Starting a career as an actuary is an exciting goal—but for many students and recent graduates, it also comes with a lot of questions:
- What exactly does an actuary do?
- Do I need to pass exams before applying for a job?
- How do I get noticed without experience?
These are all common concerns, and you're not alone in wondering how to break into the actuarial field. The truth is, becoming an actuary is one of the most rewarding career paths out there. Actuaries are in demand across industries like insurance, finance, healthcare, and pensions because they help companies make smart, data-driven decisions about the future.
But getting your first actuarial job—the entry-level role that opens the door to this profession—requires more than just a degree or a love for math. It takes a combination of passing exams, learning the right technical skills, building a strong resume, and networking with professionals in the field. You also need to understand how the actuarial world works, what employers are looking for, and how to present yourself as a capable and promising candidate.
This guide will walk you through 10 important tips to help you secure your first entry-level actuarial job. Whether you're still in university or actively job hunting, you'll learn how to build the right foundation, improve your chances, and move forward with confidence.
#Tip 1: Understand What Actuaries Do
Before you apply for jobs, make sure you understand the role of an actuary.
Actuaries use math, statistics, and data to predict and manage risk. They help businesses answer questions like:
- How much should we charge for car insurance?
- Will our company have enough money to pay out pensions in 30 years?
- What are the chances of large healthcare claims next year?
Actuaries don’t just sit behind spreadsheets—they also explain their findings to others. So both technical and communication skills are important.
#Tip 2: Choose the Right Education Path
To become an actuary, you’ll need a strong background in math and data. Most actuaries have degrees in:
- Actuarial Science
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Economics or Finance
- Engineering or Computer Science (with math-heavy coursework)
You don’t need a degree specifically in actuarial science, but taking courses in probability, statistics, and finance will help you prepare for the profession.
#Tip 3: Start Taking Actuarial Exams Early
Professional exams are a must in this field. The most common starting point is through the SOA (Society of Actuaries) or CAS (Casualty Actuarial Society).
The first two exams are:
- Exam P – Focuses on probability
- Exam FM – Covers financial mathematics
These exams are tough and require serious study, but passing even one exam shows employers that you’re committed. Two exams passed gives you a strong edge for entry-level jobs.
#Tip 4: Learn the Right Technical Skills
Aside from exams, employers want candidates who know how to work with real-world tools and data.
Key tools to learn:
- Excel: Learn formulas, PivotTables, and charts
- VBA: Helps automate tasks in Excel
- SQL: Used for managing and analyzing large datasets
- R or Python: Programming languages for data analysis and modeling
- Power BI or Tableau: Helpful for presenting data visually
Start with Excel and one programming language. You can build other skills over time.
#Tip 5: Develop Soft Skills Employers Look For
Technical skills are important, but soft skills help you stand out. As an entry-level actuary, you’ll likely work on a team and present findings to people who aren’t technical.
Focus on:
- Communication: Can you explain complex ideas clearly?
- Problem-solving: How do you approach unfamiliar challenges?
- Time management: Actuarial work often involves deadlines.
- Teamwork: Most projects involve working with others.
Include these skills on your resume—but also back them up with real examples from school or jobs.
Read more on essential soft skills for actuaries to learn how to develop and show these traits.
#Tip 6: Build a Resume That Highlights Potential
Even if you don’t have actuarial work experience yet, you can still make a strong impression.
What to include:
- Passed actuarial exams (mention dates)
- Education and relevant coursework
- Class or personal projects (especially if data-related)
- Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work
- Tools and programming skills (Excel, Python, etc.)
Use a clear, clean format and keep it to one page. Your resume should show what you’ve done and what you’re capable of.
Here’s a full actuarial resume guide to help you.
#Tip 7: Write a Cover Letter That Shows Passion
A cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re interested in actuarial work and why you’re a good fit.
Keep it simple:
- Start with why you're excited about actuarial science
- Mention your exam progress and technical skills
- Say why you’re applying to that company
- Keep it short—1 page max
Make it personal, not generic. Avoid copying the same letter for every job.
#Tip 8: Start Networking Early
Many actuarial jobs are never publicly posted—they’re shared through referrals and networks. Building relationships in the industry can help you discover new opportunities.
Ways to network:
- LinkedIn: Connect with actuaries, alumni, and recruiters
- Reddit & Actuarial Outpost: Great for questions and advice
- University events: Join actuarial clubs or attend job fairs
- Informational interviews: Ask professionals for a short chat to learn about their career
People are more willing to help than you think—especially if you approach them respectfully and ask for advice, not a job.
Want help? Read our full guide on LinkedIn for actuaries.
#Tip 9. Prepare for Interviews the Right Way
Actuarial interviews usually include both technical and behavioral questions.
Here's how to prepare:
- Review concepts from your exams (probability, finance)
- Practice Excel tasks and basic coding
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions
- Research the company beforehand
You might be asked to complete a case study or solve a small problem. Practice with mock interviews or friends to build confidence.
#Tip 10. Look for Internships and Entry-Level Roles Strategically
Internships are a great way to get experience, and many companies hire interns full-time after graduation. But even if you didn’t get an internship, there are still opportunities out there.
Where to look:
- University career centers
- LinkedIn and job boards
- ActuaryList – Updated with hundreds of entry-level jobs and internships
Also consider roles like Data Analyst or Risk Analyst if you're having trouble finding a direct actuarial role—they can still build your resume and lead to a full-time actuary job.
Final Thoughts
Starting your actuarial career takes effort, but you don’t need to do everything at once. Begin with your education, pass your first exam, learn some basic technical skills, and apply for internships or jobs that match your current level.
Keep growing, stay connected with the actuarial community, and don’t be discouraged by rejections—they’re part of the process.
The more you build your skills and stay focused, the closer you get to landing your first actuarial job. You've got this!
