My Advice to Candidates
By Anita Sathe

For those who are embarking on exams, the actuarial profession is a relatively lucrative one-even for someone at an early stage of the exams. It is hard to discipline yourself to work a full day, keep up with the studying, and lead a relatively Spartan life even though the income you are earning allows you to have a relatively lavish lifestyle. I am no different from others in my age group, so it hasn't been easy for me. Here are some tips that have worked for me.

Be Smart and Consistent
I have learned that the secret is to study intelligently and regularly. By intelligent studying, I mean utilizing all the available study guides and seminars available for these exams. Studying regularly is making sure that you start the exam preparation way in advance so that you allow yourself the time to drift and be unfocused, while ensuring that you do some studying each day.

Get a Buddy
A good study buddy goes a long way. I have had a great study buddy in Amit Agarwal (another new ACAS) while taking my P&C exams. We took four CAS exams together (Exams 4 and 5 in the same sitting!) and passed each of them the first time-not because we were the most dedicated or smartest people around, but because the pain was more easily endured when it was shared!