FASS presents:What they never tell you

in a careers talk

Monday 20 NovemberRoom CMS.01

Agenda

• About us• Applying for jobs• Interviews/Assessment days• University to work transition• Typical life as an actuarial student• Exams• Study/life balance

About us

• FASS

• Why we are here

• The panel

Applying for jobsCareer choice

• How do you choose– Your ambitions– Specialist/Generalist– Opportunities you would like to

have– What environment you thrive in– What can you cope with

• What is available– Investment Banking– Life Office– Consultancy– General Insurance– Reinsurance– Contracting

Application forms

What you already know

What you may not know

Interviews/Assessment days

To do well– Be yourself!

What does this really mean?

Interviews/Assessment daysWhat to expect

• A whole battery of tests– Aptitude test– Psychological test– Verbal reasoning– Diagramatic analysis

• Interview

• Case Study

• Group exercise

• Presentation

• Lunch

University to work transition

The goods

• Salary

• Weekend

• Study days

• Job satisfaction

The bads

• The taxman

• 9am starts

• 23 days holiday each year

• Exams

• Mortgage

But its not all that bad!

Typical life as an actuarial student

• Work

• Study

• Sleep

Typical life as an actuarial student – your questions answered

Exams

The Facts

Exams are spilt into three stages– CT’s (equivalent to exemptions)– ST’s/CA’s– SA’s

Pass rates– 50% for CT’s– 30% for ST’s/CA’s/SA’s

Key to exam success– 10% luck– 20% memory– 70% technique

Study/life balance

My study allowance– 1 day off each week– 2 days off prior to exam– Cash balance to buy

material

What techniques worked for me– Start early in term– Read course material– Make my own notes– Block tutorials– Mock exams from ActEd– Past exams papers

But everyone is different – do what is right for you!

Study/life balance

Is it possible to stillhave a life?

I studied– In the mornings before work– At lunchtime (Smart Revise)– Study mornings/afternoons– Saturday/Sunday mornings

Top tips– Do not cram– Be positive– Be aware of peaks/troughs in your

workload– Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Where can we go for help?

• Careers office

• Lecturers

• Mentors

• Inside Careers booklet

• Contacts in the profession

• Company websites

Any questions?

Anyone thirsty?