What software programs are most important?

[sulfysulf]

Hi Everyone,

I'm considering returning to school for a graduate degree. My computer skills are kind of weak...beyond Excel. I haven't had much with modeling or statistical software or programming in general. What programs would you suggest are most important to study, both as a practicing actuary and in the eyes of an employer? I'm thinking SAS would be good...but maybe not the best choice...any thoughts??

Thanks.

[ferventforager]

VBA and then maybe SAS. It is important to have a good understanding of object oriented languages. Some background knowledge and your ability to learn new software quickly is really what they will be lookign for.

[Elk]

For database management I would suggest learning Access-it helps organize large amounts of data much better than Excel. Knowing VBA also helps with Excel and Access. You use VBA for the Modules in Access and to run Macros in Excel.

I also applied for a job where they were looking for someone with SAS skills.