Leaving CRE to become an actuary?

Hello- I have been in acquisitions since graduating and have 3-4 years experience. I’m not sure I see myself continuing down this road as I just don’t see myself making it to a VP level role nor do I really have the desire - I’m naturally an introverted person and don’t think my strengths are suited to the dealmaking responsibilities of more senior roles - I’m quite fine just churning out proforma after proforma at my desk. Becoming an actuary has piqued my interest due to it having a clearly defined pathway, generally low stress, and good-not-great comp, while also being a role I think I could excel in as I’m naturally good at math and calculus was effortless in college. Am I crazy to consider a paycut going from 120k to an entry level actuarial role of 60-70k when I already have acquisitions experience and a top target school on my resume? 

11 Comments
 

After graduating with one of my majors being actuarial sciences it is a very introvert job. But there are multiple pathways/fellowship paths. It's a long path and you can make a decent steady income at fellowship level. That being said, have you taken your Exam P or Exam FM. Most actuarial analyst roles expect you to have these for those 60k-80k jobs, as you would of taken them Senior year in college. Most people fail one since you can't memorize a answer bank. You have to memorize the formulas and know the different variables within the formula. 

Also many places will look for a Econometrics back ground for promotion to higher levels. You can get away with the 1st four exams and not having the econometrics and econ coursework under your belt, but it just takes longer. 

As another poster suggested Credit side you can get away with being an analyst if you find a shop the UW's don't interact with the borrowers or clients. Differs from shop to shop. 

 

Life is short. Do what makes you happy. 

I can't think of a more boring existence than being an actuary or an accountant, but I'm not you. None of us can define what counts as a fulfilling career or life for you. 

If you want to be an actuary, go for it. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Transitioning from a career in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) to become an actuary represents a unique shift that combines analytical skills and risk assessment. While CRE involves property valuation and market dynamics, the actuarial field focuses on assessing and managing financial risks, making it a transition that leverages quantitative expertise.

Becoming an actuary offers the chance to apply mathematical models to predict and mitigate financial risks, providing a valuable skill set in the insurance and finance sectors. This shift may involve pursuing actuarial exams and certifications to develop a strong foundation in risk analysis, statistics, and financial mathematics.

The move to become an actuary signifies a desire for a data-driven career with a focus on financial planning and risk management. It's a challenging yet rewarding transition that opens doors to diverse industries where your analytical skills can make a substantial impact on decision-making processes and financial strategies.

 

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