One-Man-Shop

[hopper]

I am talking to this one company where I will be the only actuary(no students or other actuaries).Would you all share the Pros and Cons for working in such environment? Thanks.

[Elisha]

WEll, either they'll believe anything you tell/show them or nothing.

[Anonymous]

Been there, done that. In retrospect, it was probably a bad decision for me because I didn't have the mentor I really needed as I worked my way through the fellowship exams. I always worried that I wasn't looking at issues from all the possible angles. If you're still taking exams, keep in mind that NO ONE will be able to relate to what you're going through (and to some extent won't care), so when you take time off work for studying, they think you're taking vacation.

[hopper]

Anonymous,
Would you take the job if you are a new ASA and have been working in the field for 7 years?



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hopper on 2002-02-03 22:33 ]</font>

[Anonymous]

This is a very individual choice but you should look closely at how this job fits with what you want now and ten years (and on) from now, will this experience open or close doors, which doors? Is it a new position or are you replacing someone and why are they leaving? Will you have the freedom and resources to do what you want, etc?

From my perspective it seems like risk, however, if I was someone who's been in Pensions for seven years and this is the chance to be the in house actuary for a reasonably large plan it might present a new and broader perspective as you'd be the final authority on all decisions, and also that would probably not hurt job prospects in a few years because of your connections.

[Anonymous]

OK, I'm the first anonymous. When I put myself in that position, I had 5 years of experience and had been an ASA for 4 years. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have taken the job. If you're really interested, you need to find out what sort of access you will have to actuaries. It's great of you can use consultants, but make sure you'll have the budget for it. (And call me!!!)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Sounds as if the company doesn't respect an actuary's skill, if you'll be the only one.
More actuaries = more respect, and that starts at the top.
Lastly, the biggest problem you'll face will be people in power who don't know anything, but think they know everything.

[Anonymous]

Dr T Non-Fan, how many different ways can you be wrong in one post? Has to be a record, even for u.