career change -- when to start looking

[archimedes]

I'm currently a teacher, but am looking to change careers. I plan to sit for Exam 1/P in early 07 and FM a few months later. I'd be available to start working in June.

I noticed that there are three companies listed on the Actuarial Training Programs list ([URL="http://atp.soa.org/actuarial_training_program.php"]here[/URL]) where I live.

When and how should I contact these companies? I'd be open for a FT position, but could also do a summer internship and teach for another year. Any advice? or comments?

[IA2ME]

For almost all insurance companies now, having exams passed would be a requirement for getting hired into the actuarial student program. Because of this, it may be difficult to get many call-backs from the companies until you've demonstrated some ability to pass the exams. Typically the internships are reserved for college relationships and may already be filled for the upcoming summer. For larger companies, the intern recruiting process is typically finished before the end of the year for the following summer. There may be unique situations for teachers and getting into the workplace so that may actually be your best card to play.

I left teaching for the actuarial field a number of years ago. If you're able to teach another year, the best option may be to try and get more exams passed and use that to get into the companies. If you know people at the three companies, it would not hurt to have them keep you aware of openings that are present or coming soon. There could be opportunities to get into the company in an actuarial support role but letting them know of your interest in the student program.

[cb400f]

As another ex-teacher, I second IA2ME's comments. I wasn't able to get an internship when I first started looking, because I didn't have any exams passed at the time.

Stick with the teaching career for one more year. Pass Exam 1/P in Spring '07, and Exam FM in Fall '07. You should start looking for a position early, but even if you start looking in January of '08 you should be able to have evidence of at least one exam passed. Results for the second exam might even be a good opportunity to follow up with your prior contacts.
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