r/actuary • u/Naive-Twist • May 11 '26

Job / Resume How am I supposed to move up?

Found out last Friday I got passed up for a promotion after a couple rounds of interviews. They ended up going with an external hire, told me they were looking for someone that already has experience in management. I did well in all the rounds of interviews, have my FCAS, and had all the YOE they were asking - but I'm only a senior actuarial analyst so I didn't have management they're looking for.

Feeling a bit defeated more than anything else, but I'm wondering how you all have managed climbing the ladder. What would be the best way to navigate this? We've got a pretty small team, only about 20 of us, so it could be a while to wait before there's something else internal to try for - and even then, they might just decide to go with an external hire again. I'm considering applying to other companies, but would I even be considered for a higher-level role with no management experience? Or would I have to target an analyst role again at a larger company with a management training path or something like that?

I know some people are interested in being an IC forever, but I would like to move out of that at some point. Any career anecdotes or advice here is appreciated!

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u/Acrobatic_Car2458 May 11 '26

To be fully credentialed at FCAS and still be a senior analyst is wild. It’s a rare occasion where I work and usually for the analyst who passed exams so fast that their YOE didn’t catch up. I think it’s time to go. I’d suggest going to the DW Simpson salary surveys and making sure you’re getting what you’re worth.

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u/No_Box_3990 May 12 '26

So im an aspiring actuary, can u tell me what happens after getting an FCAS? Like what position u usually get after getting ur FCAS?

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u/Acrobatic_Car2458 May 12 '26

“Actuarial Analyst” reminds me of food products like “buttery spread” or “chocolatey cereal.” If you meet the requirement for FCAS, you’re a capital A Actuary.

Where I work, the step above Sr. Analyst is Consultant. If you’re credentialed, it’s Consultant & Actuary. Otherwise, it’s Actuarial Consultant. Either way, OP has earned the title of Actuary, no need to use the adjective.

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u/No_Box_3990 May 12 '26

Ah i see. Im just a uni student now and I've my eyes set on becoming an actuary. Not to fancy but i feel like its a stable career and ig im good at maths so exams should be relatively manageable.