If you’re gearing up for an actuarial interview, you already know the drill: technical questions, case studies, and, of course, those behavioral questions that can feel both vague and intimidating. But here’s the thing—behavioral questions are your chance to shine. They’re not just about what you know; they’re about how you think, solve problems, and work with others. And when it comes to answering them, the STAR method is your best friend. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use STAR, share five real-life scenarios you’re likely to face, and give you practical tips to turn nervous energy into confident answers.

The world of actuarial science is changing fast, and if you’re aiming for a top internship in 2026, it’s no longer enough to just have a solid GPA and a few math classes under your belt. The competition is fierce, with companies like New York Life, MetLife, and CNO Financial Group seeking interns who not only understand probability and statistics but can also apply programming skills to real-world insurance problems[1][4][8]. Passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Exam P is a great start—it proves you’ve got the foundational probability knowledge—but what really sets you apart is how you combine that exam success with practical coding ability. Here’s how to leverage both to land (and excel in) a 2026 actuarial internship, with real examples, insider tips, and actionable steps you can start taking today.