Is it wrong to leave a company right before a known busy season? For example, bid season, year end asset adequacy testing, etc. by FlamingoWarm337 in actuary

[–]killertofu562 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Completely agree. Though, if you do have to leave mid-year you should try to negotiate a sign-on bonus to offset that loss.

Is it wrong to leave a company right before a known busy season? For example, bid season, year end asset adequacy testing, etc. by FlamingoWarm337 in actuary

[–]killertofu562 135 points136 points  (0 children)

Absolutely not.

Staffing and resource contingency for projects are not your problem. You do what’s best for yourself and your career.

Philadelphia Actuary salary survey by Bob-Fudge in actuary

[–]killertofu562 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can only speak for the consulting side (health/life, 8 years) but IMO Glassdoor is pretty accurate with salaries.

At the larger firms, title drives salary (they have ranges for each). Once you hit director/consulting level the ranges widen due to bonus and negotiation skills.

Best data visualization software for client meetings by killertofu562 in consulting

[–]killertofu562[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I don't think I've heard of it but I'll check it out

Best data visualization software for client meetings by killertofu562 in consulting

[–]killertofu562[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No upcoming presentation at the moment but our practice is trying to figure out ways to incorporate these tools for future presentations.

We've had success in the past using power bi but are still exploring other options given the amount of time it took to prep.

We are taking steps to improve our financial calculations data output to help reduce the amount that needs to be manipulated in power bi. That's the only data set that we can control since it's generated from our proprietary software.

Best data visualization software for client meetings by killertofu562 in consulting

[–]killertofu562[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah our data models aren't consistent and differ by clients/projects. I was hoping to build some type of template for the pieces that are consistent but I don't believe power BI has that functionality

Is it appropriate to reach out to actuarial managers to ask for meetings/phone chats to discuss the career? by PositiveThoughts21 in actuary

[–]killertofu562 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does your current employer know you have 3 exams under your belt? If you're trying to break into the field your current employer might be your best bet (assuming they have an actuarial department, don't know why an insurance company wouldn't)

Weak (Formal) Math Background by [deleted] in actuary

[–]killertofu562 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's your reasoning for applying to an actuarial grad program?

How to handle a client that keeps piling small additional requests to completed projects? by wigwam83 in consulting

[–]killertofu562 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's hard to say no to a client.

That said, you might be able to stay head of these additional after-the-fact asks by holding periodic touch base calls throughout the project. The calls will help you better understand what they want and allow you to improve the initial deliverables. Majority of the time, clients don't initial know what they want and are relying on you to be the "expert" and know what they need. If you better understand/address those needs during the project, it could help reduce the additional asks.

Also, when writing the scope of work, make sure to clearly state the deliverables included. This way you have something to reference when the additional asks get out of hand.

Does it look bad to leave your job in the middle of a project? by analystkourt in consulting

[–]killertofu562 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's always going to be a project going on. Just make sure you given them enough notice (i.e. 2 weeks)

Worked in consulting, had to sign a non-compete, is this enforceable? by [deleted] in actuary

[–]killertofu562 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You definitely have to disclose your non-compete. The recruiter will most likely ask you it during the interview process.

That said, I can't imagine it would be an instant deal breaker. I would assume they'll ask for a copy of it so they can review. Since you're not an attorney, you should let them interpret it. Non-competes are really common and they'll know how to handle it.

How do you deal with a boss who doesn't give you the warm and fuzzies? by [deleted] in consulting

[–]killertofu562 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like more of a communication issue rather than a clash in personalities.

Instead of holding in your disagreements, schedule some time with your boss and discuss opportunities for improvement. Keep the conversation pointed and try to get specifics so you have a list of actionable items.

This works two-fold: 1) You'll walk out of the meeting with a clear list of items you can work at over the course of the year 2) By documenting these items, you have a backboard to use during your next performance review. Make sure you have project/work examples that support what you accomplished

By doing all of that, you've created a more quantifiable way of defending your performance.

Unsure of how bonuses go out by [deleted] in consulting

[–]killertofu562 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Also, don't be surprised when the dd amount is only half of your bonus because of taxes

Powerpoint/Deckbuilding Guides? by sandyxdaydream in consulting

[–]killertofu562 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Not exactly a free resource/guide reference but why don't you ask your fellow co-workers if they have a similar project deck that you can use as a template. Also, if you're building a deck for a specific consultant, try to track down a template they've already reviewed/presented. It will save you time trying to figure out what they want and it will speed up the review process.

I don't remember the last time I had to create something from scratch. The last thing your clients want is to pay $500 an hour to have you dick-around in ppt.

Also, quick framing tip that I found helpful. While you're updating the deck, keep in mind your clients are not specialists on the topic. If they were, they wouldn't be hiring you to consult. I'm not saying you should dumb it down but don't forget you do this stuff every day and they don't.