re: Anybody know anything about Actuaries?

I don't think we have any actuaries/actuarial analysts that frequent here so ill give it a go based on researching it myself several years ago.

If he has a semi-quantitative degree or background, there really isn't a need to go back to school for an MS. If he has a decent GPA he should be able to land an entry level gig as long as he is willing to relocate.

The exam process is hella rigorous. Think 5-10 years of CFA exams. He'll work 40-50 hours a week but will probably have to study an additional 20 hours a week consistently if he wants to progress. And progression is apparently important to some firms. It sounded common to include this into people's performance reviews.

From what I here, the work itself isn't too demanding, unless you're a consultant. If you work for an insurance company, the work seemed pretty straight forward. I've heard some call it boring. He'll be a spreadsheet jockey for the first few years but afterwards it seems the work gets more interesting (relatively speaking).

As I said earlier, he will have to be willing to relocate. The jobs are sparsely scattered all across the country but seem to concentrate in Chicago, NYC, ATL, and Conneticut (for reasons I don't understand).

Personally, I was all for it but I didn't want to sign my life away to take the exams. I was already in my MS program and had two small kids, so I was ready to be done with school. But I think I would have liked the work.

Just my two cents based on a little research. Good luck to your bud.