Heather Gillbanks ⋅ Houston, TX General Electric ⋅ 26 years experience

Agree with Raymond. While it's been many years since I was in the insurance industry, I can tell you that the actuaries were typically not just good at math, but passionately loved esoteric calculations.

Underwriters may be a better choice for you, as it also does require less education. I can't speak to performance bonding.

Actuaries - the good ones - typically have very flexible schedules, once they are experienced enough to be trusted by their firms. Underwriters are a little less flexible, as they are lower down the "food chain", so to speak; but still have a good deal of flex when compared to military :)

I'd suggest you search LinkedIn for an actuary in your area and ask to do an informational interview with them. Develop a relationship and - if possible - try to "job shadow" them for a short time (day or two), to be sure it's what you really want to do. That relationship(s) could also help get you introduced into the right firms, eventually, too. If you are not successful in searching on LinkedIn, try searching the Society of Actuaries (http://soa.org, I think).

Best of luck to you!
-heather

My friends who are in insurance joke that the actuaries couldn't make it in accounting because they needed more personality to be accountants, but this is a gross generalization. :)

Raymond Harris ⋅ Atlanta, GA AT&T ⋅ 33 years experience

Shanda, yes this is a career where you need a very strong set of math skills. I would emphasize that you need to really understand the math, not simply have the ability to perform the calculations. Most people I know in this career field have at least a masters degree. There are related fields in underwriting and performance bonding that require less formal skills and might be good entry points.

shanda ferron ⋅ Charlotte, NC U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 6 years served

Thank you so much for your responses.

Deborah Meyer ⋅ Columbus, OH Anthem, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Agree with all - Lisanne is on target with the busy season! Remember as you move upwards many positions experience similar time commitments (yes even for recruiters). In addition to Underwriting also consider Business Analyst opportunities - use data analysis within their work.
Deborah

Lisanne Sison ⋅ Sacramento, CA Bickmore ⋅ 12 years experience

In addition to the great comments provided by Heather and Raymond, Actuaries do have "busy seasons." Over the course of the year, there are some months that are pretty mellow, but there are a few months of the year where they are working 60-70 hour weeks for months at a time. (Think tax season at an accounting firm.) Many of our actuaries work from home, so there is some benefit there, but the work is technical, time sensitive, and must be of the highest quality at ALL TIMES. So in short, the job security is great, but you need a very sharp set of math skills on day 1, and the ability to work independently to be successful.