Actuarial Science vs Quantitative Finance

[gljirain]

I posted this thread on the college student session, but now feel it may be more appropriate to post it here.

What do you think are actuaries' advantage (like life, salary, prospect, working atmosphere, challenge...) over those working in finance field?

I learned today from this forum that maybe the intersection of actuarial science and finance is not so much as what I had previously imagined. I am interested both in actuarial science and finance, so I want to campare these two fields, and then make my decision about going to college.

Thank you all for your help and comments.

[Irish Blues]

I posted this thread on the college student session, but now feel it may be more appropriate to post it here.

Then don't post it in both places.

[gljirain]

I've tried to delete that thread in the college session. But I don't know how, so I only changed the words.

I hope someone can give me some opinions about that question.
Thanks

[MathForMarines]

My advisor, Dr. Ostaszewski, became a CFA first, but he then became an Actuary because there was not enough math in CFA work. So, ask yourself, how much do you really love math???

I've tried to delete that thread in the college session. But I don't know how, so I only changed the words.

I hope someone can give me some opinions about that question.
Thanks

[gljirain]

I actually love math.
But I saw someone's posts in the forum saying they only do Excel-type work and do not involve much math and thinking?

Are challenges and creativity involved in actuaries' jobs greater or less than those work in the financial field?

Thanks

[gljirain]

No one want to share his joy as an actuary?

[Trojan_Horse]

Once you're credentialed, there's plenty of thinking. There's not much advanced math in actuarial science, a lot of complex relationships and some of the advanced modeling can be tricky but nothing that would require an advanced mathematics degree. It's hard to compare the two fields; within each field, there are areas that can seem pretty mundane and those that are very challenging.

[carajo]

Are there people here who considered going for a CFA, but decided to go the actuarial route? I've considered the actuarial exams off and on for years. More recently, I've gotten more into investments and have considered the CFA. But I'm afraid I won't be any less bored in jobs with my CFA as I have been. Actuarial work would be quite a career change though.

I'm wondering why people who considered the two ended up deciding to go for an actuarial career.

My background: I have a BS in Management with a Finance concentration (RPI), and an MBA with a Finance concentration (Graduate College of Union University).

[roaxas]

This is the million dollar question that has been driving me over the edge since the past few weeks. Actuarial Science or Quantitative Finance? I enjoy doing mathematics and natural sciences but I have an interest in working in the business field. I have done research on both Actuarial Science and Quantitative Finance and both fields are quite attractive. However, I have not decided which field to enter. I would like to hear your opinions on these fields and how they differ. I have been able to identify similarities but not any significant differences. I am aware that this is an actuarial forum and some of the opinions shared may be extremely bias but I welcome them just the same.

[roaxas]

pls reply to my post...i value your opinions