Landing an actuarial internship is a huge milestone—it’s your first real taste of the profession, a chance to apply classroom knowledge, and often the springboard to your first full-time job. But getting the internship is only half the battle; how you approach those weeks or months can shape your entire career trajectory. Whether you’re starting your first internship or looking to make the most of a future opportunity, there are concrete steps you can take to stand out, learn as much as possible, and set yourself up for long-term success. Let’s walk through five actionable tips—drawn from industry veterans, recent interns, and my own experience—that will help you maximize your actuarial internship.

Build Technical Skills Before You Start #

One of the biggest surprises for many actuarial interns is just how much technical work is involved. Sure, you’ve taken math and stats classes, but real-world actuarial work often revolves around software like Excel, R, Python, SQL, and specialized actuarial modeling tools. If you can walk in with even basic proficiency in these, you’ll hit the ground running.

For example, I remember a fellow intern who spent a few weekends before her start date brushing up on Excel macros and VBA. On her first day, she was able to automate a repetitive data task that had been taking her team hours each week. Not only did this make her indispensable, but it also gave her the confidence to tackle bigger projects later on.

Most employers expect you to have some technical chops, but they also understand you’re there to learn. Don’t panic if you’re not an expert—just be proactive. Take free online courses, work through tutorials, or even replicate analyses from your classes using real-world data sets. The more comfortable you are with data and software, the more value you’ll bring to your team[4].

Pass Actuarial Exams—But Don’t Stop There #

It’s no secret that passing actuarial exams is a major differentiator. Most competitive candidates have passed at least one or two exams before their internship, and some companies view this as a baseline requirement[2]. But here’s the thing: exams alone won’t guarantee success. They’re a signal of your commitment and quantitative ability, but employers also care about how you apply that knowledge.

I’ve seen interns with three exams under their belt struggle because they lacked communication skills or couldn’t work effectively in a team. Conversely, I’ve seen interns with just one exam shine because they asked smart questions, collaborated well, and showed genuine curiosity about the business.

So, by all means, study for those exams. But also work on your soft skills—communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. And if you’re still in school, take courses that stretch you beyond pure math: business, finance, or even public speaking can give you an edge[1].

Network Relentlessly—Inside and Outside Your Team #

Actuarial internships are as much about building relationships as they are about technical work. The people you meet—fellow interns, mentors, managers, even folks in other departments—can become lifelong professional connections.

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to set up “coffee chats” with as many full-time employees as possible. These informal conversations are goldmines for career insights. Ask about their career paths, what they love (and don’t love) about their jobs, and what skills have been most valuable. You might discover that consulting isn’t for you, or that you’re fascinated by a niche area like predictive modeling or regulatory work[7].

Don’t just network vertically, either. Connect with other interns. Some of my closest friends in the industry started as fellow interns, and we’ve leaned on each other for job leads, study tips, and moral support ever since.

And here’s a practical tip: keep a list of everyone you meet, along with a few notes about your conversation. A quick follow-up email or LinkedIn message can solidify the connection and keep the door open for future opportunities.

Communicate Clearly and Often #

Actuarial work is highly collaborative. You’ll be explaining complex concepts to non-actuaries, presenting findings to managers, and working on cross-functional projects. Clear, concise communication is a must—and it’s a skill that many new interns underestimate.

I’ll never forget the intern who, when asked to explain a technical finding to a marketing team, started with, “Let me walk you through what we found in plain English.” He broke down the analysis into simple terms, used relatable examples, and even sketched out a quick diagram. The team not only understood his work but also trusted him more for future projects.

Practice explaining your coursework or projects to friends or family who aren’t in the field. Pay attention to feedback—are you using too much jargon? Are you getting to the point quickly? These small habits will pay off when you’re in the office.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything on day one. In fact, asking thoughtful questions shows engagement and curiosity—qualities that employers value highly[8]. If you’re stuck, speak up early. Most teams would rather help you course-correct than watch you struggle in silence.

Keep a Journal and Reflect Regularly #

Internships fly by. Between new projects, meetings, and networking events, it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve learned—and what you want to learn next. That’s why I always recommend keeping a journal or log of your internship experience[3].

Jot down the tasks you complete, the skills you practice, and the feedback you receive. Note any “aha” moments, challenges, or questions that come up. Not only will this help you remember details for future interviews or reports, but it will also let you track your growth over the summer.

For example, one intern I know reviewed her journal at the end of each week. She noticed that she was spending a lot of time on data cleaning but wanted more exposure to modeling. She brought this up with her manager, who then assigned her to a new project that aligned with her goals.

If your internship is part of a university program, you may be required to submit a final report. A well-kept journal will make this process much smoother. But even if it’s not required, this habit will serve you well throughout your career.

Actuarial internships are a unique blend of learning, networking, and proving yourself in a professional setting. By focusing on technical preparation, exam progress, networking, communication, and reflection, you’ll not only survive your internship—you’ll thrive.

Remember, this is just the beginning. The relationships you build, the skills you develop, and the insights you gain will shape your career for years to come. So go in curious, work hard, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. The actuarial profession is challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities—your internship is the perfect place to start exploring them all.