Post from the desert

[glenn]

This is a two-fer. First post worth linking to over at the desert, and probably the first post by Jeremy Gold that I've ever had even ANY clue what he's talking about (I'm not an investments person :D).

http://forums.soa.org/thread.jspa?threadID=1261&tstart=0

Paraphrasing, it discussed focussing the acturial field on our primary markets of life, p&c et al instead of branching out. Personally, I agree, it's similiar to what I've thought for a long time about this whole big tent issue.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Dr Gold should find a bigger audience.

[Malik Shabazz]

Dr Gold should find a bigger audience.
Why? You don't think Andy Lang is a big enough audience?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Only if "audience" is defined by misspelled words per post. then, it's a large audience indeed.

[Brad Gile]

Dr Gold should find a bigger audience.

I agree. Dr. Gold has, IMO, hit the nail on the head. I have always thought the "Big Tent" thing was an amorphous blob of crap and I still do. IMO, what we need to do is concentrate on what we do best and keep those who pay us convinced that we actuaries are the best they can get.

Brad

[BobBeuer1ein]

The SOA forum to chat with the candidates has been closed, so now we have the opportunity to use our Rebel Outpost to continue the discussion.


Jeremy Gold: Why is the choice expand or perish? I see us struggling over three choices:

perish
get better in-domain
redefine actuaries into other domains


I agree with the comments that we will not let our profession perish and that we should "get better in-domain". However, I question the comment about "other domains".

We currently have actuaries that are proud to be known as actuaries who are pioneers in entering other domains. These pioneers are typically unique individuals that can blaze the trails for other actuaries to follow.
These actuaries may have an advantage in their pioneering efforts by being associated with companies that employ actuaries in traditional roles and also have businesses in areas that are not commonly served by actuaries.

Over the next 5-10 years, we need to continue to strengthen and broaden the skill sets of actuaries in the "traditional actuarial" industries so that they can have a broader influence within these industries. Also, we need to recognize and support our pioneers that are entering "non-traditional actuarial" industries so that others can follow the trails that have been blazed.

What are some of these "non-traditional actuarial" industries? I do not have a complete list, but areas such as banks, jet aircraft leasing, consumer finance, mutual funds, etc. may be prime candidates. Many of the pioneers will be associated with companies that employ "traditional actuaries" but also have business interests in industries that do not typically employ "traditional actuaries".

The future is bright for the actuarial profession. The SOA has the responsibility of increasing the supply of actuaries with the proper qualifications to make significant contributions to the environment in which they operate. Concurrently, the actuarial profession has the responsibility to explore and support further applications of actuarial science in new environments, thus increasing the demand for qualified actuaries.

Let's keep this discussion going.

Thanks...Bob

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Geez, Bob, discussing when it's clear that the SOA does not want more discussion. Sounds a bit rebellious. (I like that!)