<p>just checking</p>
<p>Family friend of ours did pretty well, went to Penn State and cannot for the life of him find a job right now.</p>
<p>and why is that?</p>
<p>I mean BLS predicts:</p>
<p>" Government economists expect jobs for actuaries to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Change in the insurance business should create demand for actuaries. As the population grows and ages, health and long-term-care insurance will be in demand. Secondly, there's a growing awareness of certain risks, such as terrorism. Insurance companies need actuaries to create products that address these risks. ''</p>
<p>Dont ask me. AFAIK, he did very well.</p>
<p>
[quote]
and why is that?</p>
<p>I mean BLS predicts:</p>
<p>" Government economists expect jobs for actuaries to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Change in the insurance business should create demand for actuaries. As the population grows and ages, health and long-term-care insurance will be in demand. Secondly, there's a growing awareness of certain risks, such as terrorism. Insurance companies need actuaries to create products that address these risks. ''
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Just because BLS predicts it, doesn't mean it's going to be that way in every city all over the country... sometimes you have to be willing to move out of state, etc to get the jobs, and not everyone is ready/willing to do that.</p>
<p>an unemployed actuary is almost an example of juxtapostion
but there was a period when some actuaries couldn't find jobs
the SOA and CSA stepped in connectine the unemployed with companies in need of actuaries </p>
<p>I've read that now both organizations have a defecit of resumes on hand compared to companies in need</p>
<p>I'll try to find the article or such later</p>
<p>My novice observation is that 20,000 actuary jobs is a small universe and thus highly competitive environment for job seekers during a recession. Secondly, I feel that the “it is all who you know” concept is applicable, after all a recession creates a applicant pool overflowing with graduates from top tier schools in mathematics, finance and other demanding STEM degrees. Better luck to the class of 2021.</p>
<p>My opinion is the same for all seekers of a STEM profession, start early with networking and internships, be prepared regardless of your degree for alternative career options, have your ticket punched in high level mathematics and database programming, communication (think networking, interviewing, public speaking, research and debate), GPA, referrals. Then if you decide to pursue an actuarial career get actuarial internships, pass your first two test, the probability exam and then the financial mathematics exam during your junior and/or senior year. </p>
<p>At that point you will have the chops to sit for a successful interview. If you get hired it will depend on the objective of your hiring manager, at least you will be prepared.</p>
<p>This thread is OVER SEVEN YEARS OLD! The OP has moved on</p>