Further remarks on the Wider Field

Extract

By the courtesy of the editors, I submit some remarks which time did not permit me to utter during the discussion on Mr Spratling's, ‘paper.

At the meeting a member asked why should an actuary engaged in exercising his profession in a Life Office seek employment in the wide open spaces? The answer is, of course, that if his employment provides full contentment—as well as reasonable prospects—there is no earthly reason why he should be adventurous unless, of course, he is inclined that way. For it is an adventure to take on a job in an entirely new and unfamiliar environment, especially in industry, where the tendency is not to bother much about your academic or professional diplomas, and the test is rather what you can contribute to the work and prosperity of the firm.

Now what is it that we can contribute? It takes a good man to stand up to our training and examinations and come through unscathed.