Beyond Actuarial: Qualifications to Boost Your Career

For many working within the actuarial sector, qualifying as an actuary is the career gold standard, opening doors to an incredible range of roles and responsibilities. Increasingly, professionals are adding additional qualifications that support their unique career path. In a competitive market where new specialities and opportunities are arising all the time, employers respond well to individuals who have proven abilities in key areas of expertise.

Leading the Way

If you are on a leadership track (or want to be), leadership skills development is fundamental to your progress. A respected qualification will demonstrate the value you bring to your employer and colleagues. An MBA or Executive MBA is widely recognised as a respected international qualification, with online, part-time or full-time options giving flexibility on how you complete your learning. Alternatively, specific short courses and leadership programmes will help you develop your expertise and focus on skills that will support your journey towards seniority. Most universities and business schools now offer a range of specialised leadership and executive education programmes, and remote learning options remove barriers to your choice of course provider. 

Project management is another area where a qualification can be a bonus, especially for hybrid roles. While many people will claim good project management skills, a qualification in Prince2, PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or Lean Six Sigma accreditation gives proof of your competency, and indicates to a potential employer that you have the project and process management skills they need.

Prove Your Specialism

Additional qualifications can also help qualified professionals who wish to specialise and at Emerald Group many of our clients have specific requirements. For example, the scope of opportunities emerging in data science is increasing interest in enhanced certification in this field. Certified Actuarial Data Scientist (CADS) training provides the opportunity to specialise in the field of data science and AI, a much sought-after qualification across the insurance and financial services sector.

Knowledge and expertise in other speciality areas can also be proven through additional qualifications. Long established training such as the Certified Enterprise Risk Actuary (CERA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification provide additional qualifications for actuaries in enterprise risk management, demonstrating knowledge and understanding that meets professional standards. Similarly, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification consolidates skills needed to support specialist roles in banking or investment, ranging from investment valuation and portfolio management, to corporate finance, wealth planning, financial analysis and more.  

The Client Perspective

Increasingly, clients are calling for  additional qualifications as essential or desired in job descriptions. If you have additional qualifications, you will undoubtedly enhance your opportunities with your current employer or with a new company. Depending on the stage you are at in your career, working towards a qualification can also be a good indicator of your skills and intent. Don’t feel you need to hold back on pursuing your career goals if you are mid-way through an enhanced qualification. A conversation with Emerald Group can be an invaluable step to understanding how you can use your learning journey to enhance your career now and in the future.