
Good suggestions! I'll add them to the list!
Excellent questions.
In grade 12 at the moment and gonna start with my Actuarial journey in January 2019. Wish me luck.
Good luck 😀
what is the status of your journey now ?
I'm 24, currently in my second year as a high school math teacher and have decided that it simply is not for me. I've registered to take Exam P in March and getting ready to start on a new career journey! Your videos are a fantastic resource!
Good luck!
Did you pass?
How did that go?
So thats what happened to you Mr.Bobby...
Great vid! I'd love to see a video explaining how to prepare for a an actuarial job/internship interview and know what kinds of questions employers typically ask
Great suggestion! Adding it to the list!
This is an exceptional and informative video for all aspiring actuaries. I'm wondering how many times actuaries use the number e in their calculations. They really should have more appreciation to Euler for that.
An Actuary is an Insurance Engineer! I am an FSA 1978, I started at CNA in Chicago in the Casualty Actuarial Department doing claim reserves, developed case reserves and IBNR. I decided to be a Life Actuary since there were 10x as many jobs.
Wow! Thanks for reaching out! Hope you have a great day 😊
Your hair looks really pretty, me.
Your hair looks gorgeous too!
EllelleActuary I love seeing your conversation between yourself 😂😂😂
nice indeed, Elle I am thinking in starting my Actuary studies either with a Masters or a phd, which would you recommend doing?, I already have a master of science in financial management. How many certifications is advisable to get after completing Actuary studies?
I'm 20 years old and will be taking my first actuarial exam (exam P) in July. This was really motivational thanks
Good luck!
Cristy romo How was it?
I’m 47 and studying for the P exam is kicking my ass left and right. What an unbelievable achievement that you passed all 10 exams on your first attempt in five years. You should definitely be proud.
Question: can a middle-age person get an internship or are those strictly for college students?
Congratulations!!!! I just passed FM 2 weeks ago and am planning to take P for the January sitting! Also starting to look for internships for next summer here in the next few weeks :)
Congratulations to you!! Good luck with the internship hunt!
Got P in November, thinking of taking FM in February! Love your videos. It's good to hear things from someone who knows what they're talking about.
Congratulations for P!
Congratulation. You are indeed very smart, Michelle. You are such an inspiration for aspiring actuaries like me. Looking forward for more videos. You also have an amazing personality.
Aw thank you Emma 😄😄
Gurl, you are so real and I love your energy! I'm an insurance actuary too. I enjoyed the vid!
Thank you!
Hey Ellelle!
Just wanted to say congratulations to your success! Im super happy for you ! I've been following you since 2014! I am taking exam P next month and completing my econ VEEs! I wish you the best and I look forward to more of your videos ! Thank you ! 😊
Good luck with exam P!! And thanks for sticking around for so long!! Wow!
I'm glad I found your channel. I'm 48 and studying for exam FM (first exam). I didn't even know actuary was a thing or I'd have done this a long time ago.
im an 11th grade high school student in the Bahamas. On a recent collage tour field trip i met a professor who first mention actuarial science to me. It brought 3 distinct aspects of life i enjoyed Maths Science and computers. Actuary written on his card and given to me. An inspiration to start a journey.
FCAS here. Interesting that your guidance councilor suggested you should look into being an actuary. I'm sure that when I was in high school the guidance councilors at my school wouldn't even have known what an actuary was.
Actuarial student from Perth, Australia here. Enjoyed that little endorsement of Australian tourism there.
👍😀 I didn't make it out to Perth during my trip, unfortunately
Haha I don't blame you, we are rather isolated. I really like your channel by the way, you are an inspiration.
I'm planning to complete all the five preliminary tests and online modules together with my bachelor degree.
+Hui shing hon amazing!
Woow you looked so determined at it and so do I I think I need to sacrifice my time for it
Glad your move went well. You really look happy 😁
I'd love it if you made a video where you give some tips to aspiring actuaries that just started uni (study methods & tips) Also would love to know how you managed to study for your classes while studying for you first actuarial exam.
