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How do I Choose the Best Entry Level Actuarial Jobs?

N. Kalu
N. Kalu

The best entry level actuarial jobs are the ones that allow you to learn more about the insurance industry and also give you an opportunity to advance in the field. Your first job as an actuary should be equal parts interesting, engaging work which utilizes your mathematical and accounting skills, and repetitive yet important work relating to financial analysis and risk. An entry level actuarial job should also offer a great work life balance. requiring you to work 45 hours per week at the maximum.

Actuarial jobs require that you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Most students who are interested in obtaining the best entry level actuarial jobs are very good at quantitative subjects such as mathematics, accounting, or finance. Due to the field's intense focus on calculating risk, having a strong base in mathematics is a requirement across the board. If you have received high marks in quantitative courses while in college, then you should choose the entry level actuarial jobs that will utilize your math skills in order to determine the risk involved with any of a company's business transactions.

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Naturally, some of the best actuary jobs will match you with a senior mentor who can teach you more about the field. This mentor should have a considerable amount of experience as an actuary. He or she should also be someone who is fairly influential in the company. Your mentor can not only show you what it means to be an effective actuary, but he or she could also open up opportunities of advancement for you. If you prove yourself to be a quick study and start off in your entry level actuary job by immediately doing good work and creating value for the company, your mentor will see that and hopefully reward you accordingly.

In addition to utilizing your math skills and providing greater opportunities to advance, the best entry level actuarial jobs should have you working no longer than 45 hours per week. An actuarial job is not as time-consuming as other jobs, and work can typically be done within the normal 7-8 hour workday found in most countries. Depending on the company, there may be additional hours that need to be logged in during particularly busy times of the year, such as tax season. Such busy schedules are not typical of an actuary's job, especially not at an entry level.

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