Math/physics background, some exp in financial ind, 1 actuarial exam, need a job

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May 19, 2013, 02:21:37 am

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Believe it or not, I've actually moved to NH twice for the FSP (stayed for over 6 months each time), but also left twice because each time I haven't been able to obtain solid employment. I've applied to tons of jobs in NH and nearby in MA but haven't been able to land anything yet. The biggest hurdle seems to be getting past the initial resume screening in order to get any response at all from a resume submission (besides the form letter saying they've chosen to pursue other candidates). If anyone has an "in" somewhere they can help me with, I would greatly appreciate it. I would love to go back to NH. Hopefully the third time is the charm.

In particular, if anyone knows someone that could help me get an interview at Liberty Mutual, that would be great. They are one of my preferred employers.

You can see my linkedin profile here:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrobinson1

I recently decided to pursue a career as an Actuary, so I have my profile geared towards an entry-level actuarial position, but that is just one option and I am open to going other directions. I am a young professional and have been working various jobs since graduating with a Masters 3.5 years ago.

My Master's is in Physics but I am not particularly focused on jobs in that area. I am open to something using my Physics, but most real physics jobs require a PhD, and they often depend on government funding, which I want to avoid. I also want to avoid teaching in public schools, so it would be difficult to be a Physics teacher.

My education did give me a strong background in math, analytical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail, so anything that could use those skills would be an option. I am also fairly advanced with Excel, intermediate with Access, and I have a little experience with programming.

I have worked as an Analyst at MassMutual and so I do have some experience in the financial sector and have been focusing my job search in that area.

If anyone anyone has any ideas for me, I would appreciate it.

The resume screening can be a pain, as will dealing with recruiters.

I think your best approach would be networking. Find out where the types that would be interested in you hang out and go there to network yourself. That's the only thing I find that works for me.

I don't know if financial types hang out like us software types do, so this might be a challenge. You can check Meetup.com to find something to your liking in the Boston area.

You might also consider teaching at private schools. There's Phillips Academy in Exeter NH and Andover MA. There may be others I'm just not aware of.

Can't help with the job info, except you might find more success applying for actuary positions after taking 1 or 2 more tests.
I have been thinking about the actuarial field too - I plan to buy some study materials for the first exam later this year.

It probably wouldn't work out very well where you are looking for an entry-level position, but after some time in the field, down the line, if you can't find a job in NH, you might consider moving up and opening your own insurance company - I know the liberty movement will need some of those eventually.

Quote from: 10stateswithnh on July 16, 2010, 03:37:27 pm

Yep, I am preparing for the second exam right now.

Quote from: FreedomFred on July 16, 2010, 03:28:57 am

I think your best approach would be networking. Find out where the types that would be interested in you hang out and go there to network yourself. That's the only thing I find that works for me.

I don't know if financial types hang out like us software types do, so this might be a challenge. You can check Meetup.com to find something to your liking in the Boston area.

Thanks for the suggestion. I definitely do need to be better at networking. And I'm trying to do better with that where I am now in western NY, but it is kind of hard to do in-person networking right now with anyone in the NH area, since I'm so far away.

I am an actuary. The market is unusually tough right now, but I would agree that two exams is more than double the impact of one. Other places in NH to consider while still taking exams:

Schools, as mentioned:
Exeter in Exeter
St. Paul's in Concord
Kimball Union in Merriden
other high schools
smaller colleges

Investment management
Fidelity in Merrimack

Investment consulting
Prime Buchholz in Portsmouth

I'm in investments and don't know the insurance marketplace out here at all. One other idea is to also take investment exams, like the CFA or CAIA, where you could pass the series in 2-3 years.

Good Luck!

Good information, thanks.

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