Star Wars Actuaries

Do you ever wonder of the relevance of "Star Wars" to us, actuaries in the modern day?

Here’s my research as adapted from the Star Wars Wookieepedia:

/      http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Order

/      http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_training

Please read on and enjoy ....

[Actuaries: The modern day's Jedi Order]


Jedi Order: A noble order of protectors unified by their ability to tap into the power of the Force, the Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice in the Galactic Republic.

To become a Jedi requires the deepest commitment and most serious mind. As such, Jedi training is a serious and rigidly structured programme. Jedi trained constantly to meet the intense requirements of the Jedi Order. Jedi could train in groups or in a Master - Apprentice relationship. The training of students of the Jedi Order changed and evolved over its many millennia of existence, but throughout its history though, the idea of a Master and an Apprentice was consistent and formed an integral part of the Jedi training.

"A Jedi's training in the Force never ends."

> Vodo-Siosk Baas

[Master Yoda teaches lightsabre combat to younglings]



.
Throughout the early history of the Jedi Order, Jedi Knights and Masters would take on numerous apprentices, and train them under a rigorous training programme. A Padawan, Padawan learner, or Jedi Apprentice in Basic, referred to a Force-sensitive adolescent who is trained by experienced Jedi Knight or Jedi Master. Using the term Apprentice to denote their position as a student, many of these students become great Knights and Masters themselves. Training was harsh and difficult, consisting of nearly two decades of tutelage before an apprentice became a full-fledged Jedi Knight.

A Padawan accompanied their Master everywhere, unless seen unfit by the master, from simple tasks to dangerous missions, so that they learned from experience and personal guidance. Continuing their studies outside of the Temple where they had previously spent their entire life, the transition was sometimes difficult, but was just one more step along the Jedi path.

 

[Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi in action]

 .
"It will be a hard life; without remorse, without regret. A path will be placed before you. The choice is yours alone. Do what you think you cannot do. It will be a hard life, but you will find out who you are."
> Qui-Gon Jinn to Anakin Skywalker

So… can you see the parallel below?

/          The Force                               « actuarial science

/          Jedi Order                               « actuarial profession

/          Jedi                                          « actuaries (in general context)

/          Jedi initiate / Youngling            « actuarial student / graduate

/          Jedi apprentice / Padawan     « actuarial interns / associates

/          Jedi Master / Jedi Knight         « actuarial qualified Fellow

/          Jedi path                                  « actuarial qualification / career

/          Jedi training                             « actuarial professional examination

/          Jedi knighthood                       « actuarial fellowship

Actuaries are the modern days Jedi protectors and guardians of financials of an insurance company. Actuaries have the skills to perform complex financial calculations, analyse and manage the financials and risks of an insurance company. They can be in the traditional actuarial roles of pricing, valuation & reporting, ALM / capital management and risk management. However they can also add significant value in non-traditional roles such as marketing, customer analytics, and also broader finance or management roles. The strength and success of an insurance company is highly correlated and attributable to the strength and quality of its actuarial team.

Just like the Jedi path, the path to become a qualified actuary is not easy and takes a lot of commitment, hard work, training and development, but it is a rewarding and noble profession. Getting into the actuarial science course in the university and graduate with an actuarial degree is just the beginning, and you still need to complete the professional examination in order to be fully qualified. We have a structured actuarial development programme and a number of international qualified actuaries in our team, from whom you will  benefit from the exposure, on-the-job training and mentorship. This will greatly support you with the development towards becoming and your career as a professional actuary.

"Hmm, the Force is strong within you..."

> Master Yoda to Luke Skywalker

So, if the Force is strong within you, you think? Come and join our noble actuarial team. Be our future Actuarial Jedi!   
    

May the Force be with you!

Actuarial Jedi Master

All images from Star Wars (http://www.starwars.com/)