Obtaining a Graduate Actuarial Job in the US as a British Citizen?

Hi there,

I鈥檒l start by setting the scene, I am a British Mathematics graduate (MMath) from a well respected university in the United Kingdom (Manchester), and I鈥檓 focussed on pursuing a career in actuarial work.

It has always been a dream of mine to pursue a career in the States, particularly New York City. Unfortunately, I am all too aware that this may not be entirely feasible at graduate level, partly due to fierce competition but also because of rather stringent visa regulations. However, I am trying to assess the merits of the idea of actually going to NYC, getting all suited and booted, taking my resume along to as many relevant companies as possible and trying to arrange informal interviews. I have heard this has been done for investment banking, could it possibly work in the actuarial arena. Of course, I would also try to arrange as many interviews as possible before I left.

What do you think of this idea, I welcome any advice you feel may be pertinent. Thanks

The only advice I can offer is offered as the mother of an actuary who has been working in the field since he graduated from college about a year and a half ago.
He majored in Actuarial Science at a well-respected university in the U.S. and worked hard, passing three of the professional exams while still a student and serving as an officer in the actuarial student organization, organizing campus actuarial events. He spent two summers as an intern in different corporations, one an insurance company and the other a consulting firm. He was very happy to be offered a job by the consulting firm and now works in Chicago--works very hard.
I don't know how your education and experience compares to this sort of history. I don't write it to discourage you, but rather to tell you what seems to be a typical experience in this country.

I wonder if working through a professional recruiting firm would be a good tack for you to take. The firm would know about the market for actuaries, that is who was hiring and how to approach them.

Your phrase "It has always been a dream of mine" must certainly tell you what to do. I wish you the greatest success in achieving your dream.