If you’re eyeing an entry-level actuarial job in 2025, you already know that exams are part of the deal. But here’s a little secret: exams are just the price of admission—they’re not what makes you stand out in a crowded field. The real differentiators are the skills you bring to the table that can’t be measured by a multiple-choice test. In today’s job market, employers are hunting for candidates who are not only technically sharp but also adaptable, clear communicators, and team players. You could have aced every exam, but if you can’t translate complex ideas into simple insights, work smoothly with other departments, or adapt when projects go sideways, you’ll quickly find yourself stuck on the lower rungs of the career ladder.

Let’s be honest—passing actuarial exams is tough, and it deserves respect. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The most successful new actuaries are those who combine exam success with a well-rounded set of real-world skills. These are the people who get noticed, promoted, and entrusted with bigger responsibilities early on. So, what are these “secret weapons” that can set you apart in 2025? Let’s break down the three most essential non-exam skills for entry-level actuaries, why they matter, and how you can start building them today—even if you’re still in school or just starting your job search.

Communication: Your Superpower in a Data-Driven World #

Actuaries work with numbers, but they live by stories. The best models in the world are useless if you can’t explain what they mean to a CEO, a marketing team, or an underwriter who doesn’t speak “math.” That’s why communication is your superpower—it turns your technical work into real business decisions.

Why it matters:
Employers consistently rank communication as a top skill for actuaries, often above even advanced technical abilities[1]. You might spend hours building a flawless predictive model, but if you can’t present your findings clearly, your work will gather dust. On the flip side, if you can break down complex concepts into simple, actionable insights, you become indispensable. Think about it: actuaries don’t just crunch numbers; they influence company strategy, pricing, and risk management. Your ability to communicate effectively determines whether your ideas get heard—and implemented.

Practical examples:
Imagine you’re presenting a new pricing model to your company’s leadership. Instead of drowning them in equations, focus on the “so what?”—how will this model affect profits, customer satisfaction, or risk exposure? Use analogies, visuals, and plain language. One actuary I know prepared a one-page summary with a simple chart and three bullet points for every major project. His bosses loved it, and he quickly became the go-to person for high-stakes presentations.

Actionable advice:
Start practicing now. Join a club, take a public speaking course, or volunteer to present your school projects. Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles explaining actuarial concepts in everyday language. The more you practice translating numbers into stories, the more natural it will feel. And don’t forget about written communication—clear, concise emails and reports are just as important as polished presentations.

Personal insight:
Early in my career, I struggled to explain my work to non-technical colleagues. It wasn’t until I started mentoring interns and teaching workshops that I truly improved. Teaching forces you to simplify without dumbing down—a skill that pays off in meetings, emails, and even job interviews.

Technical Agility: Beyond Spreadsheets #

Yes, you need to know your way around Excel. But in 2025, that’s just the beginning. Programming skills in Python, R, or SQL are increasingly expected, even at the entry level[1]. The ability to automate tasks, analyze large datasets, and create visualizations doesn’t just make you faster—it makes you a problem-solver.

Why it matters:
More than 70% of actuarial employers specifically ask for Excel experience, but many are also looking for candidates who can code[2]. Why? Because the world is drowning in data, and companies need people who can extract meaningful insights quickly. If you can build a script to clean and analyze data, you’ll save hours of manual work—and free up time for more interesting, strategic tasks.

Practical examples:
Let’s say your team needs to analyze claims data from the past five years. Instead of copying and pasting in Excel, you write a Python script that pulls the data, cleans it, and generates a report automatically. Not only do you finish the job faster, but you also reduce the risk of errors. Another example: you use R to create interactive dashboards that let your managers explore trends on their own. Suddenly, you’re not just a number cruncher—you’re a data storyteller and a time-saver.

Actionable advice:
Don’t wait until you land a job to learn these skills. Start with Excel—master functions like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables, and conditional formatting[4]. Then, pick a programming language (Python is a great starting point) and work through online tutorials. Try to apply what you learn to real-world problems, even if it’s just analyzing your own spending habits or sports statistics. Join coding clubs, contribute to open-source projects, or build a portfolio of small projects to show employers.

