Guest post by: Stephen Camilli, FSA
I work where I work today because of the people I know. I married who I did because of the people I know. I am who I am today, in large part, because of the people I know. In a meritocratic profession with a stringent exam structure like actuarial science, this fact is sometimes hard to accept.
I have often heard colleagues and leaders from our profession speak of the need to “network”. Yet, for some of us, the word “networking” calls to mind uncomfortable cold calls, self-interested me-focused discussions, and the uncomfortable calculation of “what can this person do for me?” It often flies in the face of the introspective nature of many actuaries.
The definition of networking according to Merriam-Webster is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” This definition has some accuracy to it; however, it still appears to point to seeking out a certain end or benefit to the relationships that you develop.
From my own personal experience, some of my most effective and joyful networking has come about from seeking other individuals with similar interests and having a conversation to get to know one another, without a specific end in mind.
Sometimes this has led to collaboration and sometimes it did not, but it did allow a genuine relationship to be born, which is the best breeding ground for both future collaboration, and your own happiness and fulfillment as a professional. It can also have unexpected and positive consequences both in the short- and long-term.
As the head of an actuarial education company, I saw a need to develop learning resources on microinsurance and Excel. I sought out individuals who were interested in these topics, based on their LinkedIn profiles, or recommendations from colleagues, and had a conversation with them. I value many of the relationships built from that process beyond whatever collaborations came out of the conversations.
Nevertheless, if I look back on this process, this strategy was successful. I was consciously networking, but that networking sought first to establish a relationship, and then to establish a joint project of mutual benefit.
In the early part of my actuarial career, a relationship with a fellow Rotary Scholar with whom I was studying abroad in Argentina led to my job as an international disability insurance actuary in Buenos Aires.
An Ultimate Frisbee group around the same time led to a group of friends that ultimately led to my encounter with my wife and played a role in living where I do today. This wasn’t planned, but the relationships I sought out led to these positive personal and professional outcomes.
So, the next time you want to “network”, seek first to establish a relationship or friendship — seek out someone with a common interest, and get to know them, as an individual, not as a means to an end, and let your conversation lead you where it may.
Stephen Camilli, FSA is the President of ACTEX Learning.
He is passionate about actuarial education, training, and networking.
You can learn more about ACTEX at www.actexmadriver.com.