Advice for a College Junior

[clam]

Originally Posted by Colonel Smoothie

Just think of it like Kwame Brown. Sure, he was tall and big, but he was also a lazy ass (I'm surprised he's still been getting contracts).

Big man is rare in NBA regardless skill. Let's talk about Brook Lopez's 61 million contract.......

[LOsSwiggs]

Originally Posted by Future_FSA_Please

Hello, I've been searching around the web for answers, but would really like a more personalized answer than any I've found.

First, a little background information:

I am really interested in the actuarial field. I am very interested in the actuarial field, as I am good at Math and love Business.

I'm currently a Junior (Fall 2012-Spring 2013) at the University of Central Arkansas. I don't believe it's a very well-known university nationally, but has very arguably the best BA program in the state. I am majoring in Management Information Systems, with a concentration in Programming and a new minor in Mathematics (am just about to take my first Mathematics course other than Bus. Cal and Bus. Stats).

I have about a 3.0 GPA (which I am embarrassed to mention, but which I achieved with very little effort), which I am about to start working very hard to increase.

I would like to (at some point) go to graduate school to get an MBA. I know my undergraduate GPA is low and this could put off some schools, but like I said, I am going to work to increase it as much as possible. Also, I feel that I could get a good score on the GMAT. I am a very good test-taker, as I achieved a 30 on the ACT with no studying whatsoever (yes, I know that I have been a slacker most of my life academically), and I feel that I am very naturally talented mathematically.

Here are my questions:

1. Is my major okay for a BBA? I enjoy it, and if my plans to be an actuary ever fall through, I believe it will make a great backup degree.

2. Would you suggest I:

A. Go ahead and start studying for and taking my first Actuarial Exams, and try to get into the field straight after undergrad?
B. Try applying to MBA programs straight after undergrad, and then get into the profession? Do I need more work experience for MBA programs to take me seriously? Would a few internships help instead?
C. Other?

3. What major would you suggest for an MBA? I had been looking at Georgia State University's Actuarial Science department, and then read on multiple forums people stating that a MBA in Actuarial Science is a bad idea. What do you think? Should I choose a different major? If so, what?

4. (Possibly a little off-topic) How difficult do you think it would be for me to get into a decent MBA program? Assume I can get my GPA up to at least a 3.3 by the time I graduate, and can score at least a 650 on the GMAT.

5. Would having passed an exam or two make me MBA recruiters any more interested in me?

6. Do you have any other suggestions which I have not touched on? Any help at all would be great!

Before answering: I know most of you are thinking, "Is this guy serious? He hasn't studied his whole life, and he wants to pursue an FSA?" I understand that, but please do not comment with an outlook like that. Recently I have started working harder and being more committed to the things I do more than I ever have before in my life. I know I will be able to muster the commitment it takes to achieve an FSA. Please help me get there!

Thank you!

I only have one comment for you. If you really wish to be an actuary, then start taking exams right now. Forget the MBA altogether. Don't waste another thought on it. It is absolutely useless in this field. The only actuaries I have know to pursue an MBA were those that couldn't get a job straight out of college and needed to do something as they continued the search.