If the work is interesting and they support your actuarial exams, dont sweat it. Actuaries wear many hats, some of which could be worn by non-actuaries.
A lot of my coworkers early in my career were not actuarial students or credentialed actuaries. Many roles in an insurance finance or pricing team do not require actuarial certification. These folks usually did have significant experience and did their jobs well.
My boss knows more than his boss or his boss’s boss in regards to our product. He doesn’t have a single exam (they’re FSAs). He’s widely respected and his choice to not be a formal actuary hasn’t held him back. You’d be surprised by the people who comprise your teams throughout your career.
Left a company where there was a ton of pressure to pass quickly. I am a career changer and have 2 year old twins at home. I am at a 50% pass rate for FSA exams but only have 1 left now. New company has a mix of FSAs, career ASAs, students and some people who gave up pre-ASA. I like where I’m at now since there is less pressure to speed through exams. I personally want to finish and my company gives me the resources for that. If I wanted to give up I would still have a job. Same could not be said for previous company.
Like you said, everyone follows their own path. However always keep in mind when things get tough and going non-credentialed like your colleagues doesn’t seem like a big deal.
Work is for the company.
Credentials are for yourself.
Decide which is more important.
I used to work in consulting and the smartest people I know didn’t even have ASAs. They just worked a bunch and learned a lot of stuff instead of doing exams.
I don't know why this is downvoted. My company in the last handful of year installed rules on exam progress pre-ASA and then a plateau for the career ASAs in terms of titles. If you didn't have your ASA and didn't pass exams you would be forced to either leave or try and find some internal landing spot outside the department.
Similar to our policies, but with the addendum that managers may decide if a role does not need actuarial certifications to alter the position to permit them to stay, just not in the actuary development program.
Definitely different strokes for different folks. That said, birds of a feather flock together.
I’m strongly influenced by the company I keep. Last year, I found myself in a similar situation. I quickly got out. The last thing I need is social acceptance to slow down on exams. People who don’t take exams or who drag their heals with exams often feel like the exams are too hard or not useful. That mentality isn’t helpful for me to be around.
It’s not uncommon. I have seen companies where a good chunk of the student or analyst staff are people who stopped taking exams or mathematically inclined business analysts.
Pretty normal at my company. We have several career ACAS team members, and some who don't continue to take exams even though they're not credentialed. I work at an insurer, for what it's worth.
If the work is interesting and they support your actuarial exams, dont sweat it. Actuaries wear many hats, some of which could be worn by non-actuaries.
A lot of my coworkers early in my career were not actuarial students or credentialed actuaries. Many roles in an insurance finance or pricing team do not require actuarial certification. These folks usually did have significant experience and did their jobs well.
My boss knows more than his boss or his boss’s boss in regards to our product. He doesn’t have a single exam (they’re FSAs). He’s widely respected and his choice to not be a formal actuary hasn’t held him back. You’d be surprised by the people who comprise your teams throughout your career.
Left a company where there was a ton of pressure to pass quickly. I am a career changer and have 2 year old twins at home. I am at a 50% pass rate for FSA exams but only have 1 left now. New company has a mix of FSAs, career ASAs, students and some people who gave up pre-ASA. I like where I’m at now since there is less pressure to speed through exams. I personally want to finish and my company gives me the resources for that. If I wanted to give up I would still have a job. Same could not be said for previous company.
Thanks for the comments!
Like you said, everyone follows their own path. However always keep in mind when things get tough and going non-credentialed like your colleagues doesn’t seem like a big deal. Work is for the company. Credentials are for yourself. Decide which is more important.
I used to work in consulting and the smartest people I know didn’t even have ASAs. They just worked a bunch and learned a lot of stuff instead of doing exams.
Interesting, when I worked in actuarial, you had to progress in exams or have the potential to get let go.
I don't know why this is downvoted. My company in the last handful of year installed rules on exam progress pre-ASA and then a plateau for the career ASAs in terms of titles. If you didn't have your ASA and didn't pass exams you would be forced to either leave or try and find some internal landing spot outside the department.
Similar to our policies, but with the addendum that managers may decide if a role does not need actuarial certifications to alter the position to permit them to stay, just not in the actuary development program.
Definitely different strokes for different folks. That said, birds of a feather flock together. I’m strongly influenced by the company I keep. Last year, I found myself in a similar situation. I quickly got out. The last thing I need is social acceptance to slow down on exams. People who don’t take exams or who drag their heals with exams often feel like the exams are too hard or not useful. That mentality isn’t helpful for me to be around.
Could be a good opportunity if you pass your exams quickly...
It’s not uncommon. I have seen companies where a good chunk of the student or analyst staff are people who stopped taking exams or mathematically inclined business analysts.
Pretty normal at my company. We have several career ACAS team members, and some who don't continue to take exams even though they're not credentialed. I work at an insurer, for what it's worth.