COUNTRY Financial Blog — Financial Security No Matter Where You're Starting From

My colleague Aaron posted something a few weeks ago about what it means to be an actuary.  That got me thinking about how the world views us.

Actuaries have a bad rep sometimes.  In recent Hollywood flicks About Schmidt and Along Came Polly, Jack Nicholson and Ben Stiller play actuaries – or at least something kind of like an actuary.  They are portrayed as grouchy or afraid of everything risky and just plain socially-awkward. 

When I tell someone I’m just meeting that I work as an actuary, I either see sympathy brewing in their eyes or an utter look of confusion. 

But Hollywood and the general public are missing the mark on what has been consistently rated one of the best jobs.  In the 6 editions of the Jobs Rated Almanac between 1988 and 2002, actuary has never been rated lower than 4^th, including 3 times as the runner-up and twice at the top spot.  See?  I’m totally a numbers guy.  Can’t you tell?

I got into the field because I wanted to use my skill in mathematics to solve complex business problems.  Others say they got in because they like the mix of math with economics, computers, and general business or that they thought they’d like it better than being a high school math teacher.  All say they like having to think critically and analytically on a daily basis.

If you’re interested in learning more about actuaries or if an actuarial career is right for you, check out BeAnActuary.org.  Also, you can read about the position on our website.

One thing to keep in mind: being an actuary isn’t a cake walk.  It takes hard work and solid study habits.  It’s not a job for everyone, but for those who make it work, it’s one of the best in the world!

[TJ Turner was an Actuarial Analyst at COUNTRY]