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How can I continue to pursue both a career in Actuarial Sciences and general art Will I have to hold one over the other in importance or is it possible to juggle both interests of mine.?
I currently work as an actuary apprentice part time due to a program at my high school, and I find I do want to pursue this career path in my foreseeable future. But I worry that my own hobbies and interests will have to take a backseat as I spend my time studying for exams and college. Is there a way to healthily balance free time and actuarial preparation?
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Donna’s Answer
Balancing life’s commitments can be tough. Having a second passion can really help manage stress. Developing organization and discipline is important for success.
Studying for actuarial exams takes a lot of time and effort. I followed a strategy similar to Melissa's husband, working hard to pass the exams quickly. My goal was to finish them before starting a family, and I did. This meant studying was my main focus for about five years. I enjoyed studying, but it did affect other activities. My first actuarial job was at a large insurance company in NYC, where I got study time during workdays. This allowed me to study in the mornings and only a little after work and on weekends. I held that job for 18 months, completing half of the exams before getting married, moving, and joining a consulting firm. Over time, balancing study and work became harder. My understanding fiancé, who was in law school, also spent a lot of time studying, though not as much as me. I completed my Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries five years after college and three years after marriage. Starting exams in college gave me a head start and helped land a great first job. This was in the 1970s, and while the certification process has changed, its rigor has not. I've never regretted my decision to become an actuary and my approach to finishing the exams quickly.
Good luck to you.
Learn about the certification process for the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society by going to soa.org and casact.org
Studying for actuarial exams takes a lot of time and effort. I followed a strategy similar to Melissa's husband, working hard to pass the exams quickly. My goal was to finish them before starting a family, and I did. This meant studying was my main focus for about five years. I enjoyed studying, but it did affect other activities. My first actuarial job was at a large insurance company in NYC, where I got study time during workdays. This allowed me to study in the mornings and only a little after work and on weekends. I held that job for 18 months, completing half of the exams before getting married, moving, and joining a consulting firm. Over time, balancing study and work became harder. My understanding fiancé, who was in law school, also spent a lot of time studying, though not as much as me. I completed my Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries five years after college and three years after marriage. Starting exams in college gave me a head start and helped land a great first job. This was in the 1970s, and while the certification process has changed, its rigor has not. I've never regretted my decision to become an actuary and my approach to finishing the exams quickly.
Good luck to you.
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Melissa’s Answer
Hi! My husband is an actuary so I have secondary experience. From what I have heard, the time with studying and exams is difficult and time consuming. He took all his exams as quickly as possible to condense the intensive study period. This will also increase your compensation as you earn credentials post exam. All work and no play doesn't work either; I would make sure you still have time for hobbies as enjoyment and release especially while studying. You will have more time for the arts after exams too. You can't do both as once, but you can schedule time for each :).