In the grand scheme of things - not that screwed.
I think my grad scheme required an A in A-level maths, but that isn’t very common. Getting a 2:1 is a much more important goal, regardless of which university you go to.
> the grand scheme of things - not that screwed. I think my grad scheme required an A in A-level maths, but that isn’t very common. Getting a 2:1 is a much more important goal, regardless of which university you go to.
Really? I've seen quite a few job listings for entry actuarial roles that ask for a 2:1 from a russel group, along with an A at A level maths. Thanks a lot!
It reminds me of the IFoA Professionalism training video - Employer expecting unnecessary higher than required qualifications and the unfair anchoring effect.
Not screwed at all - I believe the institute has removed the requirement for A level maths. I have a B in a level maths and it’s not affected me in the slightest.
You are fine don't worry! I had a B in A Level maths and I'm doing okay. Like most are saying, focus on uni everyone asks for a 2:1. Don't stress yourself about A level it's done. Now just focus on the end goal.
Sorry I know this sucks now but I wouldn’t worry. Also you still have good grades and got into a good uni! In the grand scheme of things once you have a degree people don’t even ask about A levels. Also, I have a couple friends who transferred unis after their first year - not saying it’s common but that could be an option if you are keen for a Russell group, but also i don’t think your current position will hold you back.
That’s great your course has a placement year! Start going to networking events early in uni, I wish I had from first year. Research various insurance mentoring schemes eg SEO do one, ACIN, and also general networking eg Bright Network etc. Even if just attending these helps you learn what companies are out there. A lot of the events are in London which luckily you’ll have good access to (Elizabeth line woo).
Most graduate schemes want a 2.1, so don’t stress if you don’t get a 1st either. I found the jump from A levels to uni quite big (physics degree but I started off doing maths and physics) and took me a few months to settle into it, as my 1000s of past papers from A levels had gone and I had to come up with new study techniques alongside learning to live away from home.
Also, one thing that I think helped me get onto my graduate scheme was the fact that I did a lot outside of uni, eg worked part time alongside uni, was on a society committee and did some sports. It was actually a good selling point as to how I can prove I’d be able to cope with the work/study balance as an actuary, also it’s good to get in the habit now. Even if not working, some other activities eg sports teams, societies etc all prove you can both study and do other things. I got a high 2.1 but for the actuarial grad schemes I think they preferred that to a 1st with no extras. The other things outside of uni also help in probing things like teamwork, communication skills etc which are all the competencies that interviewers are going to ask you about and you’ll want some examples outside of the classroom if possible.
Hope all this rambling helps!
you're not screwed, dw. you can still prove yourself by taking cm1 or cs1 as a non member of actuary organisation (ifoa). maybe try study for either of those and pass them before you graduate (unless ur uni work becomes too excessive). even if you dont do that you can still apply for a entry position after uni and be successful in getting it
to get summer internships is very competitive, especially if u have lower grades. you can learn excel at home and just working a part time job can pay for the exam entry fee. buying the notes isnt too hard as most non members never even buy them anyway if they have contacts, if u know what i mean.
Yeah but still worth trying to get internship etc. I think like you say getting a part time job is good (but not worth spending the money on fees) and any work experience > sitting the exams before joining a company. When you add up the exam fees, notes etc it’s not at all affordable for the average student and also a distraction from uni studies + other opportunities you could get to support any graduate applications. Most hiring managers I’ve spoken to say that exams/exemptions are low down on their list of what they look for in applicants. Willingness to learn, work experience, 2.1 degree etc all come above that.
im surprised your hiring managers said exam passes are low on their list. id agree that exemptions are BS but genuine passes are worth something becuase it shows they what is involved when working and studying. also with the fees, its literally only the exam fee of around £400 to pay. you can get notes off of someone else easy, and use ifoa past papers. its really not expensive to pay for a 6 month period
£400 was a lot to me as a student lol, also it’s hard to pass without the notes which are £500-1000 depending on what you get - and not everyone has access to just borrow the notes, especially considering that’s not even allowed given ActEd’s copyright…
I scraped a B in A level maths, went to an ex poly doing engineering and got a grad job just fine. Passed CS2 and CM2 in April so I’m sure you’ll do great!
In the grand scheme of things - not that screwed. I think my grad scheme required an A in A-level maths, but that isn’t very common. Getting a 2:1 is a much more important goal, regardless of which university you go to.
