Hope for RTP, NC?

[jfryejr]

I graduated with a BS in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill (minor in chemistry) and work in pharmaceuticals now. My career choice was for a variety of reasons, mostly a need to graduate and make money. I've always had a love for math and been good at it (I had through differential equations at UNC, which was several levels above the requirement to graduate).

The bottom line is I just recently, within the last year, discovered what an actuary was and almost instantly fell in love with the career description. It combines math, analysis, critical thinking, and computers. I've been brushing up on my calculus and studying probability.

I plan(ned) on taking the P1 and C exams within the next 6 months. For a personal reason, I'm limited to living in the Triangle for the time and have become discouraged by what I interpret as a limited job market for entry level actuaries. Is this an accurate interpretation? Is there a certain number of exams I can pass to not be considered entry level or is that determined by actual experience?

Thanks for any advice,

James

[DW Simpson]

Originally Posted by jfryejr

For a personal reason, I'm limited to living in the Triangle for the time and have become discouraged by what I interpret as a limited job market for entry level actuaries. Is this an accurate interpretation?

Yes.

Is there a certain number of exams I can pass to not be considered entry level or is that determined by actual experience?

Actual experience.

[jfryejr]

Thanks for the answer...

So without me being able to move, in your opinion do you see any point in me taking the exams or would it just be a waste of time?

[DW Simpson]

There are some actuarial employers in that area, it's just not a lot.

You'll have to decide for yourself whether it's a waste of time to pursue the exams.

[jfryejr]

Thanks for the input. I think since I'm already studying and the costs aren't that great, I'll see what happens when I take them. Maybe my company employs actuaries in some fashion and I can weasel my way in somehow...although I think we're more into statiticians.

Thanks again!

[General Apathy]

Originally Posted by D.W. Simpson Webmaster

There are some actuarial employers in that area, it's just not a lot.

Plus Greensboro and Winston Salem *I think*

[BondGirl]

Have you tried searching for NC in the actuarial directory on the SOA website? That will help you determine which actuarial employers are in the general area, and you can check out their websites. I would definitely wait until you pass Course 1/Exam P before you start applying for jobs, though.

https://www.actuarialdirectory.org/s...aspx?tabid=123

Good luck!

[Ateh]

Originally Posted by BondGirlJAS

Have you tried searching for NC in the actuarial directory on the SOA website? That will help you determine which actuarial employers are in the general area, and you can check out their websites. I would definitely wait until you pass Course 1/Exam P before you start applying for jobs, though.

https://www.actuarialdirectory.org/s...aspx?tabid=123

Good luck!

You can narrow the search by typing in the first few digits of a zip code. You can find zip code information displayed graphically here (a fun site even if you don't land a job) :

http://acg.media.mit.edu/people/fry/zipdecode/

[jfryejr]

Most of what I've found in NC, and it's not been much, has been in the Charlotte area. Even Greensboro and Winston-Salem are too far from me now.

I have a five year old in the area that I can't leave. I think when he's older it would be easier on him (maybe in his teens). I'll focus on taking all the exams I can and push myself on whatever people I can to get hired somewhere. If I get lucky, then great, if not, then I do have a good job and will make pretty good money (I just don't find it very interesting).

http://acg.media.mit.edu/people/fry/zipdecode/

Loved this website!

[BondGirl]

Bank of America is located in Charlotte.