Looking for employment

[6Maxxx9]

I am a foreign student graduating in the summer of 2002 from Univ of Waterloo. I've already completed course 1 and I just wrote course 2 (Nov 2001). Looking for work in any major US city or in Toronto. Any one interested?

PS I am from an English speaking country, and my verbal and written skills are excellent.

[Intents]

Your punctuation skills are not, however.

(just a joke) Casualty, Life, Health, Finance, Pension?

[Laffit Pincay, Jr.]

You've probably already done this, but as a reminder the placement office at your university should be your first stop. Many companies interview on campus so schedule as many of those as possible first.

If on campus visits are slow this year, get your resume to as many companies that don't do campus interviews as soon as possible.

You're at an actuarial school so they should be pretty good at placing actuarial students.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Agreed.
Most people here do not hire.
Most people wouldn't provide any information about openings here.
Your placement office is probably setting up on-campus interviews. I'm not a big fan of those (either), since you're being compared with fellow students who are fresh in the interviewer's memory. Also, the interviewer might be some HR person. Like oil and water with actuarial students.
Better to research the companies, narrow down your first set of choices (by area or interest), and write letters to chief actuaries and/or all VPs that are members of the SOA. That will distinguish you from the others.
Are you graduating after Summer school? Will this be an early graduation or late (after 4 years)? Companies who make a habit out of hiring Spring graduates might not interview you for those openings.

(And work on that punctuation!)

[glenn]

Try asking Rob Brown. I've seen him get students placed before.

[Anonymous]

Dude, Just one exam from Waterloo is pretty weak. With that track record, maybe this isn't the right career choice.
Seriously.

[6Maxxx9]

I agree that 1 exam is weak considering I'm from from Waterloo, but then again I've only been here for three years, while all the students who graduate with 3 or 4 exams have been here for 5 years.
I'm sorry that I didn't make it clear before, but I graduate in April, and as for areas, I'm looking not ruling any out at this point.

[Effa]

Don't worry then - you can do it. You can take 3 in May and you'll be just about caught up. Just don't go too hardcore and become like C8ishard where you spend your Friday nights posting here! :smile:

[Anonymous]

You got me.
Good one.

[tryinghard]

Hi,
I am currently looking for an entry level position.I havent written any exams yet,I'll be doing that in May 2002. Some recruiters have been telling me that theres no point in trying for a position without an exam.Is that true?
Also what's the best way of going about looking for an entry level postion?I am not studying in a university/college so I dont have access to a placement cell.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[Macroman]

At my company we have hired several interns and a couple full-timers with no exams. Most companies would probably look at you for an internship if other factors line up... You will definitely be more interesting to employers with exams however.

I would say that the recruiters would not want to spend time on you without an exam, so you should contact companies that interest you directly especially for now.

[tryinghard]

On 2001-11-25 22:34, Macroman wrote:
At my company we have hired several interns and a couple full-timers with no exams. Most companies would probably look at you for an internship if other factors line up... You will definitely be more interesting to employers with exams however.

I would say that the recruiters would not want to spend time on you without an exam, so you should contact companies that interest you directly especially for now.


Hi Macroman,
I have about a years' experience in statistical modelling,I know SAS and Excel very well,I also have a masters degree in economics.
However I recently moved to the US,which is why I am in this position rite now.
Moreover I dont know if I should apply for an internship or for an entry level position.
any advice you can give me wld be much appreciated...

[LosingInterest]

Interviewing question:

I feel that in looking for an entry level position I am fairly well qualified. I have 2 courses passed, and by the end of the semester have a couple degrees in relevant fields for Actuarial Science. I'm just wondering what is the best approach in interviews as I feel that they are my weakest area. I love working in team environments and have been described as a good teammate. I suppose what I'm saying is that I'm outgoing and likable, but I'm afraid I don't come across like that in the interview. In fact, in some of the previous positions in which I've been hired, I've been introduced as the quiet one but have always quickly shed that title once work begins. In fact, it becomes more of a sarcastic title if anything, as I'm usually one of the more outgoing characters in groups. I think most of my timidness comes from my inability to brag about myself. I have always erred on the side of quiet and humble, but maybe this is a situation where if anything I should come across as conceited or downright cocky. Does anyone have any advice on how to attack this problem and give the right impression?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

That is always the conundrum.
To state your qualifications without it looking like bragging:
1. Never compare your accomplishments to others. That's for the interviewer to do.
2. Never believe that you are doing life-or-death work. It's slightly interesting actuarial work. To very few people.
3. Watch your face. For example, smirks tell the interviewer what you're thinking.
4. Have a "weakness" ready for the inevitable "What's is your one weakness?" question. "I'm too honest."

That's a start. Good luck.

[davespencer]

To Losing Interest, and those like L.I., try this trick. Since you say you're not really a quiet one on the job, get one or two letters of recommendation from former employers, and make sure they mention something about your being outgoing.