Hi, Im currently studying Maths+Physics at Warwick, do you have any advice for a budding actuary like me. I am new to it

Hi Caitlin!

Maths and Physics are a great place to start if you're looking to become an Actuary so you're already doing well. I have a few pieces of advice for when you come to apply at the end of your degree:

1. Do plenty of research into how the exams work (there's loads of info on the IFoA site for the UK-based exams but be aware that other countries may use different boards). The exams will be a massive part of your early career and you have to be ready to commit a lot of time to studying alongside work so you might get asked about them at interview.

Don't panic though, firms will have a study package to help you with study (e.g. at EY we get 1 day off per week to study in exam season and they cover all exam-related costs).

As a maths student, you might be eligible for some exemptions from the IFoA exams by taking certain university modules. It's helpful to do your research early on as it might help you to choose modules and/or your dissertation topic.

2. Don't get too caught up in the type of Actuary you would like to be (e.g. Life, Pensions, Non-Life). Graduate roles in actuarial are often fewer and further between than other more general finance roles so you don't want to pigeon-hole yourself even further by only applying to life roles (for example). Once you have some exams and experience under your belt, it will be pretty easy to move into a different actuarial role as you already have your foot in the door.

Do try to understand some of the differences between the different types of actuary so that you can talk about your expectations of the role as you move through the application process.

3. Have some level of understanding of what a consulting Actuary (e.g. someone working at EY) might do differently from one who works in industry in terms of day-to-day tasks. Again this will help you as you progress through applications as it shows you've done your research and understand what you're signing up for.

I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.