Switching to CAS

[Kenshiro]

Hi all,

I have 4 exams and 2 years of experience in Pension consulting but I find the work extremely boring. I'm considered switching to casualty work...can any of you give me any advice about the day to day work I might expect to be doing? Would it be as boring as what I'm doing now? Will it be hard to switch over?

Thanks for the help

[Ammie]

Speking from experience, do it now! IME Pensions is boring. I find I get to be more creative in P&C :grin:

[erickson]

I made the switch to P&C insurance from Pension consulting after 18 months and two exams. Today marks one year since the move and I couldn't be more pleased with the decision.

P&C work requires more analytical and mathematical skills. And. . .creativity. We don't make our decisions based on IRS and DOL regulations/formulas (as with Pension consulting). We make our decisions based on "science" and our best judgment.

I've also found, contrary to what I heard prior to the move, that (at least where I'm at) the insurance world is NOT boring compared to the consulting world. It is definitely less hectic and more orderly. But that just allows for more time to do special studies and research projects -- instead of spending that time putting out client fires. Make the move.

[Anonymous]

Being a casualty of actuarial society I can definitely say--"its not just job, its an adventure." Yeah, I know, we ripped the saying off from the Navy. So much for that we're-oh-so-much-more-creative theory....

[Semprini]

I switched from Health, so I can't say how the work would compare, but it shouldn't be too hard for you to do. I switched with 2 years + 4 exams at the end of 1999. It wasn't hard to get interviews at all, and I took about a 20% pay increase when I switched.

Admittedly, Health is more like P&C than pensions, but if you know the basics and have some business skills and experience, the job market is pretty hungry for people at your level right now (at least from my own perspective).

[SMOKIN' ACTUARY]

I have been only worked as a P&C actuary (for 16 years) and I have to agree withthe previous posts.

I can add that the work P&C business is much more varied than Life or Pension.

In my opinion, I would avoid the Personal Lines side and try to get involved in commercial lines. With your pension background, you may be a good fit for a position that handles workers compensation.

Best of luck.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: SMOKIN' ACTUARY on 2001-12-13 13:39 ]</font>