Casualty Actuarial SocietyCasualty Actuarial Society
 

Volunteers Needed
CAS University Liaison Program

The current demand for entry-level actuaries is quite high, and despite the increase in publicity about the actuarial profession in recent years, the profession is not as well known as other alternatives for mathematically inclined college graduates. It is in the best interests of the CAS to increase its presence on college campuses nationwide, and the University Liaison Program, with the help of CAS volunteers, can help promote the casualty actuarial profession.

Role of the University Liaisons

If the CAS has an existing relationship with a school that a member wishes to work with, volunteers will be provided with an academic contact's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Often, however, members identify schools that the CAS does not already have a relationship with. In this case, liaisons are encouraged to initiate a contact with an academic in a position to reach students qualified for an actuarial career. After a contact with an academic is established, liaisons are asked to provide the CAS Office with their contact's name and address.

When a liaison makes their initial contact with an academic, he/she can offer to:

  • Visit the academic's school to make a presentation to students about the casualty actuarial profession.
  • Recruit speakers to give presentations at classes, math or actuarial club meetings, or career fairs.
  • Be available via e-mail to answer questions about the examination system or a CAS Syllabus reading.
  • Invite general questions about actuarial work or study from students.
  • Be available to conduct informational interviews with students interested in the actuarial profession.
  • Provide students with guidance in course selection appropriate for an actuarial career.
  • Help research internship opportunities in their area and provide guidance for students.
  • Invite students to visit their workplace, if their employer allows.
  • Encourage their contact to join the Academic Correspondent Program and take advantage of the benefits of the program, such as receiving study kits and reviewing the Foundations of Actuarial Science textbook.
  • Review course descriptions and provide consulting on the direction of the school's actuarial science program.
  • Help establish an actuarial club, if none exists.
  • Advise the university on setting up an actuarial curriculum.
  • Help create and stock an actuarial reference corner at the university. The CAS may be able to provide some materials such as a Syllabus, study kits, textbooks, and a current Yearbook.

This is an extensive list that we supply only to serve as a catalyst to help volunteers get started in their role as University Liaisons. Liaisons are encouraged to creatively explore through conversation with their academic contact other possible duties that could advance the actuarial profession and the school curriculum.

Tell us what you are up to as a University Liaison by filling out the UL Log

Resources for University Liaisons

Speaker's Kit

A Speaker's Kit is available for University Liaisons who will be making a presentation to students about the actuarial profession.

The main component of the Speaker's Kit is a PowerPoint presentation. Designed for an audience that knows little about the profession, the presentation covers topics such as:

  • What is an Actuary?
  • What skills are needed to be an Actuary?
  • Where do Actuaries work?
  • What is the career outlook for Actuaries?

The presentation can be downloaded and modified by University Liaisons for their particular needs. In addition to the presentation, the Speaker's Kit includes a request form for liaisons to request a copy of the actuarial career video and color brochures for distribution to students.

The Speaker's Kit is available online through the Be An Actuary Web Site.

Download a Property/Casualty Career Power Point Presentation Template:

ULs can also distribute this handout concerning online resources for students.

University Liaison E-mail List

An e-mail discussion list has been established to facilitate the sharing of ideas among liaisons. In addition, meetings for program participants are often held during the CAS Spring and Annual Meetings to provide a forum for discussing experiences and success stories.

Feedback

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Volunteer Today!

If you are interested in working with a particular school, or if you have an existing relationship with a school but are not already part of the program, please contact Megan O'Neill, Communications Coordinator at the CAS Office (703-276-3100 or moneill@casact.org).