You could start by doing a degree before joining a graduate actuarial training scheme.

Most employers will look for a degree with a high level of mathematics. For example:

• maths and statistics
• actuarial science
• economics
• engineering
• accounting
• physics or chemistry

A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when you apply for work.

You could take a postgraduate degree in actuarial science that might allow you to qualify as an actuary in a shorter time.

Some actuarial companies may offer sponsorship for postgraduate courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You may be able to do an Actuarial Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or an Actuary Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You may improve your chances of finding a trainee position if you have some work experience in an actuarial department. You can find details about internships and work placements through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

You may be able to switch to actuarial work from a related profession, like risk management, accounting, financial services or business analysis. You would then follow an employer training programme to become a qualified actuary.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As an actuary, you could:

• analyse data from past and present events to forecast future trends
• assess financial risks, using mathematical models and statistics
• work out solutions to business problems and help with planning
• write reports and presentations
• explain findings to managers, government ministers or business clients

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an actuary to be a green job, you could:

• advise policymakers on sustainable, long-term investment planning
• refine financial forecasting to include risks associated with climate change
• develop risk models to help businesses adapt in the shift to low carbon economies

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.