ASA to CERA/FSA?

[FAS158]

First, what is the definition of career ASA?

But the main question I want to ask is, can a long-term ASA (with lettered investment credentials) in a declining area of practice improve his chances of switching to other areas by getting the CERA and FSA?

[deathfrombelow]

Originally Posted by FAS158

First, what is the definition of career ASA?

But the main question I want to ask is, can a long-term ASA (with lettered investment credentials) in a declining area of practice improve his chances of switching to other areas by getting the CERA and FSA?

You can go ahead and say you're in pensions, FAS158....

What kind of switch do you have in mind? Do you have any experience with pension buyouts, post-retirement benefits, or risk management? How much overall time do you have in pensions?

[FAS158]

Experience in risk management. Been in pensions 12 years. Wish to go beyond current role to an ERM role. Feel like thats my passion, and I feel like if I feel that strongly about it to call it my career passion, should pursue it. I want to stay in the broader actuarial environment and hence feel like CERA/FSA should be more beneficial than FRM.

[smekta]

Is there even a single open position out there that requires/desires a CERA?

[FAS158]

Originally Posted by smekta

Is there even a single open position out there that requires/desires a CERA?

Probably not, but actuarial employers would definitely prefer CERA + FSA over a FRM. Its all about what your target employer would consider employable.

[deathfrombelow]

Originally Posted by FAS158

Probably not, but actuarial employers would definitely prefer CERA + FSA over a FRM. Its all about what your target employer would consider employable.

Absolutely, and I would say that getting your FSA would be a good idea in this case assuming that you want to move to a purer ERM-consulting or insurance ERM role. Then, with some ERM experience and an FSA, you could sell yourself as a versatile actuarial consultant rather than just a stereotypical ASA/EA pension valuation guy. Obviously, lots of people won't be interested, but you only need one person to bite.

Does the firm you're working with have a full-fledged ERM practice in another practice area? If so, that's probably the easiest door to open. If not, have you considered jumping to one of the pension firms that does and then trying a lateral move?