Actuarial Journey With Nemo Ashong

We’re changing things up today as we’re joined by Deb Model, a former actuarial recruiter. Deb answers some of the most asked questions regarding getting an entry-level actuarial position and shares some valuable tips and strategies for Journeyers to keep in mind.    Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/debmodel or http://www.actuarialjourney.com/24 now to get all of the show highlights instantly!   Key highlights: • In addition to consulting vs. insurance, important factors to consider in terms of job placement/market include       o Geographic location       o Number of Exams Passed       o Size of Organization • Ways you can differentiate yourself       o Including an objective       o Show knowledge of exam process (e.g. including exams passed / sitting) • So what if you’re not applying straight out of undergrad       o Obtaining a master’s degree       o Networking        o Exploring options through company websites (especially during timing) • If you choose to negotiate terms when given an offer, make

The actuarial profession is full of assumptions. We’re constantly using these assumptions to value future outcomes and put a price tag on risk   Today I’d like to share 3 assumptions that you might not even realize that can put your chance to pass your next exam at risk.    And how you can deliberately avoid each of these to lower the variance on your chances of passing.   Want notes? Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/23 for the the session highlights and accompanying resources.   Want to win a free 30-Day subscription to ADAPT? Find out how at http://www.actuarialjourney.com/win   **Destination of Today’s Journey**   After this episode, you’ll be able to: • Identify 3 key assumptions that you might be taking for granted when it comes to studying • Choose your response to these assumptions and others like it deliberately • Discover how you can avoid these assumptions derailing your studying Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text

Want notes? Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/22 for the the session highlights and accompanying resources.   One thing that I really want to help people do is live a balanced and fulfilled life while studying for their exams.    The Personalized Study Roadmap is the best way I know how to help Journeyers schedule their studying without it interfering with their lives.    This episode will walk you through the exact process of creating your own Personalized Study Roadmap   **Destination of Today’s Journey**   After this episode, you’ll be able to: • Identify the 5 steps to creating a personalized Study roadmap  • And actually use them to Create a Personalized Study Roadmap that      o Takes your life into account      o Gives you an honest picture of where you are in your studying at all times      o Helps your build confidence and find the motivation to study even when you don’t want to • I have a bonus at the end of the episode for those that do, so stick around till the end, and more importantly take a

Want notes? Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/21 for the the session highlights and accompanying resources.   Have you found yourself feeling behind in studying without really being able to pinpoint the reason?    How did you fall behind – you had such a good game plan and you had reasonable goals. Well, that’s the subject of today’s session, understanding how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals to help you make a more effective study plan and help you with your Personalized Studying.    **Destination of Today’s Journey**   After this episode, you’ll be able to:   • Identify the 5 elements needed to create a SMART goal • Use SMART goals to you set and accomplish concrete goals • Determine if you’ve met your goal definitively • Utilize a very easy metric to determine whether you should study have fun   Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community

Kate Weaver shares how organization is at the core of her succes as Executive Director of the International Association of Black Actuaries.    Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/kateweaver now to get all of the show highlights instantly!   Key highlights: Don't let work pile up - take care of business and cross things off your list The 2015 IABA Annual Meeting is August 7-8, 2015 in Downtown Miami There’s an 4 to 5 day in-person Actuarial Bootcamp that focuses on Soft skills in conjunction with the Annual Meeting IABA offers great resources Two programs of mentoring: 1) Traditional Mentoring and 2) the Mentor Resource question – great ways to connect with people who have been through the ropes Networking opportunities including the Annual meeting and Local network This is an organization you can be a part of even before your first designation. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://ww

Want notes? Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/19 for the the session highlights and accompanying resources.   Have you ever found yourself studying for hours and only to realize that not only have you been staring at the same question for 10 minutes, but you can hardly remember what you just finished reading?    This lesson addresses the assumption that you should study really long hours while miniziming your study breaks.    It seems like it would make sense to just work straight through for several hours right? Unfortunately, there are a lot of benefits that you're not taking advantage of when you approach studying that way.    That's why today's episode focuses on 3 Reasons that you should take more study breaks. They aren't the only 3 reason, but they are 3 you should focus on to start. **Destination of Today’s Journey** After this episode, you’ll be able to: • Apply the 3 reasons why you should take study breaks • Utilize one specific strategy to add more breaks to your schedule Want more help with y

