Posted On: July 8, 2009, 7:08 pm CDT

Posted By: Stew Sawyer

Some 45 years ago, I joined the actuarial ranks as a math major looking for work. We had no desktop computers or even hand held calculators - just the 100 key Marchants for us!! My first desk top computer was an Oliveti Underwood Programma 101 with a total memory of 11 3 digit registers that printed on adding machine tape. Even so, I used it to make personal auto rates for all territories in California in record time! After spending 23 years as a company actuary and then 22 more as a broker actuary, I have learned a couple more things than have been so wonderfully outlined by the many comments on this article.

Actuarial Science is not, it is an art.

Underwriters can be smarter than actuaries ... sometimes!

Past history is not always a good measure of what is to come

Deal only with clients that are ethical, it will save you a lot of grief and the others are not worth the time.

Always let the golden rule be your guide.

The client is always right, at least as long as they are a client, but know when to cut the cord!!

Never, ever do professional work for free - your time is too valuable.

The person that cheats to get the business is your best reference to get the business back.