Questions about possible internship for student

[originalogy]

Hello! I'm a actuarial science major and a local business is hosting an open house for the actuarial science students at my university. I need to have a resume prepared by Thursday for an open house that they're hosting.

Problem is, my past academic history in the past few years has been bad. In high school I was great, taking advanced college math classes and graduating a year early. (See my introduction (http://www.actuary.com/actuarial-discussion-forum/showthread.php?p=22658) for the entire story if you're interested.) Then, for four years, I '''''ed off and didn't care about college. I'm doing great this semester, though, and am taking Exam P in February 2008. I need to make my resume out to be one that stands out in a good way, and helps minimize the impact of my relatively low GPA.

I'm a great problem solver, critical thinker, and I'm pretty good at communicating, which I realize are all things employers really want in their potential employees or interns. I've got decent work experience, although unrelated to the field. I serve and bartend at a restaurant, but I can highlight my communication and people skills.

Will I be completely disqualified from consideration because of my low GPA? Since the time of my academic atrophy, I've come back with renewed zeal to study, and I think that I will shine in an interview, but it's getting to that point that has me worried. What is a guy to do?

I really want to get this internship as it will be a way to get my foot into the door and get experience with the process without having the pressure of having to find the exact right fit in my employer. In short, I want it bad, but I need some help.

Thanks in advance,
originalogy

[Trojan_Horse]

Unless you've passed a couple of actuarial exams, your GPA will prevent you from getting a job. You '''''ed off for four years and must face the consequences. Sorry to say that a smooth interview will not make up for four years of irresponsible behavior. You're competing against the best and the brightest, people who have actually proven that they have the determination and self-discipline needed for this profession.

If you really want to enter this profession, you'll need to prove yourself by passing a couple of actuarial exams. Even then you'll have a hard time getting an entry level job, but at least you'll have a chance.

[will.ediger]

delete this

[originalogy]

Perhaps I gave the impression that my grades were worse than they really are. My current GPA is 2.80, and I have 85 hours total.

Also, my adviser also said that they're going to be primarily looking at the last two years of your GPA, because that's the time that you'd be taking the classes related to the actuarial field. In which case, my GPA looks slightly better, at 2.83.

So knowing that my GPA is basically 2.80, what are my chances?

[JPM986]

All I can say is good luck. I had a GPA around 3.5, and all I heard from every employer was how I needed an exam passed. Once I passed an exam though (even with a GPA that declined since I spent so much time studying for the actuary exam), I was able to obtain an internship last summer and one for the school year. You really need to have exams passed, it's just the nature of this field.

[originalogy]

I got an interview! I interview next week. Now, they told me in the open house that they'd be using behavioral event interviewing techniques. I researched about it on the internet and I feel that I can prepare fairly thoroughly, but what else might I want to prepare for as it relates directly to the actuarial field?

[JMO Fan]

Congrats on the interview. Practice your best work-success stories for the interview. Prepare to ask "What could I do in the first six months in this job so that you would call me a success?"