QUOTE(Michael_Light @ Feb 11 2016, 09:41 PM)
IMO, actuarial science program generally prepare its students for preliminary exams which are Exam P,FM,C,MFE and MLC (for SOA) or CT1-8 ( for IFoA) which isn't really relevant to knowledge crucial in investment banking such as portfolio management, equity investment etc. The preliminary exams of SOA emphasize on pricing financial derivative, insurance products, statistical methods for actuarial model (Survival, severity, frequency, aggregate model etc) and so on. However, upon fulfilling the ASA criteria, you can choose to proceed with Quantitative Finance and Investment (QFI) Track to obtain the FSA title.
Based on my observation on my course mate, many mistaken actuarial science as quantitative finance or investment banking. At the end, most of them end up with disappointment as the material in the preliminary exams aren't really what they expect. I think taking CFA exams, or taking and finance and investment degree might be more relevant if you were to venture into investment banking. However, I do have friend studying actuarial science but take CFA instead of SOA exams.
Taking SOA exams is a very tedious process which require a lot of time and hardwork. Think wisely before you choose.
Just my 2 cents. Good luck. 
You are damn right on this point. One of my friend graduated from actuarial science UTAR in satisfactory results. Of course, can't get into the top insurance industry. So, started working in small insurance firm and took SOA exams while working. Based on my observation on my course mate, many mistaken actuarial science as quantitative finance or investment banking. At the end, most of them end up with disappointment as the material in the preliminary exams aren't really what they expect. I think taking CFA exams, or taking and finance and investment degree might be more relevant if you were to venture into investment banking. However, I do have friend studying actuarial science but take CFA instead of SOA exams.
Taking SOA exams is a very tedious process which require a lot of time and hardwork. Think wisely before you choose.
Guess what, failed the SOA papers 2-3 times already. In the end, he switch to take Financial Risk Manager (FRM) exams.
* FRM does not have any relation to actuarial science, right?
This post has been edited by activexxx: Oct 23 2016, 10:45 PM
Oct 23 2016, 10:44 PM

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