being an actuary without college

[gimak]

Is it possible to become an actuary without going to college and just with exams? From what I have seen, most companies require at least a bachelor's degree. However, has anyone become an actuary without earning a bachelor's degree or know someone who has? Does anyone have any advice on this? With my associateship, could taking elective courses from either actuarial organization (CAS or SOA) be a substitute for a degree?

Thank you for your input.

I used to work with an FCAS (well, he wasn't an FCAS when I started working with him) who didn't have a college degree. He had attended college for 4 years, though, and just failed to write his senior thesis. I assume he had a job offer in hand when he decided to ditch the thesis, or not go back for it, or whatever. That is, I assume he could have finished that degree if he'd had to. He's still listed in the directory as a vp of some insurance company, so I assume he's still in the field.

[Jack]

There are a few but it's tough to get started.

[Gandalf]

As Lucy said, it is possible. In practice, there are enough job seekers with college degrees and some exams that such a candidate might have trouble getting job interviews, and would have to be really impressive to get hired as an actuarial trainee.

One route that might work would be to get hired in a different job, demonstrate ability and work ethic and pass another exam, then transfer into the actual training program. It's harder to pass that exam without company support, though.

[Salzmann]

You gotta get past HR. As a hiring manager I'd be really impressed with someone who picked up enough knowledge to pass the exams without formal education. It wouldn't be a minus for me and would likely be a plus.

[tommie frazier]

could happen. the hardest part is getting past the HR screen. easiest path to this is getting an internship ASAP in college, then converting it to full time before graduation.

most places are somewhat awash in entry level applicants, so the screening is pretty easy.

if you are at a CC as your location suggests, an assiciates and some exams might work. wouldn't hurt to apply as soon as you want a job to see how it works out. but be realistic.

[Devilish]

Originally Posted by gimak

Is it possible to become an actuary without going to college and just with exams? From what I have seen, most companies require at least a bachelor's degree. However, has anyone become an actuary without earning a bachelor's degree or know someone who has? Does anyone have any advice on this? With my associateship, could taking elective courses from either actuarial organization (CAS or SOA) be a substitute for a degree?

Thank you for your input.

gimak,

Just get the college degree. You will save yourself a lot of problems/headaches in the future.

Thank you.

Devilish

[Brad Gile]

Originally Posted by Gandalf

As Lucy said, it is possible. In practice, there are enough job seekers with college degrees and some exams that such a candidate might have trouble getting job interviews, and would have to be really impressive to get hired as an actuarial trainee.

One route that might work would be to get hired in a different job, demonstrate ability and work ethic and pass another exam, then transfer into the actual training program. It's harder to pass that exam without company support, though.

That is definitely true. When I worked in the Wisconsin OCI as an ASA, my bosses cared nothing about my passing exams. I had no financial support and no study time. It took me a long time to get FSA, but I did do it. I don't recommend this route, though, especially considering current exam fees.

[gimak]

Thanks to everyone who have replied to my questions. It seems like there is only one option: getting a job (internship or paid job) after I pass my first exam or two to prove myself. However, there is something else you guys need to know. I was in a 4-year college for 1.5 years. I earned 3 Fs and 1 D. If I earn high scores on my first couple of exams and get my associate degree, will those things offset my bad grades so that I can get a job?

Besides the option I mentioned above, does anyone else have any other suggestions? Is this my only option?

[Vorian Atreides]

Originally Posted by Lucy

I used to work with an FCAS (well, he wasn't an FCAS when I started working with him) who didn't have a college degree. He had attended college for 4 years, though, and just failed to write his senior thesis. I assume he had a job offer in hand when he decided to ditch the thesis, or not go back for it, or whatever. That is, I assume he could have finished that degree if he'd had to. He's still listed in the directory as a vp of some insurance company, so I assume he's still in the field.

If you don't mind, could you give a time frame for this? It seems to me that this sort of thing might've been easier in a different decade than the present.