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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES →

Actuary

Actuaries work with numbers to help organisations understand and plan for future risks. They work out the chances of things happening - like whether a car will be in an accident or when someone might claim on their insurance - and use those numbers to help companies make smart decisions about money.

Actuary

38

Mathematical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY38
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST80%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is modest on our index (38), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As an actuary, you are part mathematician, part detective. Companies and pension schemes collect mountains of data, and you work out what those numbers mean for their future. Insurance companies need to know: how likely is it that someone will have an accident? How much should we charge for car insurance? Pension schemes ask: will we have enough money to pay people later? You answer these questions using maths and statistics.

Your day involves building models - like a computer version of real life - that predict what might happen. You might spot that young drivers have more accidents, or that house prices affect insurance claims. You'll also explain your findings to people who don't know maths, so they can make good business decisions. You keep learning new software and new ways of working, because the world changes and your models need to keep up.

Daily responsibilities

  • Analyze statistical data to evaluate risks and financial implications for various scenarios.
  • Develop and use mathematical models to predict future events and their financial outcomes.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings to clients and stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with underwriters, financial analysts, and other professionals to develop risk management strategies.
  • Monitor and assess changes in laws and regulations affecting the insurance and finance sectors.
  • Conduct regular reviews of existing policies and financial products to ensure they remain competitive and compliant.
  • Utilize advanced software tools for data analysis and visualization to enhance decision-making processes.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree, particularly in mathematical sciences, provides a robust foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in actuarial roles. UK universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and strong links to the industry, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.