23 Questions on the Actuarial Profession

Good morning Michael Jordan,

I have been tasked with Interviewing professionals from the career I would like to pursue after school. I am wanting to become an Actuarial Scientist and I would really appreciate it if I could get into contact with you. I have been watching your YouTube videos for a while now and I really like your content. If possible I would like to have a short interview with you

1. What is your job title?

2. Can you take me through your career path and how you have worked your way to where you are now?

3. What year did you qualify and how old were you?

4. How many years did it take for you to be fully qualified?

5. Was it difficult finding your first job?

6. I plan to study a BSc Actuarial science degree at Wits. What is your opinion on this choice of course and university in the industry?

7. What further studies would you advise for once I have qualified as an actuary?

8. What made you choose this career?

9. What are your main roles and responsibilities? What does a typical day involve?

10. What do you like most and least about your job?
Most:

Least:

11. What would you consider the boring part of your profession?

12. What are the most stressful aspects of your job?

13. Do you feel that your salary is comparable or better than those of your peers in other lines of work?

14. In any of the types of Actuaries, is there a salary ceiling?

15. In your opinion, what personality would be well-suited to this career?

16. Internationally, is South Africa a very good place for Actuaries to work, or would it be more beneficial for me to go and work overseas?

17. Do you feel that AI is a rising problem regarding your work?

18. Is the work very demanding and does it require you to work after hours or in other words, does your job allow for a good amount of personal and family time?

19. What skills and experiences are most important for being an Actuary? How can I start to develop these skills?

20. Could you possibly explain the CERA qualification to me?

21. If I were to study and qualify as an Actuary in South Africa and then further my studies for a CERA qualification would I be able to work overseas? And in America?

22. What country’s board of actuaries would you recommend I qualify in? From what I understand the UK exams are highly regarded internationally.

23. Do you have any further advice?