If you are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree and are interested in an actuarial career, your equation for success should include the following courses:
- finance
- microeconomics
- macroeconomics
- three semesters of calculus
- one semester of linear algebra
- two semesters of calculus-based probability and statistics
- actuarial science courses, as available
- computer science courses
- business courses, such as marketing
- communication courses, such as speech, business writing and technical writing
- literature, history, art, political science, the humanities, and other liberal arts classes
If this curriculum gives you the idea that actuaries need a well-rounded education, you’re right. What sets actuaries apart from other professionals is their ability to learn and assimilate a wide range of information and communicate it effectively. As their careers move beyond the traditional insurance industry boundaries, actuaries are finding that a versatile storehouse of knowledge pays off.