actuarial summer internships
Make sure you are taking classes that contribute to the actuarial exams.
It’s important to take classes that help prepare you for the actuarial exams, which will be necessary for you to pass before receiving your certification. The classes listed below will give you the right foundation in mathematics and statistics so that when it comes time to take your exams, they’re no longer a challenge. If possible, also consider taking one or more of these courses as well:
- Introduction to Probability
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
- Life Contingencies: Models and Applications
Take math and statistics classes, like calculus, linear algebra, probability and econometrics.
Your first step is to take math and statistics classes that are relevant at the level required by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Once you’re in college, how do you know what classes are right for you? Look at the syllabus and see what prerequisites they require. Or, if your school doesn’t have a department dedicated specifically to actuarial science, look up some textbooks online and see what they cover.
Once you know which courses will get you ready for the exams, don’t stop there! Take other classes that apply to the industry: economics, business management, financial analysis—anything that will give you an advantage when it comes time for interviews or internships later on.
If possible during your internship or job search process (or even before), attend conferences where actuaries meet up with each other from all over the world — this way everyone can network together while also learning more about their field from industry experts who have been working in it for years!
Lastly but most importantly: get good grades so employers will be impressed by how hardworking someone like yourself really is!
Get good grades in your classes.
The importance of getting good grades in your classes cannot be overstated. Your college GPA is the main factor that will get you into the graduate school of your choice, and from there, it will help you land and keep a job at an actuarial firm. Your grades also affect how much money you make and how quickly you can be promoted within the company. In short, your grades are important for everything—and that’s why it’s so crucial for graduates considering an actuarial summer internship to earn an A+ average in their required classes before graduation.
Learn to code.
As an actuary, you’ll need to know how to program. It’s one of the most important skills you can have.
You might be wondering how you could possibly learn to code in just a few weeks. And that’s why this summer is perfect for you! You can get started right away with Python, which is an extremely popular programming language among actuaries because it has many applications in data analysis and machine learning.
Join an actuarial club at school.
- Take advantage of the resources that are available at school. There are many clubs and societies that can help you prepare for an internship or a career in insurance. The best way to learn about what is going on in the field is to join an actuarial club or society at your college, university or technical school. You will have access to all of the tools you need and an opportunity to network with other students who are interested in becoming actuaries as well.
- If there isn’t already an actuarial club at your school, consider starting one! Your job will be much easier if you have other students helping out with research and planning events such as recruiting trips and socials so that there will be enough people around who understand how everything works here at
Attend a conference or summit.
Attending a conference or summit is a great way to learn more about the field, develop your network of contacts, and find out about job opportunities. You can also learn about scholarships and summer programs, professional development opportunities (such as internships), and professional certification.
The best part: Most conferences are free! If they aren’t, they’re typically quite affordable compared to other kinds of conferences. The downside is that you’ll probably have to pay for your travel expenses if you’re not already in town for another reason (like visiting family). But if you’ve ever wanted to attend an actuarial conference or summit but were worried about being able to afford it—or if you’ve never even thought of going because it’s just so expensive—now’s your chance!
Network with professionals in the field during summer breaks.
You can also make use of college alumni networks, connect with other students and professors who have had actuarial internships, or reach out to professionals at State Farm.
Search for internship opportunities in early spring of your sophomore, junior and senior years.
According to the Society of Actuaries, it is best to start looking for internship opportunities in early spring of your sophomore, junior and senior years. You should look for summer internships between your sophomore and junior year, again between your junior and senior years.
This timeframe is ideal because it gives you enough time before graduation to apply for an actuarial position with a company and get hired once you are ready to graduate.
The following timeline illustrates how this process works:
Sign up with State Farm’s Career Portal to learn about internships, networking events and on-campus workshops and other opportunities.
- Sign up with State Farm’s Career Portal to learn about internships, networking events and on-campus workshops and other opportunities.
- Explore the resources below to get ready for an interview:
- Interview Tips from the Pros: Learn how a State Farm agent got his start as an intern and what he learned along the way.
- What Employers Are Looking For: Review this article for tips on making a good first impression at your internship interview—and beyond!
An actuarial internship is the best way to get started in the field.
As a prospective actuary, you have probably considered whether or not an actuarial internship is right for you.
An actuarial internship is the best way to get started in the field and build your professional network. It’s also a great way to get some experience before taking on your first full-time role as an actuary. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of applying for an actuarial internship:
- Why does this internship sound interesting? What about it appeals most? Does it fit well with my career goals?
- What’s my goal for this summer? Am I looking for professional development opportunities or hands-on experience working with clients and employers? Do I want advice from senior advisors who can mentor me professionally and guide me as I set up my future career path? Or do I just need a job that will pay off my student loans while helping me learn more about the industry of insurance, investments, risk management or finance overall so that when it comes time for full-time employment after graduation (or earlier), I’ll know what companies like theirs are looking for in new hires—and how competitive applicants should be prepared accordingly.* What should I expect during this weeklong period spent at our office working side by side with other interns from across various departments within our organization: Marketing & Communications; Strategy & Analytics; Business Development & Client Services; Human Resources; Technology Support Services etc.) Some teams may have formalized training programs while others may only offer general overviews into their areas of expertise before getting right down into work mode–so it’s important that each person carries out his/her individual responsibilities accordingly.”