How long does it take to become an actuary?

What kind of courses should I take to become an actuary?

• I am a freshman, my major right now is undecided. I love math and I know I want to do something with lots of math. I hear that actuary would be a great career for me. I don't ...show more

• Answer:

  You should take calculus-based probability courses. I have a graduate degree in mathematics, and although I am not an actuary, my husband is. He is paid as well as a general doctor, yet he does not have to deal with life and death issues, blood, etc. Nor does being an actuary require one to amass huge amounts of debt while in training...you are paid on the job as an actuarial analyst. He is respected by his colleagues, and is sought after for answers to complicated problems. I highly recommend this career if you have the brains and perseverence that it takes to get credentialed. I guess I am fortunate that he leaves his job at work and doesn't bring it home. It was more stressfull when he was sitting for exams, but now that he has his FSA, his life is simpler.