Most students have, at some point, imagined themselves in a particular
occupation. Oftentimes, these dreams aren't realized. Why? Tough entrance
requirements, lack of experience, a weak economy, and a limited network
are a few reasons. Sometimes, students change their minds as they learn
more about themselves and the occupation.
Occasional reality checks of your goal can help keep you on track. See how
you fare!
The staff of the Student Counselling and Career Centre/Career Planning and Placement Service
is available to assist with all facets of career planning - from choosing
a career goal to helping you find a rewarding job (and everything in
between!). Drop by the office and start making your career dreams a
reality! 473/474 University Centre. Info Line: 474-7093.
Volunteering has become a key job search tool in the decade of the
nineties. With more students looking for work than there are career
related jobs available, many of those without paid employment have
turned towards volunteer opportunities in an attempt to develop the
skills required to develop the skills required to find employment
later down the career path.
If you are contemplating devoting some of your leisure time to an
organization, consider some of the benefits. As a volunteer, you are
provided the opportunity to:
If you have decided that volunteering is a commitment that you want to
make, your next step is to find an opportunity that is well suited to your
interests and skills. Volunteering in an environment that you feel is of
long term attraction to you will allow you the additional benefit of
testing your career choice area on a short term basis.
Once you have decided on your area of choice, you can:
When you are exploring a volunteer lead with an organization, here are
some of the questions you may want to ask:
Finding a volunteer opportunity that matches your intersts and
requirements is crucial to the fulfillment of your experience. Don't
hesitate to find out the information that you feel you need to make a
commitment to a particular agency. Hopefully your volunteer experience
will be the start of a meaningful and rewarding life experience.
Another area of responsibility in this position is the supervision of a
group of actuarial students. This involves coordinating and delegating
projects to different students and tracking their progress. When asked
what she liked about her career, the actuary replied, "This position allows
me to combine my mathematical aptitude with my creative ability to form
new products and ideas."
However, employers in this field, while emphasizing high marks, also look
for the development of more generic skills on your resume. The actuary
recommends becoming involved in university activities such as the
Actuarial Club in the Faculty of Management to develop leadership and
interpersonal skills and to network with actuaries based in Winnipeg. Team
sports also helps to facilitate team playing skills and the ability to
interact with co-workers.
Is It Time For A Reality Check?
So, your best friend has wanted to be an astronaut since his father
threatened to 'send him to the moon'. While dogged pursuit of this goal is
admirable, is it realistic?
Does it fit?
Is this occupation an appropriate choice for you?
Academic Requirements
Have you checked the academic requirements for this occupation?
Testing the Waters
What have you done to make it work?
Do these questions raise concerns about your career plans? Many people on
campus, including faculty advisors and admissions officers, are available
to discuss academic programs and procedures.
Volunteering - A Sound Investment
It's a familiar refrain. "Your academic qualifications seem impressive,
but we're really looking for someone with more experience." So, you
ask yourself, "How do I get more experience if no one will give me
that first career-related job?!" It seems a vicious circle. But,
don't despair. There may be a solution. Volunteering your
time and talents could be the answer.
Mentor Spotlight: Actuary
How long does the average Canadian live? How much money do they save
each year? Why do young drivers pay more for automobile insurance than
older drivers? How much should a long term disability insurance policy
cost? These questions and many more can be answered by an actuary.
ASK AN ACTUARY
To find out more about a career in actuarial science, we approached a
recent University of Manitoba graduate and member of our Career Mentor
Program - an Assistant Actuary who manages the
Product Management Department while supervising actuarial students at a
life insurance company. Product management entails researching, developing,
maintaining and monitoring the Corporation's market or group product
lines. The various products include: life insurance policies, long term
disability plans, pension plans and health care products such as dental
plans and extended health care. Many of these products form a part of a
benefits package you may be offered as part of your permanent employment
after graduation.
SKILLS SKILLS SKILLS
To succeed as an actuary, a strong mathematical aptitude as well as a
concrete understanding of statistical analysis are necessary. To
complement strong computer skills in programs such as APL and Lotus 1,2,3
should be developed. These technical skills are used to analyze the
Canadian marketplace to develop appropriate product lines as well as
monitor the American market to identify upcoming social and economic
trends. As well, excellent oral and written communication skills are a
necessity in an environment where interaction with students, co-workers,
and potential customers is common place. The ability to problem solve and
make decisions to the organization's benefit are also important. In a
supervisory role, strong leadership capabilities and team playing skills
are necessary to form effective work groups.
CAREER PATH
How does one become an actuary? To develop the technical skills, a degree
in Mathematics or Statistics will provide a good mathematical basis. Or,
by following the career path of this actuary, you can enrol in the Faculty of
Management to complete a Bachelor of Commerce with emphasis in specific
courses pertaining to Actuarial Science. A grade point average of 3.5 or
more will help you obtain employment as an actuarial student. However,
your work has only begun. The next step includes more studying, this time
while working forty hours a week, to complete a series of actuarial exams
for a total of 450 credits to become a professional actuary.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
In the insurance industry, opportunities exist in four areas of
concentration: financial statements, asset portfolios, marketing and
strategic planning, and product development. Actuaries can also pursue
caerers as economists, pension consultants, professors, and in the public
insurance field of casualty insurance (home and auto). Some have chosen
careers as expert witnesses and calculate the amount of settlement damages
in court cases. Some actuaries practice in government monitoring. An
emerging industry for actuaries to explore is the deregulated banking
industry.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about being an actuary, please visit the Career
Resource Centre or join the Career Mentor Program available through the
Student Counselling and Career Centre.
Make The World Your
Classroom!
Education students acquire many skills that can be used outside of
the elementary or secondary school classroom. The following is a list of
potential opportunities for education graduates.
One word of warning - many of these positions require special skills and experience. Start developing contacts, joining relevant associations and clubs, and acquiring volunteer and work experience as early as possible. Examine your teachable subjects and try to generate alternatives based on your expertise.
The following list is not exhaustive, but is intended to help students generate options.