2 vs 3 exams passed

[DataDan]

I agree with those who recognize that exams help get you interviews.

then its up to you to convince them to give you a job.

I would say 2exams is a good amount for El. 3 would prob get you a few more interviews to work with. I had 1 and interviews were hard to get (and now there is pressure to take exams and catch up with the rest of the group)

[SamTheBellhop]

Originally Posted by DataDan

I would say 2exams is a good amount for El. 3 would prob get you a few more interviews to work with.

Serious question for those who interview ELs for jobs. When whittling down the resumes to the 5-6 (or whatever small number) that you bring in for an initial interview, how much does having 3 exams vs. 2 exams help the prospective candidate in making that cut?

[TheShark]

I agree with Reformed Donkey, last Fall I was a junior, had 2 exams, applied to 60 companies but got zero interviews due to my shy personality and below par GPA. My classmates who were more outgoing got interviews with 0 exams and a worse GPA than me (their personality clicked with the employers at career fairs). And yes I met new EL hires at career fairs who had 0 exams.

What sucks is that there isn't much you can do about your personality. It is developed when you are a child. Blame the people who raised you.

[oceankyle]

Originally Posted by TheShark

What sucks is that there isn't much you can do about your personality. It is developed when you are a child. Blame the people who raised you.

Not with that attitude!

I think you can improve anything with a little effort.... I know multiple people including myself who have made positive changes in their personality by actively trying to...

Very interesting thread for me since I'm debating taking MFE after P and before getting a job, I figured I'd work through one more summer at the beach and pass MFE (hopefully) in August, then get a job... $325 is a lot of money though.

[Colonel Smoothie]

I would like to add that based on my observations, most of the 4-5 exam candidates are normal people who can function perfectly fine, personality wise. It's a very rare case that you find someone who can pass exams quickly yet can't talk to people.

The "inept nerd" stereotype applied to people with good academic backgrounds is overblown, IMO.

[Vorian Atreides]

Pr(getting an interview for actuarial position | Passed Exams = 3) >> Pr(getting an interview for actuarial position | Passed Exams = 2)

Pr(getting an actuarial job | Passed Exams = 3 AND interviews really well) = Pr(getting an actuarial job | Passed Exams = 2 AND interviews really well)

[Vorian Atreides]

Originally Posted by TheShark

<snip>
What sucks is that there isn't much you can do about your personality. It is developed when you are a child. Blame the people who raised you.

This is completely false; unless you beleive that this sort of reasoning is true. In the latter case, there's nothing to be done for you at this point.

[SamTheBellhop]

Originally Posted by Vorian Atreides

Pr(getting an interview for actuarial position | Passed Exams = 3) >> Pr(getting an interview for actuarial position | Passed Exams = 2)

Agree with the equation. Am unsure as to how much larger the left side is than the right.

[AAABBBCCC]

I think my brain almost exploded when reading this thread.

[Vorian Atreides]

Originally Posted by SamTheBellhop

Agree with the equation. Am unsure as to how much larger the left side is than the right.

It will vary by company and how well you craft your resume; but ceteris parabus, you can expect the differential to be what's shown (unless the candidate pool under consideration is very small--like companies in teh Po').