Actuarial Science Career Resources
The work of an actuary typically involves analyzing various contingencies (birth, death, marriage, retirement, sickness and losses due to accidents or negligence) that society faces and their impact on financial security arrangements — both public and private. A creative aspect of actuarial work lies in the forecasting of events. Actuaries frequently make decisions that affect the fiscal soundness of financial security programs well into the future. It is common to pass 1-3 professional exams prior to graduation.
Why Major in Actuarial Science?
- Actuaries are always in demand
- Excellent preparation for professional certification
- Improve your analytical and critical thinking skills
- Solve real problems that make a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of others
- Participate in high-level business decision-making
Who Pursues a Degree in Actuarial Science?
Individuals who possess these traits may find their fit with actuarial science:
- Analytical, critical thinkers
- Effective communicators (written and oral)
- Excellent problem solvers
- Skilled with computers
- Specialized math skills (calculus, statistics, probability)
- Detail-oriented individuals who have the ability to work independently and in teams
Strategic Minor Options
- Computer Science
- Finance
- Mathematics
Professional Certifications and Further Education
Actuaries must pass multiple exams. While some can be completed while you take undergraduate classes, others will be completed during your first years on the job. The more exams you pass, the better your career advancement.
Other certifcations include:
- Certifed Actuarial Analyst
- Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA)
- Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA)
- Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)
Technical Skills to Learn
- Advanced Excel (VBA)
- Coding/programming languages (Python, R, SQL, SAS)
- PowerBI
Career Planning Action Steps
- Earn good grades. Most organizations have a minimum GPA requirement.
- Participate actively in student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Learn to solve problems creatively.
- Meet with a career coach to discuss career options and craft a strong résumé for internships.
- Complete multiple informational interviews to learn about the various career paths within actuarial science.
- Develop your network of personal and professional contacts.
- Pass at least two actuarial exams before you graduate.
- Pursue internships (use Handshake) to learn more about the field and gain relevant experience.
- Be prepared to start in an entry-level management trainee or rotational program.
Get Involved
Actuarial Science Club | Gamma Iota Sigma
What Can You Do With a Major in Actuarial Science?
Common Career Paths for Actuarial Science Majors
- Property and casualty (P&C) insurance: develop policies that insure policyholders against property loss and liability
- Health insurance: develop long-term care and health polices by predicting expected costs of providing care
- Life insurance: develop annuity and life insurance policies by estimating life expectancy based on risk factors
- Retirement benefits and pensions: create, test, and evaluate plans to ensure payment of future benefits
- Consulting: advise clients on investment, insurance, and pension-related decisions by completing risk and cost analyses and managing risk
Sample Internship Titles
- Actuarial intern
- Actuarial analyst intern
- Actuarial executive development program intern
- Actuary intern
- Compliance analyst intern
- Corporate actuarial intern
- Data analyst intern
- Financial data analyst intern
- Financial planning intern
- Trainee actuary
- Pricing intern
- Risk management intern
Sample Titles for First-Destination Careers
- Actuarial analyst or assistant
- Actuarial consultant
- Associate
- Business analyst
- Credit analyst
- Data governance manager
- Financial analyst and benefts consultant
- Financial representative
- GPS actuarial analyst
- Human capital analyst
- Operational risk associate
- Property and casualty actuarial analyst
- Sales and trading analyst
- Senior analyst
- Underwriting analyst or assistant
Sample Titles for Advanced Career Opportunities
- Actuarial consultant
- Actuarial director
- Actuarial executive
- Actuarial senior analyst
- Associate actuary
- Actuary
- Chief actuary
- Investment consultant
- Managing actuary
- Modeling actuary
- Partner
- Principal
- Risk analytics manager
- Risk management actuary
- Senior consultant actuary
- Senior data analyst
- Underwriter
- Vice president
Did You Know?
Nebraska is designated one of 17 Centers of Actuarial Excellence in the U.S. by the Society of Actuaries.
Organizations Hiring Actuarial Science Majors
Aetna/CVS Health
Aon
Allstate
American Equity Life Insurance
Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation
Assurity Life Insurance Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Cigna
Deloitte
Fidelity & Guaranty Annuities & Life
Humana
Lincoln Financial Group
Miller & Newberg
Milliman
Mutual of Omaha
New York Life
Pacifc Life
Principal Financial Group
SunLife Financial
Transamerica
Travelers
UnitedHealth Group
Wakely Consulting
WoodmenLife
Learn More
Learn More About the Actuarial Science Major
Need assistance exploring your major or career options? Schedule an appointment with a career coach:
Business Career Center
HLH 141| M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Drop-ins M-F 1-4 p.m.
businesscareers@unl.edu | 402-472-7272