Becoming an actuary, economics and spanish major, math classes?

Question

I switched from business to economics when I was a junior, now I'm a 4th year senior in college. I'd like to take more math classes. My plan is to finish calculus and take math in this order: 1st quarter:linear algebra and differential equations, 2nd: advanced calculus 1, 3rd: probability 1 and stats for scientists, 4th: probability 2, 5th: stochastic models for options pricing.

I'm thinking this will give me more opportunities that I'd like than a business major. I'd have a math minor too. If not an actuary, maybe I could use it for econ graduate school or work. Should I take computer science classes? I took some information systems in business school and I didn't like it. I'm good with excel. My business and econ classes count for educational experience credit for actuaries. Do investment banks hire actuaries? Tell me good/bads about the profession if you're an actuary. Does the order of math classes sound reasonable/useful? It'll be six years total at a state school.

Answer 1

Contact the Society of Actuaries in Schaumburg, Illinois. They are the actuarial capital of America and the world. They can probably answer just about any question you might have. Here's a link to their website. First click on "About The SOA." Then click on the "Contact Us" link.

Here's the link:
http://www.soa.org/Home.aspx

Answer 2

I haven't heard about a lot of actuaries making the move to trading, but that may be because not many want to do so, seeing as actuaries get paid very high, consistent salaries within more traditional actuarial roles. The math and statistics elements of actuarial science could certainly be applicable to trading, although you may find that many firms, when it comes to "quant traders", tend to favor CS and pure math people with PhD's -- as an actuary, you may find it easier to enter a risk management-type role.