I have been working as an accountant, but wish to be become an actuary, any advice from an actuary?

Answer 1

Since you already have a basic knowledge of economics to some degree, I recommend that you take the SECOND actuarial exam first, and then take an introductory course in Probability theory (with calculus) to be able to take the first exam. By the way, let me warn you of something that I learned about the Actuarial exams that you probably won't know about until you reach the 5th exam. Both SOA and CAS purposely fail a set amount of test taking candidates as you take the last 4 or 5 exams, since the passing grade for those exams will be known AFTER everyone takes the exam. Keep in mind that you'll be going against people who have been studying for the same exam for years and therefore, the cutoff grade will be much higher than you might expect it to be.

Answer 2

All true, but know also that each exam passed usually involves a VERY large raise (5 - 10K). And if you start in consulting, you can earn up to 55K or more the first year (try Connecticut, its a BIG career up here)

Answer 3

Be prepared for a long hard series of exams, before you make it,
my son has been sitting exams now for 7 years, [ex cambridge university] and he is really smart; final exam results next month, fingers crossed! the best of luck in your endeavous by the way.