Hope for RTP, NC?

[jfryejr]

I graduated with a BS in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill (minor in chemistry) and work in pharmaceuticals now. My career choice was for a variety of reasons, mostly a need to graduate and make money. I've always had a love for math and been good at it (I had through differential equations at UNC, which was several levels above the requirement to graduate).

The bottom line is I just recently, within the last year, discovered what an actuary was and almost instantly fell in love with the career description. It combines math, analysis, critical thinking, and computers. I've been brushing up on my calculus and studying probability.

I plan(ned) on taking the P1 and C exams within the next 6 months. For a personal reason, I'm limited to living in the Triangle for the time and have become discouraged by what I interpret as a limited job market for entry level actuaries. Is this an accurate interpretation? Is there a certain number of exams I can pass to not be considered entry level or is that determined by actual experience?

Thanks for any advice,

James

[DW Simpson]

For a personal reason, I'm limited to living in the Triangle for the time and have become discouraged by what I interpret as a limited job market for entry level actuaries. Is this an accurate interpretation?

Yes.

Is there a certain number of exams I can pass to not be considered entry level or is that determined by actual experience?

Actual experience.

[jfryejr]

Thanks for the answer...

So without me being able to move, in your opinion do you see any point in me taking the exams or would it just be a waste of time?

[DW Simpson]

There are some actuarial employers in that area, it's just not a lot.

You'll have to decide for yourself whether it's a waste of time to pursue the exams.

[jfryejr]

Thanks for the input. I think since I'm already studying and the costs aren't that great, I'll see what happens when I take them. Maybe my company employs actuaries in some fashion and I can weasel my way in somehow...although I think we're more into statiticians.

Thanks again!

[General Apathy]

There are some actuarial employers in that area, it's just not a lot.



Plus Greensboro and Winston Salem *I think*

[BondGirl]

Have you tried searching for NC in the actuarial directory on the SOA website? That will help you determine which actuarial employers are in the general area, and you can check out their websites. I would definitely wait until you pass Course 1/Exam P before you start applying for jobs, though.

https://www.actuarialdirectory.org/solutionsite/default.aspx?tabid=123

Good luck!

[Ateh]

Have you tried searching for NC in the actuarial directory on the SOA website? That will help you determine which actuarial employers are in the general area, and you can check out their websites. I would definitely wait until you pass Course 1/Exam P before you start applying for jobs, though.

https://www.actuarialdirectory.org/solutionsite/default.aspx?tabid=123

Good luck!

You can narrow the search by typing in the first few digits of a zip code. You can find zip code information displayed graphically here (a fun site even if you don't land a job) :

http://acg.media.mit.edu/people/fry/zipdecode/

[jfryejr]

Most of what I've found in NC, and it's not been much, has been in the Charlotte area. Even Greensboro and Winston-Salem are too far from me now.

I have a five year old in the area that I can't leave. I think when he's older it would be easier on him (maybe in his teens). I'll focus on taking all the exams I can and push myself on whatever people I can to get hired somewhere. If I get lucky, then great, if not, then I do have a good job and will make pretty good money (I just don't find it very interesting).

http://acg.media.mit.edu/people/fry/zipdecode/Loved this website!

[BondGirl]

Bank of America is located in Charlotte.

[Griffin 6]

I have a five year old in the area that I can't leave. I think when he's older it would be easier on him (maybe in his teens).You might as well plan on staying until he's out of high school.

[Westley]

If I get lucky, then great, if not, then I do have a good job and will make pretty good money (I just don't find it very interesting).
How much do you know about actuarial work? Maybe you'll want to do an informational interview with some locals?

The reason I ask is, I think people become actuaries because it's a good job that pays pretty well. The job's not that interesting, usually, for most people. Just something to think about. It may sound interesting to outsiders, but most people don't find it that interesting day-to-day. JMHO.

[rhoucag]

NC Mutual is in Durham. There's also the State Department. Genworth Finanical actually has positions posted. Their office there I think is mostly mortgage insurance. But it's a potential option. There's also some sort of benefits company there, owned by Principal now I think.

I lived in Raleigh and wanted to stay, but my company become insolvent. Charlotte was a more practical option, so that's where I'm at now.

[jfryejr]

You might as well plan on staying until he's out of high school.

That's part of my dilemna. If I wait too long, there's not much point in pursuing a "new" career...although I would still have 35-40 years of working left, I would have to answer a LOT of questions as to why I was changing.

If I were to move a few hours away, i.e. Charlotte, when he was a bit older, I don't think it would be too bad. Although I'm making predictions with nothing base them base on since I don't what his mother will do...

[jfryejr]

How much do you know about actuarial work? Maybe you'll want to do an informational interview with some locals?

The reason I ask is, I think people become actuaries because it's a good job that pays pretty well. The job's not that interesting, usually, for most people. Just something to think about. It may sound interesting to outsiders, but most people don't find it that interesting day-to-day. JMHO.I'm interested in the pay as well! :smile:

As far as day to day work, I admit that I'm ignorant. I know the general description as well as everything that can be read on the web.

Anyways, my job isn't that interesting either, although it does have its fun days. Most people think the word "scientist" in the job description implies intersting, but that's not always the case.

[Maine-iac]

This career definitely is not optimal for those who are not geographically flexible. But it is not hopeless and if you really feel you might like it, then I'd say go ahead and pursue it and see what happens (unless you are passing up a more promising possiblity to do it.)

When I was entry level, I was not restricted to a geographic area with limited options, but I preferred an area with only a few potential employers. So I figured I'd give my best shot to getting a job in my first choice area, but applied outside the area as well. I lucked out, and got the slot where I wanted to live. Fast forward 7 years. End of that job. Needed a new one. Willing to move if necessary, but preferred the present locale. Found one local actuarial employer to interview at. Got a job, didn't have to move. 10 years later, circumstances changed again. I currently live in a different area, but even less of an actuarial hotbed than the former locale. (moved for family reasons). One actuarial employer in town. I managed to get a job there.

Now I do not pull down the kind of salary I would likely get had I moved to optimize my career rather than choosing for family and lifestyle. But I do quite well. It can be done. (The areas where I have lived are even less bustling than the Research Triangle for actuarial work.)

[Griffin 6]

That's part of my dilemna. If I wait too long, there's not much point in pursuing a "new" career...although I would still have 35-40 years of working left, I would have to answer a LOT of questions as to why I was changing. "Gee, what made you decide to all of a sudden stop being a scientician and start being an actuarialogist?"
"Family obligations precluded an earlier geographic move."
"Okay then."

If I were to move a few hours away, i.e. Charlotte, when he was a bit older, I don't think it would be too bad.Yes it would.

[Gentle Giant]

Genworth Financial actually has positions posted. Their office there I think is mostly entirely mortgage insurance.IFYP.

[jfryejr]

"Gee, what made you decide to all of a sudden stop being a scientician and start being an actuarialogist?"
"Family obligations precluded an earlier geographic move."
"Okay then."

Yes it would.

Point taken.

At any rate, there wouldn't be any move now, so I'll stick with studying for the P1 and C and continue on from there. At some point, something in the area should open up.