Another career changer need your help

[DeeDee]

Here is my story. I am in my mid 30's and got laid off last year. I was a software engineer working in telcom industry for four years. I have a BS in computer systems engineering and my GPA is above 3.9. I have heard of Actuary before, but not until recently I was seriously considering changing my career to be an actuary. Here are some questions that I need you help with. Thanks in advance!

1. What is my chance of getting an entry-level job in Los Angeles area if I have passed 2 exams? By the way, I am a US citizen.
2. Since my husband might be relocate to Boston area, so what is the answer to question 1 if it is in Boston area?
3. What is my chance if I don't have geographic preference?

[The Drunken Actuary]

With two exams, unless there is something obviously wrong with you that you are not telling us, I would say the chance that you will find some actuarial entry level job in either LA, Boston, or anywhere in general is probably pretty near 100%.

[DW Simpson]

...if your potential employer is one that hires career changers, and there are fewer of those than there are those that will hire college students. How fewer in LA or Boston, I don't know.

LA is a small entry market. Boston is a bigger entry market. Boston entry positions can be more competitive than some other cities because of the actuarial science programs there. But you only need 1 job.

I would shoot for 1 exam. Once you pass 1 exam, then you can put theory into practice.

There was an older telecom industry employee with 2 exams that found it difficult to find an entry level job, who discussed that on this board recently, but who ultimately was successful.

[DeeDee]

Thanks for replying!

So is there anyway to know in advance if a potential employer is one that hires career changers or not? Could you please also give me the link to the discussion to the old telcom industry employee's job hunting?

[DW Simpson]

So is there anyway to know in advance if a potential employer is one that hires career changers or not?

For the most part, no, you won't know. It's not something employers will come out and say we'd rather hire a 23-year-old than a 43-year-old. It just happens.

But there are a lot of success stories of career-changers, and these can be found throughout the Careers-Employment and General Actuarial sections.

Could you please also give me the link to the discussion to the old telcom industry employee's job hunting?

Link (http://actuary.ca/phpBB/search.php?search_author=jk)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Have you passed these exams? If not, please take them first.