💗💗
It requires a lot of dedication and sacrifices. It also helps to time it with your school responsibilities.. so don't schedule an actuarial exam during midterms!
Congratulations! I'm currently pursuing ASA, hoping to get it before July 2018. I'm left with MLC (which is in October) and FAP (which I'm currently enrolled in).
I have an interview from a consulting firm this coming Wednesday for full time. So wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. LOL
Ahhh! Good luck with the interview and MLC and FAP and everything!!
So I went for an interview today, and I didn't get the job. :( . I really felt rejected and lost in many ways. The length of my interview is not even 10 minutes. I think part of the reason is that I didn't prepare for interview the right way. Maybe I prepared it wrong? So, I was wondering do you have some advice on acing the interview based on your opinion. Or perhaps your experience when you apply for different kinds of companies during your co-op days. Can you share with me or us, please? Maybe you can make a video about it. :)
Thanks for your videos! I'm currently trying to switch from engineering to actuarial industry. It was great listening to your experience 😊
My son is in Grade 8. He is good in math. I wish he becomes an actuary. Your videos are informative. We have too many P&C companies in USA, and I think life will be good.
Remember you were confused between Engineer or an Actuary .I'm same even after engineering. xD So is it advisable for a software engineer to be an actuary?.
Your journey to success is just what I need for inspiration. I hope that I can do half as well as you! I have been studying for P for a few months but it's slow going for me. I just began Math Stats at university so I'm hoping to be ready once I get though it.
I lost motivation to study every other day. I just kept reminding myself that I wanted it, and rewarded myself with junk food and post-exam celebrations :)
i start my freshman year of college tomorrow and my goal is to be an actuary and im so excited!! also no one at my new job has any idea what an actuary is, lol
No one knows what an actuary is. How was your first day?! Make any friends?
You are goals! And your hair looks amazing!
Thank you!
Interesting story!
Wrote and passed my primus actuarial paper age 20 also, now am 21 and preparing for my second paper albeit I am following the SOA track and this gives me motivation that I could complete all in 5 years or less and be the youngest actuary in my country maybe...
Lol :-)
Do it. What country is it?
Yup I would give it my best shot.
Nigeria.
Wow! It's always crazy to me that there are people from across the planet watching my videos!
What to do?
You are a source of motivation!
🙃
I'm finishing up my degree in math education so I'm probably going to be a math teacher but im going to take exam p just to see what it's like. Watch me pass it and be like "omg that was so invigorating, lets take another one!" and watch me accidently become an actuary
As far as addictions go, this one doesn't seem too bad 😂😂
Are you taking it in September? Maplestory actuaries ftw
Otocinclus Catfish lol I am taking it September actually. But I don't play maplestory anymore.
I PASSED! TIME FOR EXAM FM LOL
@@Actuaryelle And here I am, returning to my old comment once again. I have passed exam IFM and found my first actuarial job. What a journey...
Wait so you did all 10 exams in 5 years? Or 5 exams in 5 years??
10 in 5 years
@@Actuaryelle Fuck nice, hopfully that'll be me when/if I pursue it lol, I'm only 16 now gonna do maths at uni first and then actuary most likely. I'm gonna be so old 😅😅
@@Actuaryelle But how does this add up ?! Here in Germany, the only people who get to enter the exams (and all the learning for them and the materials which follows with that) are people who have a masters degree in Maths (pure maths preferred), statistics or in some cases physics. After that, they take 2-3 years to finish the exams to finally become one. I guess you skipped unncessary things by just studying actuarial sciences, a degree which teaches you the skills to become an actuary (the math needed+ any other stuff).
Here in Germany, actuaries also need to know the legal side of things since they operate with the law. Every country has slightly different requirements to become an actuary, is what i read :o
Your Chanel seems to be doing amazing Ellelle!
Amazing work!
I have only started with making tutorial videos for the IFoA exams so far,
Let's see if I can come around to make videos on these general topics as well.
Suggestions?
Just talk about whatever makes you happy
The Actuarial Guy yes please do for ifoa and also on new curriculum from 2019.
Hi,
Love your attitude,you are awesome !
