Motivation..But no direction

[Abel V]

Hello,

I am a recent college grad and I simply regret what I chose to major in while in college. My first inclination was management but now that I have graduated, I realize that wasn't the best choice.

Currently, I work in the customer service/claims side of a mid sized insurance company. After doing some research and looking into my future possibilities, I have come to the conclusion that my long term goal is to become an actuary.

I guess my question is what do I need to do. What classes should I take, should I read any books, what specifically should I focus on, and what good does my Management degree serve me?

I am currently reading Actuaries' Survival Guide by Fred E. Szabo. The book is good and it is adding perspective. Yet, I want to know more and a more specific track in which I should be heading.

Thanks

[SirVLCIV]

Beanactuary.com
soa.org
casact.org

Other than that, the first thing you absolutely, completely, totally MUST understand: Exams.

Any prospective employer doesn't care two cents what your major was if you have exams.

http://beanactuary.com/exams/exam_info.cfm

Now, I don't know what your mathematics background was in college, but for Exam P, you need to have a firm understanding of calculus (the calc isn't difficult, but it should be natural to you), and any probability background doesn't hurt. IF you have the necessary background, purchase a manual (I used Actex, but if you ask the 'P' board here, people like a wide variety).

Exam FM is financial mathematics, and after that it gets more difficult, but two should get you in the door.

IF you're willing to put in the time (100 hours per exam hour is usually recommended, but can take more or less), you can take exam FM and P by November, and get your results by next year; I wouldn't wait until then to start sending out resumes, but the more exams you have, the higher your chance of employment.

[Shirley_Schmidt]

Hi,
You already work for an insurance company so find out if they employ actuaries and contact them. Go talk to them about the field and you might even find a job or internship. That's how I got mine!