The Journey Continues in this actionable conversation with Nick Blitterswyk, Founder and CEO of UGE International.    Make sure to listen out for the new format where Nick shares specific tips, insights, and strategies related to his expertise: How to leverage the skills you develop on your journey outside of the actuarial world! Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/nickblitterswyk now to get all of the show highlights instantly! Key highlights: Doesn’t regret spending his time getting his credentials at all – he’s using that professional experience still now Some key transferrable items High Work Ethic Quality Deliverables Importance of written and verbal communication – Don’t need to be a super polished politician; Understand your audience Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mento

Want notes? Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/17 for the the session highlights and accompanying resources.   Having the time and motivation to study given all the other things in our lives are two of the biggest roadblocks that you face as an aspiring actuary.  This lesson puts a focus on why you may be having trouble studying when you say you’re going to study, and how starting with YOU in mind can help you overcome that.   **Destination of Today’s Journey** After this episode, you’ll be able to: • Define what’s the end goal for you when it comes to exams – Your Why • Draw from a well of strength for times when your confidence waivers • Identify the things that are most important you that will happen during the time leading up to your exam, so you don’t have to give them up Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to

The Journey Continues in this actionable coversation with Nancy Stevenson, Operations Manager of the Actuarial Bookstore.    Make sure to listen out for the new format where Nancy shares specific tips, insights, and strategies related to her expertise: Choosing the RIGHT Study materails for you!   Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/nancystevenson now to get all of the show highlights instantly!   Some key highlights: • #1 MOST IMPORTANT STUDY TIP AT ALL: Give yourself enough time to study! • Reputation is good, but it’s not everything! Find the style that works for you (Hint: Use the Sample feature on the bookstore) • There are several different styles and formats (online/offline books, formula sheets, online courses, seminars, webinars, etc.) Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentor

On today's episode, we introduce the series on the 3 Time -Saving Smartcuts to maximize your studying.   The fact of the matter is that we need to study (a lot) for these actuarial exams. In this episode, I share my personal experience with exams and the 3 key strategies I wish I had a better handle on earlier in my journey. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. FREE ONLINE COURSE: Entry-Level Actuarial Job Course (Click Link or Text "ACTUARY" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. Free Video Series: Achieving your Ideal Work Life Balance (Click Link or Text "AJEXAM" to 33-444)!: This free video

Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/nickthornley and get all of the show highlights, and FREE and INSTANT ACCESS to any Videos, Worksheets, and tools that accompany this episode. Nick Thornley has degrees in computer science from Vanderbilt University and a masters in mathematics from University of Texas at Austin.  Nick has worked at several large consulting firms including 2 of the Big Four accounting firms.   Nick's primary focus is teaming with EY's audit practice to review assumptions used for pension financial disclosures, as well as teaming with transaction services to provide due diligence support. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentors (aka Journeyers and Sherpas) united for the common goals of providing Guidance, Accountability, and Support throughout all stages of your A

This episode is all about helping you do well once you get your interview. Actually, scratch that - it's all about helping you CRUSH your interview (and trust me, that's a very good thing!)   You'll learn the Interview Preparation Process and what you should be doing on each step along the path to put yourself in the best position come interview time.    Destination of this Journey: - Apply each step in Interview Preparation Process - Prepare an answer to behavioral questions - Combat fear and lack of confidence - Articulate your Personal Brand and Value-Add in the role    Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. FREE ONLINE COURSE: Entry-Level Actuarial Job Course (Click Link or Text "ACTUARY" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course

Link to Episode: http://www.actuarialjourney.com/gloriaamakobe Gloria graduated from University of Delaware in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and Economics and from University of Pittsburgh in 2010 with a Masters in Mathematics. Since graduating she has worked in the Actuarial and Insurance Managements Solutions practice at PwC and has is working on obtaining her credentials as an ACAS. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentors (aka Journeyers and Sherpas) united for the common goals of providing Guidance, Accountability, and Support throughout all stages of your Actuarial Journey. FREE VIDEO SERIES: Achieving your Ideal Work Life Balance (Text "AJEXAM" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/exams): This free video series will show you the step-by-step proc

