JOHN WAS FINISHING ATTENDANCE AT A CONTINUING EDUCATION SESSION. It had been a long session covering complex new material. John knew he needed credit for the session to stay current with qualification requirements. More important, he knew that if he mastered the material being presented he would increase his competence as a practicing actuary. Nevertheless, maintaining concentration for the entire … Read More
Beyond the Credential
“NO MORE EXAMS!” AISHA EXCLAIMED. Aisha was celebrating her success with a credentialled actuarial coworker, Bailey, over lunch. Aisha was especially glad that she no longer had to tell friends and family that she was still taking actuarial exams. “Finally! I finished my actuarial exams and now my credential is right around the corner! I’m done, right?” “Congratulations, Aisha!” said … Read More
The Rules Are Your Friend
Editor’s Note: Beginning with this issue, Contingencies will be occasionally reprinting Up to Code articles from days gone by. Have no fear; the content is still germane and applicable to your daily practice. This article originally appeared in the January/February 2008 issue of the magazine. When I was learning to golf, I first heard “the rules are your friend” when I … Read More
A Lifetime of Professionalism
You’ve been dreaming about this since you were a kid, and now it has happened. You just got hired as a junior actuary. You’re so excited about starting off your career. You know about the exams; you also know about the type of work that you will be doing. You’ve got your promotions all scheduled out as well. Manager after … Read More
HAL the Actuary?
The 1960s was a great time to be a kid with a fondness for science fiction. All forms of sci-fi entertainment proliferated in the decade. Authors such as Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury regularly turned out new sci-fi stories, television offered sci-fi-themed series ranging from the ridiculous (Lost in Space) to the sublime (Star Trek), and several motion pictures that … Read More
When to Say ‘No’
When someone asks me if I can do something for them, I like to say “yes.” I want to be helpful, useful. That is true in my personal and professional life. But sometimes you have to say “no.” It could be because you don’t have the time, you don’t like to do what is requested—or it may be that you … Read More