Actuary

If you graduate in Commerce, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, etc.? If you have answered with a yes, then you can pursue a career in investment banking. While most companies prefer graduates there is no need to worry even if your answer is no. Undergraduates can also undergo training and join as Analysts in IB and move up the career ladder. Tips to help with your investment banking career:
1. Research your IB career path: Experience counts in this field and if you can do an internship while finishing your graduation it is a very good way to get a feel of the career. Small and large banks do offer internships and based on your performance could make a job offer.
2. Research and learn all about the concepts and skills required: Reading books like MarketWatch and DealBook help you keep track of the latest trends in IB. Prepare your resume and keep handy some interesting examples and trends that you can link into your answers to impress the interviewer. Develop your personality traits and soft skills like communication skills, objective quantitative tests etc. To help with the interview rounds.
3. Do a relevant course: Doing the financial and investment banking course at the reputed Imarticus Learning helps greatly. Besides your academic qualification, major subjects adding on these courses goes a long way to help you specialize in IB.
4. Judge what the recruiter is looking for: No one has all the right answers. Remember to pay attention to what the recruiter wants from you and answer honestly projecting a well-rounded persona with consistent planning to achieve your career goal. Showcase your internships, certifications and relevant experience to improve your chances. Focus on what the jobs taught you, what you liked and did not in them. Build up skills that you may be lacking like your language and communication skills.
5. Network: IB is about who you know and how well you can maintain relationships. LinkedIn, Facebook, alumni networks and professional finance forums are good to advertise your efforts in.

The entrance exam ACET there are 15 subjects/exams:
9 in the CT series,
3 in the CA series,
2 (options available) in the ST series, and
1 (options available) in the SA subject. For one to clear all these, it'd theoretically take at least 2.5-3 years. However, rarely anyone would complete it in that time. Also, for full qualification (fellowship of the Institute), work-based experience for three years is necessary. Thus, 3 years is a theoretical lower bound. Having said that, most people generally take 5-7 years or even more to become a fully qualified actuary. Some people don't manage to clear all subjects ever, even after giving exams for 10-12 years.