Building a strong network is one of the most valuable investments you can make as an actuary. The actuarial profession, like many others, thrives on relationships—whether it’s for finding your first job, advancing your career, or staying ahead in a constantly evolving industry. But building a meaningful network isn’t just about collecting business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It’s about cultivating genuine connections with the right people who can support you, challenge you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the 10 essential contacts you should have in your actuarial network, along with practical advice on how to build and maintain these relationships.
First, let’s talk about why these contacts matter. Actuarial careers often hinge on specialized knowledge and niche opportunities. According to industry insiders, about 50% of actuarial jobs aren’t even posted publicly—meaning the “hidden job market” is huge, and your network is your key to accessing it[3]. Plus, the actuarial exams are tough and long, and having the right support system can make all the difference in passing and progressing[1]. Now, let’s break down who should be in your corner.
1. A Mentor Who’s Been There Before
Having a mentor—someone experienced who has navigated the actuarial exams and the career path—can save you countless headaches. Mentors provide guidance on study strategies, career decisions, and sometimes offer emotional support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Many professional organizations and companies offer formal mentorship programs, but you can also find mentors informally by reaching out to senior actuaries in your workplace or at industry events[1]. A mentor who knows your goals can give personalized advice, introduce you to other professionals, and even advocate for you.
2. Peers in Your Study Group
Forming or joining a study group is one of the smartest moves you can make during your exam journey. Your study peers understand exactly what you’re going through and can help clarify complex concepts, share resources, and keep you motivated[1]. Beyond exams, these peers often become long-term colleagues or collaborators. The camaraderie helps reduce the isolation that studying for actuarial exams can bring.
3. Hiring Managers and Recruiters
Connecting with recruiters and hiring managers at companies where you’d like to work is crucial. These contacts keep you informed about job openings, hiring trends, and what skills or qualifications are most in demand[3]. Many actuaries overlook this step, but regular engagement—even if you’re not actively job hunting—keeps you on their radar. A simple way to build this contact is by attending career fairs, industry events, or reaching out through LinkedIn with a personalized message.
4. Industry Leaders and Speakers
Attending conferences, seminars, or webinars gives you the chance to meet thought leaders who influence actuarial trends and innovations[1][2]. These connections provide insight into where the profession is heading and sometimes lead to unique opportunities such as project collaborations or speaking engagements. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself after presentations or follow up with a thoughtful message afterward.
5. Former Professors and Academic Contacts
Your university professors and academic advisors can be valuable contacts, especially early in your career. They can write strong recommendations, connect you with alumni in the field, and sometimes notify you about internships or research projects[3]. Maintaining these relationships after graduation through updates or occasional check-ins keeps this network alive.
6. Professional Organization Members
Joining actuarial organizations like the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is a no-brainer for networking. These bodies organize events, committees, and study groups that bring together actuaries from various backgrounds and levels of experience[1][2]. Participating actively—not just holding membership—lets you meet people who share your interests and goals, and often leads to deeper professional bonds.
7. Colleagues in Related Fields
Actuaries often work closely with professionals in finance, data science, underwriting, and risk management. Building contacts in these related areas can broaden your perspective and open interdisciplinary career opportunities[5]. For example, a data scientist colleague might introduce you to new analytical tools, or a finance professional could offer insights into emerging markets.
8. Former Intern Supervisors or Colleagues
If you’ve interned before, keep those connections alive. Intern supervisors and colleagues already know your work ethic and capabilities, making them ideal references or advocates for full-time positions. Even a quick check-in message or sharing your recent achievements can keep you memorable when future opportunities arise[1].
9. Industry-Specific Clients or Partners
For actuaries in consulting or those who aspire to be entrepreneurs, building strong relationships with clients or business partners is essential[2][5]. These contacts can provide steady work, valuable feedback, and referrals. More importantly, they offer practical insights into how actuarial skills impact real-world business decisions.
10. Online Community Members and Forum Contacts
Don’t underestimate the power of online actuarial communities. Forums, LinkedIn groups, and social media channels dedicated to actuarial topics offer a wealth of knowledge and networking possibilities[1][3]. Engaging actively by asking questions, sharing your experiences, or posting updates about your exam progress can attract helpful contacts worldwide. Plus, these platforms often share job leads and industry news faster than traditional channels.
Building and maintaining this network takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here are some actionable tips to help you nurture these relationships:
Be genuine and give back. Networking is a two-way street. Offer your help, share useful information, or introduce people who might benefit from knowing each other[2]. This builds trust and makes your network stronger.
Follow up regularly. Whether it’s a quick thank-you note after a meeting, sharing an interesting article, or congratulating someone on a new role, staying on people’s radar keeps relationships alive[4].
Set clear goals for each interaction. When you meet someone new, think about how you can help each other. This mindset makes conversations more meaningful and less transactional[5].
Attend events consistently. Don’t just show up once. Regular attendance at professional meetings or conferences builds familiarity and credibility.
Use social media thoughtfully. Share your milestones, exam successes, or interesting actuarial news to stay visible in your network. But keep it professional and authentic[6].
Remember, your network will evolve as your career grows. Some contacts will become lifelong mentors, others occasional collaborators. The key is to start building early and nurture your network continuously. With the right contacts by your side, your actuarial journey will be less daunting and more rewarding.