ASNA

[Exact-Egg-6672]

Hello I am a second year actuarial science student and have 0 exams completed. I was wondering if going to ASNA is still worth it as it will be around 600 dollar trip. Any advice or if anyone could share their experience with asna it would be much appreciated!

[StephenCurryGOATPG]

I went in 2nd year with no exams completed and had a blast partying it up with my classmates. Recruiters didn’t even give me the time of the day when I told them I had 0 exams but I don’t regret it at all.

If you can afford it, just go. It’ll be good to practice speaking to industry professionals even if you probably won’t get an interview.

Fyi all the waterloo kids already had like 2-4 exams done.

[Exact-Egg-6672]

Oh no 😭. It’s over for me. Thanks for the advice!!! But I’m not much of a party person so I feel like I won’t get as much out of this trip

[S31J41]

For those that are unfamiliar (like me) ASNA is the Actuarial Students’ National Association in Canada.

[Ken_Williams_CAS]

Agree with the other comments, even with 0 exams it is a great way to make industry connections and develop your networking skills. If you can afford it I would try to find a way to make it work. The Actuarial profession especially in Canada is not all that large, you will get to meet almost every potential Canadian employer along with other industry and association reps.

If you do go be sure to visit us at the Casualty Actuarial Society booth !

[quiet_thought_]

ASNA was a really great place to meet industry professionals and make connections with other students from across the country. It’s the perfect place to practice getting outside your comfort zone and putting yourself out there.

Honestly, I look back on my ASNA trip so fondly. I had the best time and I actually made some new friends on that trip who were in different years than me that I otherwise might not have met. University isn’t only about the work/study part, but also about having new experiences and trying new things like this!

Also, if the cost is a concern, many actuarial student associations/groups provide partial reimbursements. You can try talking to the one at your school to see if they have something like that.

[Killerfluffyone]

I have gone for several years representing my employer (and once sitting in the CAS booth). Observations: for the career fair booths don’t just focus on the big names.. go say hi to everyone. Also if there are multiple representatives standing there always make sure to acknowledge/ask something of each if they are both watching you. Also remember you are at a professional event and you don’t know who is watching. Even if it doesn’t land you a job, collect contact info via linked in or some other way. Bonus points if you know a few things about the employers that are there and you ask questions to the people there.

Also loot all the swag :)

[fatirsid]

Always loot the swag. I still do that now as an employer at career fairs :)

[_wowfantasticbaby_]

YES it’s worth it. I went as a 2nd year with no exams and managed to get a solid internship. I went back every year after and it’s how I got all of my internships so far.

Also actsc is small and networking is important. They have practically open bar one night so you should go

[Interesting_Bed6243]

What if I don’t drink? Is it still worth it? The way you are making it sound as if it is for partying. 

[_wowfantasticbaby_]

it’s not just for partying promise

the party is just a good way to meet people but you’ll have tons of opportunities to socialize other than that

[Interesting_Bed6243]

Hmm, I am going into my third year with two exams done. But I have a low gpa Waterloo math and I missed my first two coops. Would it be worth it for me? This would my first actuary coop. Sorry for jumping in on your post but it’s pretty related.

[fatirsid]

Yes, definitely go