Professional bodies: helping your graduate insurance or actuarial career

Membership of a professional body gives you the tools you need for a successful graduate career in financial services, and it might even be compulsory if you want to progress. Here's a snapshot look at the four key industry bodies.

The Actuarial Profession

Who's it for? The Actuarial Profession runs the official qualifications for those wishing to become world-recognised professional actuaries. Students will probably be working in financial services institutions such as actuarial consultancies; pensions, general insurance or life assurance organisations; or banks.

Further information:

ifs School of Finance

Who are they for? The ifs School of Finance provides financial education for both those working within the financial services industry and consumers. Its qualifications include:

  • Professional Certificate in Banking
  • Foundation Degree in Banking Practice and Management
  • Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management
  • BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management
  • MSc in Banking Practice and Management.

Further information:

Training in depth: For more details on specific courses, modules, recommended study time and career development by area of work see Professional qualifications in focus or pick up a free copy of TARGETjobs City & Finance from your careers service.

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

Who are they for? The Chartered Insurance Institute aims its qualifications largely at those working in the insurance industry with aspirations to move up into management or generally fast track their careers. It also produces a number of other certificates for financial services professionals. Exam subjects include:

  • Insurance – reinsurance; aviation and space insurance; cargo and goods in transit insurances; insurance business and finance; and insurance law.
  • Financial planning – personal tax; investment principles, markets and environment; trusts; and financial planning process.

Further information:

Pensions Management Institute (PMI)

Who are they for? PMI facilitates training for those working in pension scheme management, consultancy, administration, trusteeship and international benefits. The Institute offers four grades of membership that guarantee national recognition of knowledge and expertise. It also offers an intensive annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme to all qualified members, ensuring the maintenance of professional standards throughout the pensions industry. Qualifications include:

  • Retirement Provision Certificate
  • Diploma in International Employee Benefits
  • Advanced Diploma (the most widely studied qualification by graduates).

Further information:

 

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