+Benjamin Toledo ❤
as a Fellow (not me, you) it is time for a professional demeanor. This is not a criticism, you are adorable and smart, and your videos have plenty if information. Do you have a video mentor? Perhaps different styles of presentation for different audiences. You are to be applauded for the speed in accomplishing your Fellowship so quickly and sharing the journey. Thank you.
I am a senior in high school right now and I am very interested in becoming an actuary. It's my final year, I plan on going to college and taking the necessary steps to become one. I was wondering where I should start off and what classes should I look for and get into in college and when I should take the exams. I could really use the help. Thanks!!! Btw, love your videos.
I actually just posted a video about courses for high school students. Hope you find it helpful
Awesome video! Keep up the good work! Oh btw I have completed the CT series from the UK actuarial society. Almost done with the FAP modules of the SoA. Writing the St6 examination in less than 2 weeks! Passed CFA Level 1 as well.
Congratulations! And good luck with St6!
Thanks so much! Appreciate it!
Congrats! Concordia represent :P ATM I'm in my second year and just wrote MFE (waiting for results) and have P/FM done. Any tips for the larger exams ahead? Thanks :)
Don't underestimate the amount of time it takes to study for the exams. It's worth putting in extra time the first time in order to avoid having to study twice! Good luck!
Loving the channel! I can't remember which vid it was, I believe your Internship vid on the other channel that specified Excel being highly preferred if not required. I did already know that but what I don't know is what components exactly of Excel are desired so I know what to work on? Thanks, you're awesome!
creating a time series chart / plot in Excel.
Watched fully... Brave Elle
Hey can you make a video on ct1 and ct5 combining in UK society and can you suggest the order to give papers , please reply
Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the UK society, sorry!
Harsh Vakharia yes i can help you as i am member of ifoa and have cleared ct-1, 3 and 5 from ifoa.
Currently i am preparing for Ct-8.
I’m your fan, I want to be like you, or at least almost like you, FCAS at the age of 25, or maybe 26. I’m 22 and will take Exam P in 3 months from now, hope I can meet all the requirements to become a FCAS before I’m 27
You can do it! 😊
I like your presentation...
I have a question.
I know entry level actuary jobs require work experience. Does it have to be actuarial work experience, like an internship?
Or if you were perhaps doing a career change from say a stock broker, would the stock broker work experience count for anything?
Ultimately, that's going to depend on the person doing the hiring, and the candidates that you're being compared to. I would say that actuarial internships are ideal, but having a range of work experience can definitely be an asset!
Thanks!
My journey has yet to begin. I'm still in high school but about to graduate next year June 2018. I plan to do this thing called CAPE mathematics for 2 years then off to university where I start an actual actuarial programme to become an actuary. I definitely need some guidance along the way and hope you reply to my comment.
Good luck!
3 years later, im hating first year of university, my ambition to become an actuary has withered and not too sure what i should do now that Ive graduated from high school
Am about to start my actuary course and i just subscribed to your channel you seem to have a lot success.i think you are really cool and beautiful
Good luck with your actuarial journey 😊
@@Actuaryelle can i be your apprentice?
Which study materials were you using
NO STUDY? ohh that must be feeling angelic
It's so great
Hi elle
I would like to an actuary... How can I progress? I have BA in Accounting..
Congrats! Sounds like we got similar things out of our first internships
Thanks! Did you end up liking your internship in the end?
EllelleActuary Kind of.
which university did you attend?
Hii..i'll be sitting in my first SoA exam in januray for Exam P. Need some tips regarding exam and practice questions. What you recommend for practice exams and how to disect difficult concept and understand them easily. Thanks
I really love open-book studying. Keep your textbook and your formula sheet open when you're doing practice problems. It forces you to reread the concepts over and over.
I also really believe in volume - the more questions you solve, the better.
Good luck!
This really helps^
Great video! I want to ask a quick question. Do I need to be actuarial science major or major in something else to become an actuary?
