UCSB Statistics

What is an Actuary?

The Jobs Rated Almanac rated the actuarial profession near the top in job satisfaction: "The pay is great, the hours are regular and the job stress is kept to a minimum.'' In a survey done by US News and World Report (October 28th, 1992) employment as an actuary was listed as one of the top 20 jobs for the future. Why? Because according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, actuarial jobs will increase by nearly 40% by 2005.

So what do Actuaries do?

They work on wide variety of projects in diverse business environments. For example,

Assessing the value of a company about to merge with another business.
Estimating the affect of seat-belt laws in automobile losses and determining appropriate premium rate discounts.
Projecting retirement so that funds are available for those who will retire in 20 years.
Projecting what the AIDS epidemic will cost life and health insurance companies in 5, 10 and 20 years.

How do I become an Actuary?

In the Department of Statistics and Applied Probability here at UCSB, we have an Actuarial Program which will prepare you for a career in the actuarial profession and help you pass the actuarial exams which are necessary to obtain certification and advancement. You can also join the Actuary Club to meet other students who share your interests and aspirations. If you want to know more about our program, talk to Undergraduate Program Assistant in the Statistics Department, South Hall 5607 H.

P.S. Do you like adventure? See the classic film, "Double Indemnity", where an actuary solves a bizarre crime!