The which, what, why, how and where of working in Actuarial Education Anna Bishop and Robert Chadburn, BPP Actuarial Education (Known by its friends as ActEd)
Working in Actuarial Education University ActEd Staff Actuary Other
Working in a University Teaching Research External Admin
The Actuarial Control Cycle
Why work in University education? Treated as an equal Less office politics Freedom to do your own thing Work when you want Meet lots of nice people Treated like God by your students Get your name on a textbook
What are the disadvantages? The admin Having no money Never leaving work
The moral dilemmas Teaching to the exam paper? Working for yourself or for the world?
What skills do you need (University)? Like standing up in front of audiences Think on your feet Empathy with students Lots of useful research ideas Intellect Not mind being grilled Humility
What skills do you need (University)? Work all hours Can shift paper fast Some management skills
What skills do you need (ActEd)? Self-motivation and responsibility Creativity A positive attitude Flexibility and efficiency A genuine commitment to student welfare A strong academic record
What skills do you need (ActEd)? Good speling Grammar are good Accuracy Constructive criticism
What are the disadvantages? Travelling is tiring Remoteness from colleagues Advance planning, eg holidays Teaching when you don’t feel 100%
Career progression Working overseas, eg in US operation Become managing director Other roles within BPP Sideways moves – university, staff actuary
The moral dilemma Are actuaries qualified to be teachers?
Why work for ActEd? Teaching very rewarding Flexibility of home working Variety of work Non-political and non-bureaucratic Academic satisfaction Responsibility but not burden Happy, positive colleagues