You don't need to major in actuarial science, you just need to pass the professional exams to be an actuary. A major in actuarial science will likely help you pass these exams, but you can self-teach as Well!
can we study actuarial science as private
yes
How did you know that you wanted to be in P&C rather than Life? Asking because I'm seriously wondering which track I should go. Thanks!
I made my decision after having done a couple internships 😀
It'd be great if you could make a video about why consulting wasn't for you! I interviewed for a consulting internship and I really just didn't like anything about the job.
I've only passed FM though and I'm taking P in November so I have a lot of time to worry about it :P
Yup! It's on the to-do list!
And there's no harm in doing an internship just to see if you like it! That's the beauty of internships - they give you a chance to try things out and see what feels right :)
Made it!
is the process the same for USA as well?
Hello! Can you make a video about your experience in consulting ( what consulting actuaries do , how they differ to your job etc.) ?
czcams.com/video/4FzbRO03wpc/video.html
@@Actuaryelle thank you!
hi were your internships remunerated?
Finished my third exam (MFE), need to wait till January to find out if I passed or not. Trying to get my VEEs done.
Amazing! Congratulations for MFE!
third exam is now IFM.
What is your salary pre qualified and qualified?
Whats your current salary and profession?
@@Actuaryelle I'm a student I'm asking just for insight.
Hey! I just started my junior year of college and I'm a little (more "low key VERY") nervous because I had planned to write Exam P over the summer and I got really busy with my summer job and never put in the time to study. I'm trying to get an internship for next summer that is actuarial related but I doubt that is possible without at least having one exam under my belt. Is it possible to cram and pass Exam P either September or November and set myself back on track to becoming an Actuary or am I too late? Thank you for any help you can provide!
November you can definitely try for. Have you ever taken a stats course before or is P your first intro to probability?
EllelleActuary I’ve taken a course on probability theory and simulation methods last semester and aced both midterm and final, and I’m taking mathematical statistics this semester. The knowledge I learned in my probability class went from the basics all the way up to discrete and continuous random variables and special distributions so I still have a decent chunk to learn
I think if you put the energy into it, you can have a fair shot for P in November
EllelleActuary Ah great! Thank you!
What's the difference between actuarial mathematics and actuarial science
I think it's just the way that different universities title their programs. I believe that most actuarial science programs still fall under the mathematics department, regardless.
About to take my first exam at 35. I was a blue collar guy my whole life before recently going back to finish a bachelor's. Working on a masters now and should have at least 2 exams done before I finish that. Just wondering how hard it will be to find a job. Do they look down on career changers?
I think ultimately that's going to depend on the person doing the hiring. I have never been involved in hiring conversations, so I can't speak to that.
I'd like to believe that every qualified candidate is given a fair chance. Best of luck, Justin! :)
what did that old coworker say about consulting why she liked it?
I made a whole video about it!
How long does it take to finish all the exams and what's the best way to do it.
Firehobo 101 5-4 years
25 seems young, congratulations! Based on your experience with other colleagues, what would you say is the average age to attain this designation?
Its on the low end of reasonable. I have a colleague who got his FCAS at 22. The average age is usually closer to 27-28. This means there are definitely people getting their fellowship over 30. Everyones path is different
Yeah everyone I know who is FCAS or ASA got it around age 27-30
is predictive modelling and working with GLMs (i'm assuming you mean generalized linear modeling so correct me if I'm wrong) not considered traditional actuarial work? These are topics I'm actually into so I'm wondering now how I should go on about looking for work in actuarial science. I'm graduating by end of Winter term 2019 and will be doing an actuarial internship, which is starting a week from now. I was hoping to be able to apply/learn more about regression analysis and how it's used in insurance so any thoughts on where/how I should get started? would it be reasonable to ask people who I would be working with at that company or would that seem too forward/out of context?
Yes they would be considered traditional actuarial work, but not every field that an actuary works in will involve predictive modeling/ GLMs.
chintastic first get to know your co-workers better, as days pass you will get to know more about your work, co-workers, seniors and then you can take guidance from them.
I’m new to your channel so I’m not sure if you already said this but what college did you go to?