Personal insight:
I’ll never forget the first time I automated a monthly report. It took me a weekend to learn enough Python to write the script, but it saved me hours every month after that. My manager noticed, and soon I was asked to train others. That small win opened doors to more interesting projects and faster promotions.

Adaptability and Collaboration: Thriving in a Changing World #

The actuarial profession isn’t static. Regulations change, markets shift, and projects take unexpected turns. The ability to adapt—to learn new tools, adjust to new teams, and stay calm under pressure—is a huge asset. So is the ability to work well with others, whether it’s IT, finance, or marketing.

Why it matters:
Actuaries rarely work in isolation. You’ll collaborate with underwriters, data scientists, product managers, and executives. Being easy to work with, open to feedback, and willing to pitch in where needed can make you a favorite on any team. Adaptability is equally important. The best-laid plans often go awry, and the ability to pivot without panic is a hallmark of successful professionals[1].

Practical examples:
Suppose your company adopts a new regulatory framework halfway through a project. Instead of complaining, you quickly research the changes, update your models, and communicate the impact to your team. Or, maybe you’re assigned to a cross-functional team launching a new insurance product. You don’t just focus on your piece—you learn about marketing, customer experience, and IT systems, making you a more valuable contributor.

Actionable advice:
Seek out opportunities to work on group projects, both in school and in internships. Volunteer for tasks outside your comfort zone, and ask for feedback regularly. Practice active listening and empathy—understand what your colleagues need, not just what you want to tell them. When things go wrong (and they will), focus on solutions, not blame.

Personal insight:
Early in my career, I was assigned to a project with a tight deadline and a constantly changing scope. It was stressful, but by staying flexible, asking for help when needed, and keeping the team’s morale up, we delivered on time. That experience taught me that technical skills are necessary, but soft skills are what help you survive and thrive.

Building Your Edge: Where to Start Today #

You don’t have to wait until you’re hired to start building these skills. In fact, the earlier you begin, the bigger your advantage will be. Here’s how you can get started right now, even if you’re still in school or just beginning your job search.

For communication:
Join your school’s debate club, toastmasters, or a writing group. Offer to present your research at conferences or departmental meetings. Start a blog or LinkedIn series where you explain actuarial concepts in plain language. Every time you explain something complex to a friend or family member, you’re practicing a crucial career skill.

For technical agility:
Take online courses in Excel, Python, R, or SQL—many are free or low-cost. Work on personal projects, like analyzing public datasets or building simple apps. Participate in hackathons or data science competitions. These experiences not only build your skills but also give you concrete examples to talk about in interviews.

For adaptability and collaboration:
Seek out group projects, internships, or volunteer roles that require teamwork. Try working in different industries or roles through part-time jobs or internships—exposure to diverse environments makes you more adaptable. Practice giving and receiving feedback, and learn to stay calm when plans change.

Real Stories: How These Skills Land Jobs #

You might be wondering, “Do these skills really make a difference?” Absolutely. I’ve seen candidates with fewer exams passed land great jobs because they showcased strong communication, technical, and teamwork skills. One student I mentored had only passed one exam but had built a portfolio of data analysis projects, volunteered as a tutor, and led a student organization. She stood out in interviews because she could talk about real problems she’d solved and teams she’d worked with—not just exam scores.

Internships are another great proving ground. Many companies offer internships to students who haven’t passed any exams yet, as long as they demonstrate curiosity, technical ability, and a willingness to learn[6]. These opportunities can lead to full-time offers, especially if you make a strong impression with your non-exam skills.

The Bottom Line #

Exams are important, but they’re not everything. In 2025, entry-level actuaries who combine exam success with strong communication, technical agility, and adaptability will have a clear edge. These are the skills that help you solve real problems, work effectively with others, and grow into leadership roles. Start building them now—take on projects, seek feedback, and never stop learning. The actuarial profession is evolving, and the most successful newcomers will be those who evolve with it.

Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. The skills you build today will pay off for years to come. So, go beyond the exams. Be curious, be collaborative, and be clear. That’s how you’ll stand out—and go far—in the world of actuarial science.