So what is an actuary?

Actuaries are some of the brightest people in business today. They're

who consider past and present information to develop and communicate a picture of the future.

It's never too late

There is no age limit for joining the Profession but changing your employer or career direction can prove challenging for career changers. To improve employment chances, the Profession usually recommends that career changers undertake one or two of our examinations independently.

Your experience and skills from your current career may be valuable to an actuarial firm. You may wish to contact actuarial employers directly to discuss your future opportunities.

Qualify in 3-6 years

In order to become an Associate (AFA, AIA) or Fellow (FFA, FIA) of the Faculty or Institute, student members must pass, or be granted exemption from, examinations and acquire a satisfactory level of work-based skills.

6 good reasons to become an actuary

1. Diverse and varied work
Actuarial skills are in global demand across many financial sectors - from insurance, pensions and benefits, investment and asset management, to banking and healthcare.

2. Influential role
With specialist training and unique skills, actuaries are usually behind many high level strategic decisions made by financial services companies and governments.

3. Intellectual satisfaction
Actuaries analyse and interpret data, assess risks, estimate outcomes and communicate all this to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

4. A good work-life balance
With variety comes flexibility, allowing you to balance professional commitments with personal interests.

5. Professionalism
Actuaries uphold the highest professional standards. The job demands that actuaries combine good business sense with safeguarding the public's future financial interests. All newly qualified Fellows are required to attend a Professionalism Course within twelve months of admission as a Fellow.

6. Well paid
Salaries and benefits packages are excellent - in fact, it's one of the highest paid professions.

Actuaries in a nutshell