Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My real live conversation with an actuary wizard

This morning, something amazing happened. Using some connections, I got in touch with an experienced actuary and spoke with him on the phone for about 45 minutes. I emailed him my resume the night before so that he could give some advice, and he walked through every bit of it with me. We also talked about my education at USU and why I’m getting this degree and he said something very interesting. It went something like this:

“Many internships end in an offer for full employment. If I were you and in your position, I would take it. At that point, getting a degree in math doesn’t even matter because all of the experience you needed up to that point is all you needed to get where you are and everything that follows from that will naturally further qualify you. Companies are usually just looking for someone with a four-year degree who can pass exams. If you have that down, you don’t need the second degree. If you want to pay student loans and try to provide for your family in your own way, that’s up to you. But given that opportunity, I would take it.”

Interesting, right? It's something to think about as I get to know the industry and try to find my way in. This isn't the first time I've heard such advice.

Of course, I'm just concerned about passing Exam P in November. Once I do that, I'll feel so much better about everything.

6 comments:

  1. When you keep hearing the same advice over and over again, it's definitely worth considering.

    And I know you're worried about exam P, but I believe in you.

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    1. It's maybe counterintuitive to most industries, so it's still hard to accept. But I guess we can examine that bridge if we ever confront it.

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  2. I've always liked the way you reach out and ask questions and get opinions. It's a quality that has served you well all of your life....not counting 5th grade.

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    1. Maybe it's best that I don't remember fifth grade all that well?

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  3. Tyler, There is an Army of people that believe in you. I think you will crush this exam and pray for that every week. It is a privilage to pray for you .

    Jay

    ps. Great job on the follow up!

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    1. Thanks for all of your help, Jay. The hard part is that I can't say I've passed an exam yet, but the good part is that I'm getting my name out there already.

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