The full-time actuarial student program at Great-West focuses on providing participants with management development as well as technical training. Actuaries are a valuable asset, and Great-West seeks to provide them with opportunities to advance within the organization. Participants can expect to work on meaningful projects that have a direct impact on various lines of business, in an environment that promotes creativity, project ownership and executive interaction.

The program rotates participants among departments every 18 to 24 months, introducing them to the inner workings of each business unit and new development opportunities. Actuarial coordinators work to place participants in areas where they are most likely to succeed and grow professionally.

In Great-West’s mentoring program, each student is paired with an experienced actuary who serves as an adviser, providing guidance on corporate culture and operations and insight on networking, career paths, and exams.

In addition, the actuarial student program offers a competitive salary, a sign-on bonus, competitive study time, exam fees and study materials paid for in advance, paid seminar fees, employee benefits, and relocation assistance for out-of-state participants.

Download our Full-Time Actuarial Student Program brochure.
Apply now for the full-time actuarial student program at Great-West.

What kind of actuarial student is Great-West looking for?
Requirements include:

• Ability and potential to become an officer of the company.
• Commitment and ability to become an FSA (Fellow of the Society of Actuaries).
• Completion of any one SOA (Society of Actuaries) course if the candidate has an actuarial science degree or any two courses without an actuarial degree.
• Completion of the VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirements for the SOA.
• Strong technical, financial, business, and communication skills.

Does Great-West pay relocation costs for actuarial students?
Great-West offers relocation options for qualifying out-of-state full-time actuarial employees, which includes reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses.

What salary could an actuarial student expect at Great-West?
Salaries vary with SOA examination progress and are competitive with the actuarial marketplace. Program participants may be eligible for raises and promotions with each passed actuarial exam.

What type of work does an actuarial student typically perform?
Program participants are placed in one of Great-West’s departments, which could include Individual Markets, Asset Liability Management, 401(k), Investments, or Valuations. A rotation program transitions participants between departments every 18 to 24 months, allowing them to experience a variety of positions and duties and to gain a wider perspective of the company.

The standard work week is 40 hours worked from Monday through Friday, in addition to a normal SOA exam workload. New and rotating actuarial students are expected to quickly learn their positions and utilize their technical skills and background to add value to their department.

New actuarial student employees are likely to report to senior student actuaries or a new FSA.

What type of exam support does Great-West offer?
Great-West offers a very competitive study program with paid time off that varies depending on the exam. Great-West also pays for exam fees and books and actuarial seminars.

Does Great-West organize social events for its actuarial personnel?
Great-West organizes an annual golf day for its actuarial staff and interns at the beautiful Arrowhead Golf Course. Students generally live in metro Denver and close to the Rocky Mountains, giving them a wide choice of social, entertainment, and recreational activities.

When should prospective actuarial students apply?
Resumes are accepted throughout the year, with preference given to previous actuarial interns. Unexpected openings may occur throughout the year and may be filled from industry candidates, submitted resumes, or through actuarial recruiters.

When will program participants be expected to start?
Start dates vary. New hires usually are incorporated into summer student rotations, with preferred start dates from June to August for May graduates. December graduates hired at Great-West generally start shortly after the first of the year.