Do you regret

A math major is about way more than crunching numbers. A math major gives you a foundation in arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and logic. But if you've looked at the math curriculums in most universities, you'll notice that the amount of classes required within your major is close to half that of other majors. The excess (still classified as being "in your major") is often in a related field -- computer science, education, engineering or another applied field, etc. Some schools just require that you also take a minor field. Why? Because a math major is about more. It's about teaching you to think, to analyze, to apply that math in another related field. What you graduate with, if you've paid attention during your college career, is a degree in applied thinking.
Actuaries apply that thinking (and their extraordinarily-above-average numerical skills) to the insurance world.
Entry-level actuaries start out as numerical types. The successful ones become business people, often without actively trying to make a switch on their own. It's just part of the natural development and career progression. If you want to be a number-crunching, spreadsheet-guru, no-management, no-business actuary for your entire career then you don't want to be an actuary.

[Maine-iac]

I don't regret acutarial work. In the spectrum of math-oriented careers, low on the math. In the spectrum of business careers, high on the math.

Not a real people job, but more so than academic mathematics. The suggestion of leaning to consultancy if you are a people person is good.

Personality type I would NOT worry about. Realize, however, that the exams are horrid and require incredible amounts of rigorous self-discipline to pass, which can be a shocker to the spontaneous "P" types. But a challenge that can be met, if you wish to. (But I'm an INFJ, so what do I know? )

Good luck!

[John F. Kerry]

Originally Posted by adel

ENFP is a personality type.

That much I figured out.

[Polly Nomial]

Lot's of good replies here that I won't repeat.

I just want to comment on your math professor. I have run into math professors who are simply high on academia. Actuaries, like other real world inhabitants, are inferior simply because they are not pure academics.

I was in a graduate program in math. I once asked a professor about actuarial science. He told me: "Oh that's only for undergraduates!"

Make your own decision and good luck! BTW, I love my work!

[Pi Man]

Originally Posted by SamChevre

I know (at least I've heard) that some actuaries are extroverts; I've never met one who was.

hi! post here often?? this place is FULL of folks who are extroverts! they are a rare-ish find in the profession, and this place seems to be concentrated with them....

it sounds like that professor is REALLY in touch with the real world....

talk to a few real life actuaries before you go jumping into anything. see if you can line up a few phone calls, maybe 10-15 minutes each. "interview" each one, and ask them if they could recommend 1-2 other actuaries to speak with. this is a great way to break in and get some insider information.... you might be surprised what you find!

[Cannonball]

No regrets here. However, I HATED my first job out of school, and at that point my answer would have been different. A lot depends on the quality of your supervisor, coworkers, and whether or not your assignments are a good fit for the things you enjoy.

The pay is great!!!

[Pi Man]

has anyone done a study on "degree of hapiness with current career v. career#"? if you graduate and work in career B, you might not be happy, but change to A and you're happier.... those who continue in A from graduation without ever changing careers, no matter how content, don't seem to have the enthusiasm of those who started in B and changed... j'ever notice??

[Natalie_Portman]

Actuaries are really insurance executives. The projects that actuaries work on are very important in business and finance -- many people rely on the educated decisions that you make. That is what makes it exciting!

I cannot comment on the "better than average Math student" because I was the type to score 800 on the Math SATs. I am probably not typical. I believe that you just need to be good enough to compete against the other actuarial students taking the exams.

It is a nice career--I would highly suggest to start early because it takes a lot of your time.

No regrets here.

Except the girl that left me.
And my dog, that lept out a window, starved for affection because I was always locked in my room studying...
And the perfectly good career I had washing dishes that I left in order to join up with this cruddy overdressed corporate world of ugliness and corruption...

Yeah, aside from that, I'm pretty much 120% happy.

[ACCtuary]

I definitely regret it from time to time. I hear that some of the larger reinsurance departments have research departments that approach things from a higher level, and you get to use more math.

You may wish to consider P&C - the ones at my company always seem to be doing more interesting statistical stuff.

Although it is unconventional, I suggest skimming some of the study notes from the course 5 exam to see if the SoA curriculum is something you could be happy with. I got in without a thorough understanding of the life insurance business, and wish I had learned more of the business side before progressing so far in my exams that retraining is now an expensive possibility.

Remember - a job you don't like, or even a nice house, is a prison sentence with a salary. Some days I feel like Kevin Spacey in 'American Beauty', although I don't even have high school cheerleaders to lust after.

Actuaries are critical to a fault, quick to notice faults, and slow to show appreciation. I have not been happy so far in this profession, although I am willing to consider that there is still improvement and personal growth to be made on my side.