You are already ahead of the curve in planning for your career as an actuary while in high school.
First, ask: “Is this the right career for me?”
Take the time to learn more about what an actuary is and what we do.
As with any career goal, you’re not just planning how you’ll make a living—you’re setting the stage for how you’ll live your life. So you’ll want to be sure you have the right combination of skills and interests to be successful and enjoy what you do.
Check out the skills that are needed for an actuarial career:
| Technical Skills | Personal Characteristics |
| Specialized math knowledge: Calculus, probability, statistics Analytical and problem-solving skills Project & time management skills Business sense: Finance, accounting, economics Solid communication skills Strong technical skills: Spreadsheets, database manipulation, programming | Self-motivation Creativity Independence Ability to work with others Ambition |
Second, start building those skills early.
If you think the actuarial career might be right for you, don’t wait! There are lots of things you can do while in high school to develop your talents.
- Follow a college preparatory curriculum of high school classes.
- Take math classes every year. If possible, take Advanced Placement (AP) and advanced courses such as statistics and calculus.
- Enroll in data science and computer science courses or clubs to develop your data and technology skills.
- Participate in extracurricular activities that will give you a chance to work as part of a team on a project or stand out as a leader.
- Attend career fairs for the actuarial profession.
- Consider attending a university-run actuarial summer program.
Third, start making big plans.
Plan your college education by picking the right school, charting the right course, and dominating the curriculum!
You don’t have to major in actuarial science to become an actuary, nor is an advanced degree required. Many students come to the profession from backgrounds in math, statistics, finance, economics and other areas. These students are often self-motivated to study for actuarial exams on their own, alongside their regular coursework.
Actuarial science programs bring concepts like math, finance, business, and risk management into one major, minor, or concentration, and can help you earn a credential by preparing you for actuarial exams. There are many actuarial science programs to choose from at a variety of colleges and universities.
A list of Universities & Colleges with Actuarial Programs is available to help you make the right decision. Schools on the list must meet certain requirements for their respective category.
Additionally, the CAS University Recognition Program recognizes academic institutions with a demonstrated commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries through their educational offerings. There are three levels of recognition offered, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Don’t forget to explore the scholarships that are available to help you achieve your goals.
Once you’ve chosen the right college and major for you, check out these resources to continue down your actuarial career path!