I dont share that publicly, sorry
Hey Ellelle. I'm also from Canada and live in Toronto. I'm currently doing a BA in Math at a university. Can I become an actuary with this kind of a degree? Also, is the job tedious? or does it require creativity as well? Thanks!
You definitely can. I don't find my work to be tedious. It changes day to day and keeps me on my toes
EllelleActuary Thanks :)
Can u pls suggest what kind of job I can get if I have cleared all the levels of cfa and trying for actuary exams.
What kind of job do you want?
portfolio manager or financial advisor
is it possible to get an actuarial internship without any exams passed? its currently january and im in my fourth/last year of school. i dont have any exams passed atm but i really want an actuarial internship under my belt to at least get some experience on my resume. but every time i look to apply, it says i need at least 2-3, which i wont be able to complete before april. please let me know because if theres a loophole or something that i dont know about, i'd love to find out sooner than later!! - Justin
No harm in applying. I'd just focus on having a really solid cover letter that explains your intention to write exams and how other life experiences bring transferrable skills that will be useful in an actuarial internship
@@Actuaryelle thanks for the quick reply. sounds good and ill give it shot
Do you think you should wait to after University to start you actuarial exams or do the actuarial exams during University?
I would start during university. It's easier to study for the exams when you're in the habit of already studying!
Ok. Thank you
a king during University, a head start is always good in every career, especially in Actuarial Science where you have to give 13 papers to become a Fellow ( 2 of them being practical model exams on computer)
congrats
Thank you :)
I'm just wondering how do I get started on these tests. Can I just signed up and take a few right now?
Yes, essentially. They're mostly independent study, so anyone can buy a study manual and take an exam
EllelleActuary I'm still working on my undergrad. So that wouldn't matter?
@@denz310 no, it wouldn't.
did you ever study during working hours?
Yes! My job gave me paid days off to study!
@@Actuaryelle Lol...I am wondering if you ever tried to "steal" study time at work when you did not have the day off
im stuck with actuary or being a doctor.. i got 2 offer :(
Sounds like two amazing offers! Dont be sad about that 😊
@@Actuaryelle im so confused! Right now, in my country, the demand for this job as an actuarist is yes, increadibly high and it is smthg that is rare in my country. As I mention this name of this profession to people here in where I reside, they always mistakenly thought that im taking a marine course 😂 And here, also in my country we have lots of fresh graduated doctors.. Yet still, it depends on our interest right? However, I dont know actually what is my real interest rn. Because, both of these field has thier own uniqueness.. and im confused
@@Actuaryelle i've changed my mind, i'll go for actuary! yeayy!!!
What grades did you had in high school?
Our grades were in %. I usually had high 80s to low 90s grades.
Do you have an Instagram?! Can I follow you! I love your videos
I do, but I haven't posted anything in a while. @ellellepic
u could have always been a CZcamsr!
😂😂
So how many exams did you take before getting your job?
I had 2 when I got my first internship. I had 6 when I graduated university
EllelleActuary were you in university for 4 years? And when do you recommend us to take the exams. Last year of university? 2 years before graduation?
7:14 what's a GLM
Generalised linear model
I would like to ask you which country you live and work in.
Canada 🇨🇦
@@Actuaryelle Thanks!
FCAS is IFoA?
No it's a fellow of the casualty actuarial society
what university did you attend?
I'd prefer not to answer
should i look through all the course outlines of every single course in every single University?
is the textboox outlined by soa enough?
Jake McGrae if you live in Canada I can give you a website
Do you love being an actuary?
Most days. Some days I just want to be a couch potato
am starting school in fall in actuarial science and i was curious because i have that its a boring feild.
could you please make a video of how to study act sci in university because you're the best youtuber when it comes on to explaining. contents...
Can you become an actuary without college education in the United States?
+Curioshi I'm not familiar with the US market, sorry
What about Canada?
Curioshi You can't you are required to take 8 exams (idk how much for other countries) being in actuary is not easy the math you do there passes cal 3 all the way to honours level math *Abstract Algebra* you need very good analytical skills
Curioshi You can be in accountant tho with a CPA