Your Resume tells a story to your potential employer. The thing is, is it telling the story your want?    What if you don't have a lot of experience or you never had an actuarial internship or you haven't passed actuarial exams yet?    This episode has got you covered as we explore how you can make your resume highlight your personal brand.   I defintiely recommend watching the accompanying video for this as walk-through an sample resume and highlight key aspects to convey your personal brand visually.   Destination of this Journey: - Incorporate key Personal Brand attributes - Translate Past Experiences to Actuarial World  - Design resume to support story and Personal Brand - Remove inconsistent elements   Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial car

Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/laurenaronson now to get all of the show highlights instantly!   Lauren Aronson graduated from Union College in 2005 with a Bachlors Degree in Philosophy and from Boston University in 2006 with a Masters in Actuarial Science.  Since graduating she has worked as a pension consultant over the past 7 years for two large firms and has obtained her credentials as an ASA. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentors (aka Journeyers and Sherpas) united for the common goals of providing Guidance, Accountability, and Support throughout all stages of your Actuarial Journey. FREE VIDEO SERIES: Achieving your Ideal Work Life Balance (Text "AJEXAM" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/exams): This free video series will show you the step-by-step

Visit http://www.actuarialjobcourse.com now to get all of the show highlights instantly!   Looking to make a good impression when recruiters come your way?    Today's episode is all about navigating on-campus recruiting and career fairs to create a memorable impression.   Destination of this Journey: - Create a lasting impression during on-campus recruiting events - Approach 3 different on-campus recruiting scenarios with confidence   Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. FREE ONLINE COURSE: Entry-Level Actuarial Job Course (Click Link or Text "ACTUARY" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. Fre

Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/tahirqadir now to get all of the show highlights instantly! Tahir Qadir works as a retirement actuary at a consulting firm. He has five years of experience and recently became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries on the Quantitative Finance and Investment track. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentors (aka Journeyers and Sherpas) united for the common goals of providing Guidance, Accountability, and Support throughout all stages of your Actuarial Journey. FREE VIDEO SERIES: Achieving your Ideal Work Life Balance (Text "AJEXAM" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/exams): This free video series will show you the step-by-step process to create you own Personalized Study Roadmap and design your Study Lifestyle FREE ONLINE COURSE: E

Visit http://www.actuarialjobcourse.com now to get all of the job course videos, worksheets, and highlights instantly! One area I see people trip on often is in their follow-up after Informational Conversations. Often times, they can off of pushy, or worse, not even follow up at all.   But isn't the point of the Informational Conversations to get a job? Absolutely and I'll take it one step further -> it's to build meaningful relationships that will help you all throughout your actuarial journey. And this episode will show you how you can effectively follow-up to build the relationship and potentially get more results that you anticipated!   Destination of this Journey: - Avoid pitfalls of bad follow-up practices - Structure effective follow-ups - Take advantage of long-term benefits - Implement a follow-up system today - Identify value-add opportunities   Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely fre

Visit http://www.actuarialjourney.com/nickfox now to get all of the show highlights instantly! Nick Fox received his undergraduate degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2005, majoring in actuarial science and finance. He has worked with pension plans of all shapes and sizes, consulting with companies and sole practitioners to design, implement, fund, and strategically optimize their retirement benefit programs. Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ASPRING ACTUARIES COMMUNITY: Join the Journeyer Community (Text "COMMUNITY" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/community): Come be a part of this unique community of aspiring actuaries and mentors (aka Journeyers and Sherpas) united for the common goals of providing Guidance, Accountability, and Support throughout all stages of your Actuarial Journey. FREE VIDEO SERIES: Achieving your Ideal Work Life Balance (Text "AJEXAM" to 33-444 or click link http://www.actuarialjourney.com/exams): This free video series

Visit http://www.actuarialjobcourse.com now to get all of the job course videos, worksheets, and highlights instantly! Want to hold Informational conversations to help prepare for an actuarial career and build your network, but not sure how to actually find people to talk to?  This episode dives into the process you can take fo find people ultimately schedule those important Informational Conversations.    Destination of this Journey: - Utilize one of 7 ways to find people for informational conversations - Contact them through a step-by-step process - Schedule discussions and include relevant information   Want more help with your actuarial journey?  FREE ONLINE COURSE: Business Skills for Actuaries (Click Link or Text "SKILLS" to 33-444): a completely free full-length course with videos, worksheets, tools, and community all geared to help your get your entry-level actuarial job and start your actuarial career. FREE ONLINE COURSE: Entry-Level Actuarial Job Course (Click Link or Text "ACTUARY" to 33-444): a c