It's a very challenging career. You need to be a top class mathematician- certainly a good maths degree-and after your degree the actuarial exams are very stretching/demanding and can take 4-5 years to complete. But once you pass the money will be very good and you will be in demand. Some actuaries are just number crunchers but most companies who have invested in training actuaries will rely on them to play a leading role in financial, insurance, investment and risk management matters. Have a look at teh Institute of Actuaries website and read their magazine... and see if the field appeals to you