From Actuarial Science to Private Tutoring: Benny’s Journey to Helping Students Succeed

Discovering a New Path

Many people believe that once you choose a university degree, you must follow that path for life. But careers aren’t always linear. Benny is proof that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue your true passion. Initially studying actuarial science, Benny found his calling in education and is now a successful private tutor specialising in math and science.

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What Does a Private Tutor Do?

As a private tutor, Benny works with students from grades 7 to 12 and even some university-level learners. His job isn’t just about teaching formulas and equations; it’s about helping students build confidence and develop problem-solving skills. His role includes:

• Personalized Lessons: Tailoring each session to the student’s specific needs.
• Exam Preparation: Helping students succeed in government and school exams.
• Homework Support: Assisting with assignments and challenging topics.
• Mentoring: Encouraging students to develop independent learning strategies.

A Day in the Life of Benny

Benny’s workday is dynamic and flexible. A typical day might look like this:

• Morning: Lesson planning and reviewing student progress.
• Mid-Morning: Tutoring high school students in math.
• Afternoon: Meeting with parents to discuss progress.
• Late Afternoon: University-level tutoring in physics and calculus.
• Evening: Scheduling sessions and managing business logistics.

This flexibility allows Benny to travel, take breaks during slow seasons, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

How Benny Transitioned to Tutoring

Benny pursued actuarial science because of its financial stability and prestige. However, after an internship, he realized the work didn’t fulfill him. He had always enjoyed helping others learn, so he decided to switch to education. While working as a student teacher, Benny saw that many students needed more one-on-one support than a traditional classroom could offer. That realisation led him to start his private tutoring business.

Challenges and Rewards of Private Tutoring

Like any career, tutoring has its ups and downs. Benny shares the biggest challenges and rewards:

Challenges:

• Fluctuating Income: Demand for tutoring varies, with peak seasons around exam time.
• High Parental Expectations: Parents sometimes expect immediate results.
• Self-Motivation: Running a tutoring business requires discipline and consistency.

Rewards:

• Student Success: Seeing students grasp difficult concepts and gain confidence is incredibly rewarding.
• Flexibility: Benny controls his schedule and can work from anywhere.
• Lifelong Learning: Tutoring keeps him engaged with new teaching methods and curriculum updates.

Advice for Aspiring Tutors

For those considering a tutoring career, Benny offers these tips:

1. Start Small: Offer free or low-cost tutoring to friends and family to gain experience.
2. Network: Build relationships with schools, parents, and other educators.
3. Be Patient: Growing a tutoring business takes time, so expect slow periods.
4. Adapt Your Teaching Style: Every student learns differently, so be flexible.

Benny also stresses the importance of ongoing self-improvement. He regularly reflects on his sessions and stays updated with teaching trends, even leveraging social media platforms like TikTok for creative teaching ideas.

Education and Continuous Growth

Benny’s academic background includes a degree in actuarial science and another in education. His strong math skills from actuarial science combined with his education training give him a unique advantage in tutoring. He also credits his past experiences in retail and customer service for helping him communicate effectively with students and parents.

For aspiring tutors, Benny recommends gaining experience in teaching or mentoring, even in informal settings. He also advises staying informed about curriculum changes and exploring new educational tools.

Final Thoughts

Benny’s career shift from actuarial science to tutoring is an inspiring example of how following your passion can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. His story highlights the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and the willingness to take risks. Whether you’re looking to transition into education or start your own tutoring business, Benny’s journey offers valuable insights.

For more inspiring career stories, be sure to follow our blog and stay tuned for upcoming episodes of A to Z Jobs!