Other insurance jobs...

[markleezy]

Hi all,
I passed 2 exams but have no actuarial experience and like many others, I am having a difficult time looking for an entry-level actuarial position.
I was just wondering if there are other jobs in the insurance industry that is not really an actuarial position, but could still give me good experience and look good on my resume for future job applications.
I was wondering if underwriting related jobs, pricing analysts, or even a position just dealing with claims would actually help me get an actuarial position in the future.
Also, are there other positions at insurance companies that future employers might take into consideration as good experience to be an actuary.
Thanks in advance!

[GargoyleWaiting]

Any job>no job
Insurance job>non-insurance job

[actexp]

Originally Posted by markleezy

Hi all,
I passed 2 exams but have no actuarial experience and like many others, I am having a difficult time looking for an entry-level actuarial position.
I was just wondering if there are other jobs in the insurance industry that is not really an actuarial position, but could still give me good experience and look good on my resume for future job applications.
I was wondering if underwriting related jobs, pricing analysts, or even a position just dealing with claims would actually help me get an actuarial position in the future.
Also, are there other positions at insurance companies that future employers might take into consideration as good experience to be an actuary.
Thanks in advance!

this has been asked a number of times so a search can yield you a lot of the comments. if you can get your foot in and even pass some exams and have a good work record you will presumably be in good position to eventually move over. depending upon the company and its business lines, underwriting is probably a good area, as well as any type of computer/systems analyst, in particular.

[Vorian Atreides]

Originally Posted by GargoyleWaiting

Any job>no job
Insurance job>non-insurance job

And doing a search on the forum for details/discussion.

You can also look at a company that you're interested in and see what positions are open. Internal candidates for a job position generally have a leg up on the "competition".

[FattyMcGee]

I originally interviewed for an analyst position in the Retirement Plan division. Not actuarial at all, but more spreadsheet-monkey type of stuff. 5500 reporting etc. In the interview I actually told the interviewers that I was looking more actuarial, they put me in touch with the HR who covers actuarial, and then I was able to swing another interview with actuarial.

So, a related job is okay. Just remember to not let your related job become your primary focus, if you're still interested in the actuarial field. But who knows? Maybe in the end you like that one better.

[Lao]

Originally Posted by actexp

this has been asked a number of times so a search can yield you a lot of the comments. if you can get your foot in and even pass some exams and have a good work record you will presumably be in good position to eventually move over. depending upon the company and its business lines, underwriting is probably a good area, as well as any type of computer/systems analyst, in particular.

How do you get an underwriting job?

[Vorian Atreides]

Originally Posted by Lao

How do you get an underwriting job?

Same way as you do an actuarial job . . . apply for it.

[The Office in NYC]

How about a billing specialist in an insurance company?

[Maine-iac]

That sounds like a rather low level job (thoug titles can be deceptive), so not as good as an underwriter or an IS slot, but still insurance job > non-insurance job.

If you have options though, avoid positions that don't require a college degree.

[PhildeTruth]

I don't think you should go for ANY insurance job. There are plenty of respectable non-insurance jobs that you can apply to that will give you a better chance to leverage that to an entry level actuarial position.