News Type: News

Apply for the 2019 CAGNY Scholarship

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Application deadline is April 15, 2019

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the scholarship is to further students’ interest in the property/casualty actuarial profession and to encourage the pursuit of the Casualty Actuarial Society designations.

ELIGIBILITY:
The CAGNY Scholarship Program is available to any U.S. or Canadian citizen or holder of a permanent resident visa who is currently a full-time student at a U.S. or Canadian college or university, and will attend a U.S. or Canadian college or university as a full-time student for the 2019-2020 academic year. An applicant must have demonstrated high scholastic achievement and strong interest in pursuing an actuarial career in the property/casualty insurance industry.

Preference will be given to applicants native to the Greater New York area or attending universities in the Greater New York area.

PROCEDURE:
An application is considered complete when it includes:

  1. The CAGNY Scholarship application, along with the requested essay.
  2. The recommendation form included with this application, preferably completed by an instructor who knows the applicant well.
  3. A current official transcript.

Completed applications are due by April 15, 2019. Winners will be notified during May 2019 and will be invited to attend the CAGNY spring meeting in May in New York City.

AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP:
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual merit. In the last several years awards have typically ranged from $1,000 to $3,000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Halina Smosna
CAGNY Education Chair
Casualty Actuarial Society
4350 N. Fairfax Drive
Suite 250
Arlington, Virginia 22203

Or E-mail: CAGNY@casact.org

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2019 IABA Scholarship and Boot Camp Applications are now available!

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The International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) has recently launched its Scholarship and Boot Camp applications!

The application deadline for both programs is March 31, 2019.

IABA Scholarship

The IABA Scholarship Program provides scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate level for black students who are interested in pursuing actuarial careers.

In 2018, IABA awarded $114,000 to 36 students.  The scholarship award (ranging from $3,000 – 5,000) also includes a trip to IABA’s Annual Meeting and a stipend for passing exams during the award period.  Many scholarships also come with an internship or entry-level offer from some of the industry’s leading employers.

Eligibility info: http://www.blackactuaries.org/page/Eligibility

Application info: http://www.blackactuaries.org/page/ScholarshipApplicat

IABA Boot Camp

The IABA Actuarial Boot Camp is the premier program for transitioning black actuarial students to the actuarial industry. The majority of our past attendees report that the Boot Camp was instrumental in confirming their interest in the career and helping them through the interview process. In many cases, they were introduced to their employer through their Boot Camp participation.  Visit the website for more information (https://www.blackactuaries.org/page/2019IABABootCamp)

Eligibility & application info: http://www.blackactuaries.org/general/custom.asp?page=BootCampApplication

If you have any questions, please contact IABA’s Executive Director, Kate Weaver, at iaba@blackactuaries.org.

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Honoring This Year’s CAS Trust Scholarship Recipients

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Every year during the CAS Annual Conference, the recipients of the CAS Trust Scholarship are recognized in person and presented with an over-sized check by the CAS President. This year was no exception! Ann Pogrebitskiy – awarded $10, 000, and Kristen Marshall – awarded $5,000, traveled to Las Vegas for the event, and are each pictured below with CAS President Brian Brown.  Adam Lathan – awarded $5,000, was unable to attend the conference, so we surprised him with his check during a Gamma Iota Sigma meeting on campus, with the help of CAS Student Ambassador Jack Richards.

Ann Pogrebitskiy

Ann, this year’s $10,000 award recipient is a junior at The University of Nebraska – Lincoln double majoring in actuarial science and finance and minoring in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. “My experience receiving the Trust Scholarship at the 2018 CAS Annual Meeting was nothing short of amazing. Simply being in the presence of such a wide array of accomplished actuaries and getting the opportunity to connect with and hear stories from them broadened my view on the profession I have chosen and illustrated paths that I didn’t even know existed. Being honored by Brian Brown on the same stage that, less than an hour later, had dozens of new CAS Fellows walking across it inspired me and gave renewed motivation in my exam progress.”

Kristen Marshall

Kristen, recipient of a $5,000 award, is a senior at Illinois State University working towards a major in actuarial science and a minor in risk management & insurance. “I would like to thank the Casualty Actuarial Society as a recipient of the Trust Scholarship for the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting in Las Vegas last month. I left with even a greater excitement for my future career after meeting many new faces and learning about the challenges facing the actuarial profession.”

 

 

Adam Lathan

Adam, recipient of a $5,000 award, is a student at Drake University majoring in actuarial science, data analytics and information systems. “I would like to say how wonderful it was being recognized on campus. Being unable to attend the annual meeting, it was tremendous having some of Drake’s most outstanding students recognize me at an actuarial event. I am continually enthralled by all the support from the CAS and Drake University over these last several months.”

For more information on how to apply for the 2019 – 2020 CAS Trust Scholarship, please view the announcement.

Applications are open through January 31, 2019. Don’t miss your chance to be one of the next CAS Trust Scholarship recipients!

