What does it take to be a Catastrophe Modeling Analyst?

[Kavex]

I'm not exactly qualified to start any entry level Actuarial work yet (going to reattempt course1 in may'03) and I'm looking for jobs that have some correlation to the Property/Casualty industry. And I came across this profile:

http://www.ucalgary.ca/mg/inrm/indus...hemodeling.htm

What kind of requirements would you expect an entry level Catastrophe Modeling Analyst to have?

I am speculating:
Intensive Spreadsheet & Databasing
Numerical Analysis courses? Modeling software: MATLAB? RMS? AIR?

How would this type of position be any different or similar to the tasks that an entry level Actuary performs?

Thanks.

[Kavex]

Hmm I just found this thread:

http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4865

and

here:
http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8073

but still a true

[jerrytuttle]

Are there really entry level jobs in this?

I would expect a modelling analyst to have an expert knowledge in the subject matter being modelled. I think this is a little too much to expect at an entry level position.

[Cho Da]

Originally Posted by jerrytuttle

Are there really entry level jobs in this?

I would expect a modelling analyst to have an expert knowledge in the subject matter being modelled. I think this is a little too much to expect at an entry level position.

There exist entry level jobs, but they tend not to be actuarial in nature. One of the modeling firms has a reputation of being a sweat shop with very high turnover.

[Modeler]

Originally Posted by Cho Da

One of the modeling firms has a reputation of being a sweat shop with very high turnover.

Which one? I'm in the process of being submitted at the one near Silicon Valley.