<p>Have your DS spend some time poking around that beanactuary web site, particularly the list of colleges with relevant majors ([SOA</a> - Actuarial College Listings – Academic Relations](<a href=“http://www.soa.org/education/resources/actuarial-colleges/actuarial-college-listings-details.aspx]SOA”>Universities & Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP) | SOA)). Back in the day, it was easy to get started in the field without having passed any of the exams. Most entry-level jobs nowadays expect an exam or two. Also, some of the early material is no longer being tested by the Society of Actuaries, but is “Validated by Education Experience,” i.e., must be learned through college courses. It would help to at least take these courses in college (economics, finance, statistics). It’s true that there is an increasing emphasis on economics/finance.</p>
<p>All that said, I can’t recommend the profession highly enough. I’m sure you’ve seen where it comes in on all of those “Jobs Rated” surveys (usually 1 or 2; never out of the top 5). Plus I’d put actuaries’ ethics up against anybody’s. It is truly a fine group of people.</p>