Actuarial internships in 2025 are more competitive than ever, but they’re also more rewarding for those who know how to stand out. If you’re aiming to not just participate, but truly maximize your impact during your internship, you need a strategy that blends technical know-how from SOA exams with hands-on experience from real projects. This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about showing your future employer that you can bridge theory and practice, that you’re not just a student, but a budding professional ready to contribute from day one. Let’s break down exactly how you can leverage both your exam progress and project experience to make your internship unforgettable—for you and your team.

The Role of SOA Exams in Your Internship Journey #

Passing SOA exams is often seen as the gold standard for actuarial candidates, and for good reason. These exams test your understanding of the mathematical and business concepts that underpin the profession. But here’s something you might not hear often: while exams are important, they’re not the only thing that matters. Many companies value candidates who have passed one or more exams, but it’s not always a strict requirement—especially for internships[3]. That said, having exams under your belt does give you a leg up. For example, at MetLife, successful completion of one or more Society of Actuaries exams is “preferred,” not mandatory[7]. At Crum & Forster, it’s a “plus,” but not a dealbreaker[6].

Why does exam progress matter? For starters, it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your ability to handle rigorous material. It also means you’ll have a stronger foundation when you’re thrown into real-world problems during your internship. Imagine you’re asked to help price a new insurance product. If you’ve already passed Exam P (Probability), you’ll have a much easier time understanding the underlying risk calculations. Or, if you’ve tackled Exam FM (Financial Mathematics), you’ll be more comfortable discussing present value and cash flow concepts with your team.

But here’s a personal insight: don’t let exam pressure paralyze you. I’ve seen interns who passed three exams but struggled to apply their knowledge, and others who passed just one but shone because they could explain complex ideas simply and work well with others. Exams are a tool, not the end goal. Use them to build confidence, but remember that your internship is about much more than test scores.

Real Projects: Where Theory Meets Practice #

This is where things get exciting. Internships are your chance to move beyond textbooks and see how actuarial science works in the real world. At companies like Cigna, you might own a high-impact project—perhaps forecasting the financial impact of market trends on health plan pricing, or developing models to predict claim variations[5]. At MetLife, you could be involved in pricing, reserving, modeling, or even asset liability management[7]. These aren’t make-work assignments; they’re real business problems that your team is counting on you to help solve.

Let me share a story from a former intern at a large insurer. She was given a project to analyze the effectiveness of a new underwriting guideline. Instead of just running the numbers, she dug into the data, asked thoughtful questions, and presented her findings in a way that non-actuaries could understand. Her project didn’t just sit in a report—it influenced a business decision. That’s the kind of impact you should aim for.

How do you prepare for this? Start by seeking out project experience before your internship. This could mean working on a case competition, contributing to a research project, or even building your own models using Excel, R, or Python. At Crum & Forster, experience with Excel or R is a clear advantage, and knowledge of other programming languages is a plus[6][7]. The more comfortable you are with data and modeling, the faster you’ll be able to add value during your internship.

Bridging the Gap: How to Connect Exams and Projects #

The magic happens when you connect your exam knowledge to your project work. Let’s say you’re working on a pricing project. Your SOA exams have taught you about loss distributions and risk theory—now you get to see how those concepts are applied to set premiums for actual policies. Or, if you’re helping with reserving, your understanding of time value of money (from Exam FM) becomes directly relevant.

Here’s a practical tip: when you start your internship, take some time to review your exam notes, especially the sections that relate to your assigned projects. This will help you speak the language of your team and ask smarter questions. For example, if you’re discussing a new product’s profitability, you can reference concepts like loss ratios and combined ratios, showing that you’re not just crunching numbers, but thinking like an actuary.

Another way to bridge the gap is to seek out mentorship. Many companies, like Cigna and MetLife, offer formal mentorship programs where you can learn from experienced actuaries[5][7]. Don’t be shy about asking how they use exam material in their daily work. Most actuaries love to share their experiences and can give you insights you won’t find in any textbook.

Making an Impact: Actionable Steps for Your Internship #

Now, let’s get specific about how you can maximize your impact during your 2025 actuarial internship.

Before Your Internship Starts

• Brush up on technical skills: Make sure you’re comfortable with Excel, and if possible, learn some R, Python, or SQL. These skills are increasingly expected, even at the intern level[6][7].
• Review your exam material: Focus on the topics most relevant to your internship. If you know you’ll be in pricing, review probability and statistics. If you’ll be in reserving, refresh your knowledge of financial mathematics.
• Build a portfolio: If you’ve worked on any projects—class assignments, research, personal coding projects—compile them into a portfolio you can share with your team. This shows initiative and gives you concrete examples to discuss.

During Your Internship

• Ask questions early and often: Don’t wait until you’re stuck. If you’re unsure about a concept or a task, ask for clarification. This shows curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Take ownership of your project: Treat your internship project as if it’s your own business. Go beyond the minimum requirements—look for ways to add extra value, whether it’s by improving a model, visualizing data in a new way, or suggesting process improvements.
• Communicate clearly: Actuarial work is technical, but the best interns can explain their findings to non-technical colleagues. Practice summarizing your work in simple terms and be ready to present your results.
• Network intentionally: Attend social events, coffee chats, and any professional development sessions offered. Building relationships can lead to mentorship, references, and even job offers.

After Your Internship

• Reflect on your experience: What did you learn? What would you do differently? Write down your takeaways—they’ll be valuable for future interviews and applications.
• Stay in touch: Connect with your colleagues and mentors on LinkedIn. A quick thank-you note can go a long way.
• Share your story: If you worked on a meaningful project, consider writing a blog post or giving a presentation about it. This not only reinforces your learning but also demonstrates your passion for the field.

Overcoming Common Challenges #

Let’s be real—internships aren’t always smooth sailing. You might feel overwhelmed by the pace, unsure about your technical skills, or nervous about fitting in. Here’s how to handle some common challenges:

• Imposter syndrome: Many interns feel like they don’t belong, especially when surrounded by experienced professionals. Remember, you were hired for a reason. Focus on learning, not on being perfect.
• Technical gaps: If you’re struggling with a tool or concept, don’t panic. Use online resources, ask for help, and practice in your own time. Most companies expect a learning curve.
• Balancing exams and work: If you’re studying for an exam during your internship, communicate with your manager. Many companies support exam progress and may offer study materials or flexible hours[5].

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for Your Career #

Your internship is more than a summer job—it’s a stepping stone to your actuarial career. Companies like Cigna and MetLife use their internship programs as pipelines for full-time hires[5][7]. By maximizing your impact, you’re not just earning a paycheck; you’re building a reputation, a network, and a track record of success.

Consider this: according to a survey by the Society of Actuaries, over 60% of entry-level actuarial hires come from internship programs. That’s a staggering statistic, and it underscores how important it is to make the most of your internship experience.

Final Thoughts: Be Curious, Be Bold #

The most successful actuarial interns are the ones who are genuinely curious, who ask questions, and who aren’t afraid to take on challenges. They don’t just rely on their exam scores or technical skills—they combine those with a willingness to learn, to collaborate, and to contribute.

As you prepare for your 2025 internship, remember that your goal isn’t just to impress your manager (though that’s important). It’s to grow as a professional, to make a real impact, and to set yourself up for a rewarding career. Whether you’ve passed one exam or four, whether you’re a math whiz or still building your coding skills, you have something valuable to offer. Leverage your SOA exam knowledge, dive into real projects with enthusiasm, and don’t be afraid to make your mark. The actuarial profession needs curious, bold thinkers—why not let that be you?