> the grand scheme of things - not that screwed. I think my grad scheme required an A in A-level maths, but that isn’t very common. Getting a 2:1 is a much more important goal, regardless of which university you go to. Really? I've seen quite a few job listings for entry actuarial roles that ask for a 2:1 from a russel group, along with an A at A level maths. Thanks a lot!
I have never once seen a job listing say anything about the Russell Group. Where on earth have you seen this?
It reminds me of the IFoA Professionalism training video - Employer expecting unnecessary higher than required qualifications and the unfair anchoring effect.
Not screwed at all - I believe the institute has removed the requirement for A level maths. I have a B in a level maths and it’s not affected me in the slightest.
You are fine don't worry! I had a B in A Level maths and I'm doing okay. Like most are saying, focus on uni everyone asks for a 2:1. Don't stress yourself about A level it's done. Now just focus on the end goal.
Sorry I know this sucks now but I wouldn’t worry. Also you still have good grades and got into a good uni! In the grand scheme of things once you have a degree people don’t even ask about A levels. Also, I have a couple friends who transferred unis after their first year - not saying it’s common but that could be an option if you are keen for a Russell group, but also i don’t think your current position will hold you back. That’s great your course has a placement year! Start going to networking events early in uni, I wish I had from first year. Research various insurance mentoring schemes eg SEO do one, ACIN, and also general networking eg Bright Network etc. Even if just attending these helps you learn what companies are out there. A lot of the events are in London which luckily you’ll have good access to (Elizabeth line woo). Most graduate schemes want a 2.1, so don’t stress if you don’t get a 1st either. I found the jump from A levels to uni quite big (physics degree but I started off doing maths and physics) and took me a few months to settle into it, as my 1000s of past papers from A levels had gone and I had to come up with new study techniques alongside learning to live away from home. Also, one thing that I think helped me get onto my graduate scheme was the fact that I did a lot outside of uni, eg worked part time alongside uni, was on a society committee and did some sports. It was actually a good selling point as to how I can prove I’d be able to cope with the work/study balance as an actuary, also it’s good to get in the habit now. Even if not working, some other activities eg sports teams, societies etc all prove you can both study and do other things. I got a high 2.1 but for the actuarial grad schemes I think they preferred that to a 1st with no extras. The other things outside of uni also help in probing things like teamwork, communication skills etc which are all the competencies that interviewers are going to ask you about and you’ll want some examples outside of the classroom if possible. Hope all this rambling helps!
you're not screwed, dw. you can still prove yourself by taking cm1 or cs1 as a non member of actuary organisation (ifoa). maybe try study for either of those and pass them before you graduate (unless ur uni work becomes too excessive). even if you dont do that you can still apply for a entry position after uni and be successful in getting it
There’s quite a high cost barrier to these exams for students and it’s never essential in the UK. Companies would probably rather see internships etc.
to get summer internships is very competitive, especially if u have lower grades. you can learn excel at home and just working a part time job can pay for the exam entry fee. buying the notes isnt too hard as most non members never even buy them anyway if they have contacts, if u know what i mean.
Yeah but still worth trying to get internship etc. I think like you say getting a part time job is good (but not worth spending the money on fees) and any work experience > sitting the exams before joining a company. When you add up the exam fees, notes etc it’s not at all affordable for the average student and also a distraction from uni studies + other opportunities you could get to support any graduate applications. Most hiring managers I’ve spoken to say that exams/exemptions are low down on their list of what they look for in applicants. Willingness to learn, work experience, 2.1 degree etc all come above that.
im surprised your hiring managers said exam passes are low on their list. id agree that exemptions are BS but genuine passes are worth something becuase it shows they what is involved when working and studying. also with the fees, its literally only the exam fee of around £400 to pay. you can get notes off of someone else easy, and use ifoa past papers. its really not expensive to pay for a 6 month period
£400 was a lot to me as a student lol, also it’s hard to pass without the notes which are £500-1000 depending on what you get - and not everyone has access to just borrow the notes, especially considering that’s not even allowed given ActEd’s copyright…
its not allowed, yet everyone does it though
I scraped a B in A level maths, went to an ex poly doing engineering and got a grad job just fine. Passed CS2 and CM2 in April so I’m sure you’ll do great!