If you’re aiming for a career as an actuary, securing an internship is one of the smartest moves you can make early on. Actuarial internships not only give you a peek behind the curtain of insurance, finance, and risk management companies but also provide invaluable hands-on experience that can set you apart when entering the job market. In 2025, the competition for top actuarial internship programs remains fierce, but with so many excellent opportunities available, it’s a great time to explore your options and find the right fit for your goals.
One of the key benefits of an actuarial internship is the chance to apply classroom theory to real-world problems. Interns often work on projects like pricing insurance policies, building predictive models, or assisting in risk analysis. These experiences help develop your technical skills — think Excel, SQL, R, or Python — while also sharpening your communication and business acumen. Many firms also offer mentorship, giving you a chance to connect with seasoned actuaries who can guide you through the exam process and career planning.
When it comes to top programs in 2025, a handful of companies stand out due to their comprehensive training, reputation, and opportunities for growth. For example, Corebridge Financial’s summer internship program in Houston is known for its competitive pay (up to $76,000 annually) and hands-on exposure to life insurance actuarial work. Interns get to work alongside experienced actuaries on projects involving benefits, pricing, and valuation. Success in this program can often lead to full-time offers, which is a huge plus if you’re thinking long-term[1][4].
Similarly, USAA offers a dynamic actuarial internship where interns work on projects like pricing insurance policies, forecasting revenues, and simulating market scenarios. This program is especially appealing for students pursuing degrees in actuarial science, mathematics, or finance. The hands-on nature of the projects, combined with mentorship, provides a well-rounded learning experience. USAA emphasizes the development of both technical skills and professional judgment, preparing interns for the challenges of a full actuarial career[5].
If you’re open to exploring opportunities in property and casualty (P&C) insurance, companies like Capital Insurance Group and Berkley offer internships that focus on pricing, reserving, and analytics. These roles provide a solid foundation in casualty insurance, which is a different but equally important branch of actuarial work compared to life insurance. Interns at these firms often get involved in data science projects, making it a great choice if you’re interested in the intersection of actuarial science and analytics[1].
For those based in the UK or considering international options, firms like Isio and Swiss Re have well-regarded actuarial internship and consulting programs. These programs tend to cover life insurance, pensions, investments, and risk consulting, providing a broad overview of the profession. Swiss Re’s internships also emphasize coding and modeling skills, which are increasingly valuable in today’s actuarial jobs[6].
Aside from company-specific programs, many insurance giants like Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide, and CNA offer actuarial internships with strong training components. These internships usually involve rotations or projects across different actuarial functions, giving you a taste of pricing, valuation, reserving, and analytics. Each program varies slightly, but all aim to prepare interns for the rigorous actuarial exam pathway and future roles within the company[2].
If you’re wondering how to stand out when applying to these internships, here are a few practical tips:
Pass at least one actuarial exam before applying. Many top programs prefer candidates who have cleared Exam P (Probability) or FM (Financial Mathematics). This shows your commitment and ability to tackle actuarial concepts.
Highlight your technical skills. Proficiency in Excel is a must, but familiarity with programming languages like R, Python, or SQL can give you an edge.
Tailor your resume and cover letter. Showcase any relevant coursework, projects, or previous internships. Demonstrate your interest in the actuarial field specifically.
Prepare for behavioral and technical interviews. You might be asked about your problem-solving approach, teamwork experiences, or even to solve actuarial problems on the spot.
Network through actuarial student organizations and events. Many firms recruit through university chapters of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
An important aspect to remember is that internships are not just about technical learning; they’re also about understanding the business context. Actuarial work impacts product pricing, company profitability, and risk management strategies, so the more you grasp the business side, the better you’ll perform and grow.
The actuarial profession is also evolving with technology. Many internships now incorporate data analytics, machine learning, and coding projects. Embracing these tools early can give you a significant advantage. For instance, Swiss Re’s internship emphasizes skills in Microsoft Excel, VBA, Python, and Tableau—tools that are becoming standard in actuarial roles[6].
In terms of compensation, actuarial internships are generally well-paid compared to other internships in finance and insurance. For example, Corebridge Financial offers around $76,000 annually for summer interns, while others like Voya Financial and Capital Insurance Group provide competitive packages around $46,000 to $52,000, depending on location and role[1][4]. This reflects the specialized skill set and demand for actuarial talent.
Lastly, keep in mind that securing an actuarial internship is just one step. Use your internship to build relationships, seek feedback, and learn as much as possible. Many successful actuaries credit their internships as pivotal experiences that helped them clarify their career paths and develop confidence.
If you’re ready to dive in, start researching internship deadlines now, as many top firms open applications in the fall or early winter. Websites like Acturhire, CAS Student Central, and ProActuary Jobs are excellent resources to find updated listings tailored to your interests and location.
In short, the best actuarial internship programs in 2025 combine rigorous technical training, real-world project experience, mentorship, and competitive compensation. Whether you aim to work in life insurance, P&C, consulting, or reinsurance, there’s an internship out there that will help you gain the skills and connections needed to launch a successful actuarial career. Approach your search with focus and enthusiasm, and you’ll find an opportunity that feels like a perfect fit.