Networking for Actuaries: Conferences, Meetups, and Online
How to build professional connections in the actuarial community through various networking channels.
Why Networking Matters for Actuaries
The actuarial profession is relatively small compared to fields like accounting or software engineering, which makes professional networking both easier and more impactful. Many actuarial job opportunities are filled through referrals and personal connections before they are ever posted publicly. A strong network provides access to job leads, mentorship from experienced professionals, insights into different practice areas and employers, and support during the credentialing process. Whether you are a student seeking your first internship or a credentialed actuary exploring a career change, investing in professional relationships pays dividends throughout your career.
Local Actuarial Clubs and Societies
Nearly every major metro area has a local actuarial club that hosts regular meetings, dinner events, and educational programs. These clubs are affiliated with the SOA, CAS, or both, and membership is typically open to students, exam candidates, and credentialed actuaries. Events range from technical presentations on current topics (such as predictive modeling, climate risk, or regulatory changes) to social gatherings and career panels. Local club events are among the most accessible networking opportunities because they are informal, low-cost, and attended by actuaries at all career stages.
To find your local club, check the SOA and CAS websites for a directory of affiliated organizations. Most clubs welcome student members at reduced or waived dues. Attend regularly rather than just once, since repeated interactions build stronger connections than a single meeting. Volunteer for the club's events committee or student outreach program if you want to deepen your involvement and meet more people.
Professional Conferences and Meetings
The SOA and CAS each host annual meetings that bring together thousands of actuaries from across the country and internationally. These multi-day conferences feature technical sessions, panel discussions, networking receptions, and career fairs. The SOA Annual Meeting and CAS Annual Meeting are the largest gatherings, but specialized meetings such as the SOA Health Meeting, SOA Life and Annuity Symposium, CAS Spring Meeting, and CAS Ratemaking and Product Management Seminar provide more focused networking within specific practice areas.
Many conferences offer student programs at significantly reduced registration rates, sometimes including travel stipends. If your university's actuarial program or your employer will sponsor your attendance, take advantage of the opportunity. Before the conference, review the agenda and identify sessions and speakers relevant to your interests. During networking receptions, introduce yourself to speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees. Have your elevator pitch ready: your name, your current role or student status, your exam progress, and what you are interested in learning more about.
Building Your LinkedIn Presence
LinkedIn is the primary professional networking platform for actuaries. Your profile should include a professional photo, a headline that identifies your role and credentialing status (such as "Actuarial Analyst, ASA Candidate, 3 Exams Passed"), and a summary section that describes your career interests and qualifications. List your passed exams, technical skills, and relevant experience, just as you would on a resume.
Connect with colleagues, classmates, professors, and people you meet at events. When sending a connection request to someone you have not met in person, include a brief personal note explaining why you want to connect. Join actuarial LinkedIn groups and engage with posts by commenting thoughtfully on topics you understand. Sharing articles, commenting on industry trends, or posting about your exam successes keeps you visible in your network's feed and positions you as an engaged member of the actuarial community.
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a conversation with a working actuary for the purpose of learning about their role, their career path, or their employer. This is one of the most effective networking strategies because it builds a personal connection while giving you valuable career information. Most actuaries are willing to spend 20 to 30 minutes talking with a student or early-career professional who expresses genuine interest in their work.
To request an informational interview, send a brief, polite message through LinkedIn or email. Explain who you are, why you are reaching out to them specifically (perhaps you are interested in their practice area or their company), and ask if they would be willing to chat for 20 minutes. Prepare thoughtful questions about their career path, what they enjoy about their work, and any advice they have for someone at your stage. Send a thank-you message afterward and stay in touch periodically.
Networking at Your Workplace
If you are already working in an actuarial role, your workplace provides natural networking opportunities. Build relationships with actuaries in other departments or practice areas by attending internal meetings, volunteering for cross-functional projects, and participating in company social events. Many large insurance companies have internal actuarial clubs or professional development committees that organize events. Getting to know actuaries across the organization helps you understand different career paths within the company and can open doors to internal transfers or new project opportunities.
Mentorship relationships are particularly valuable. Identify a senior actuary whose career path interests you and ask if they would be willing to serve as a mentor. Many companies have formal mentorship programs, but informal mentoring relationships can be equally effective. A good mentor provides career guidance, helps you navigate organizational dynamics, and advocates for your professional growth.
Maintaining Your Network Over Time
Building a network is only the first step; maintaining it requires ongoing effort. Stay in touch with contacts by congratulating them on career milestones (promotions, fellowship, job changes), sharing relevant articles or resources, and reaching out periodically even when you do not need anything specific. Attend industry events regularly to strengthen existing connections and build new ones. The strongest professional networks are built on genuine relationships rather than transactional exchanges, so approach networking as building long-term professional friendships rather than simply collecting contacts.