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2019 CAS University Award Program – Now Accepting Applications

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At the CAS, we’re passionate about the unique role that universities play in advancing the body of knowledge of actuarial science, especially within property and casualty insurance.  We are pleased to announce that the CAS is now accepting applications for the 2019 CAS University Award Program. The program, now in its fourth year, will recognize colleges and universities that excel in exposing students to the property and casualty insurance industry in innovative ways, with a focus on Curriculum, Research, or Engagement.

The CAS University Award Program promotes and celebrates the award winners, and facilitates the sharing of ideas within the academic community. Up to three schools will be honored through the CAS University Award Program. The winning schools will each receive substantial recognition, such as on the CAS website and in a press release, as well as a monetary award of $5,000 to further enhance their programs.

The application deadline is March 15, 2019 and winners will be announced by June 1, 2019.

We are seeking applications from schools that demonstrate innovation in exposing students to property and casualty topics in any of the following focus areas:

  • Curriculum: Innovative classes or coursework offered that facilitate the understanding of property and casualty insurance topics.
  • Research: Production of research in the field of property and casualty insurance; innovative opportunities to pursue property and casualty research.
  • Engagement: Unique ways of fostering connections to the property and casualty industry through events or partnerships with property and casualty employers and organizations. 

These are just a few examples of ways that schools can demonstrate their commitment to enhancing education and research in the property and casualty insurance industry. Applicants are welcome to provide examples outside of those outlined. Additionally, applicants do not need to demonstrate innovation in every one of the focus areas. Our 2018 CAS University Award Program winners included Arizona State University, Renmin University of China, and The University of Texas at Austin.

Application Instructions:
Applicants can access the 2019 CAS University Award Program Application Form online using their CAS login/password credentials. Applicants requiring CAS login credentials should contact Tamar Gertner, CAS University Engagement Manager for assistance.

CAS University Award Program Timeline 
Application Deadline: March 15, 2019
Announcement of Winners: June 1, 2019
Recognition at CAS Annual Meeting in Hawaii: November 10-13, 2019

Please direct questions about the CAS University Award Program to Tamar Gertner, CAS University Engagement Manager, at Tgertner@casact.org.

The CAS University Engagement Committee has implemented a three year waiting period before winners of the CAS University Award may reapply for the award. See complete list of winners from previous years.

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Attend the Drake Symposium on Insurance

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Learn about the Drake Symposium on Insurance, the premier student actuarial conference hosted in Des Moines, Iowa on April 12-14, 2019.

What is it?

The Drake Symposium is a three-day event focused on developing future actuaries through stimulating discussions on current industry topics and networking events.

Friday evening will consist of a networking event hosted by Coaching Actuaries where students will be able to network with both visiting students and professionals who will be at the conference.

On Saturday, students will attend breakout speaker sessions covering a wide variety of topics from the insurance industry. Students will also convene for keynote speakers at both lunch and dinner, sponsored by the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Society of Actuaries, respectively.

Students will also have the chance to present to the case competition board with prize money available for the top few teams! This will help hone both the participants analytical and presentation skills, further developing them for an actuarial role in the future.

The last day will consist of another networking opportunity to connect with both visiting students and Drake University students, wrapping up by midday.

Who is it for?

The Drake Symposium is geared towards any actuarial student looking to learn more about the industry and make invaluable connections. Students may see if their local actuarial club or Gamma Iota Sigma chapter have members to send, helping reduce costs. Students can also register individually. A hotel room block ($120/night) has been reserved at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown for April 12-14, please contact gammaiotasigma@drake.edu for the link.

What does it cost?

Registration to the Symposium costs $30 per person before February 22, and $35 per person until March 8.

Want more information?

Find it here!
https://www.drakesymposium.com

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Applications Open for Summer Internships at the Government Accountability Office

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The Government Accountability Office has summer internship opportunities for analysts in various cities throughout the US. Application deadlines are coming up January 2019! See details:

Analyst Interns

–        This job closes January 8, 2019. Locations include HQ, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Huntsville, Los Angeles, Norfolk, Oakland and Seattle

–        Note:  this job will close upon receiving 1000 applications which may be sooner than the closing date

–          This job closes January 8, 2019. Locations include HQ, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Huntsville, Los Angeles, Norfolk, Oakland and Seattle

–          Note: This job will close upon receiving 1000 applications which may be sooner than the closing date

 Internal Operations/ARM/OGC Interns

  • Summer Internal Operations Intern announcement:   Note, each of the following announcements will close January 3, 2019 or upon receiving 500 applications.

–          GS-7/9 HQ              https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/518365000

–          GS-4 HQ                  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/518365100

–          GS-7/9 Chicago      https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/518365500

–          GS- 4 Chicago         https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/518365800

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Cybersecurity for Everyone

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Cyber risks are ever-present in our day-to-day lives and they continue to grow rapidly. Hackers take advantage of constantly evolving technology to find new ways to access the private data of major companies.

For companies, it is less expensive to invest in cybersecurity than it is to clean up after a data breach. Without adequate levels of cybersecurity, companies not only experience the cost of a data breach, but also a loss of reputation and drop in stock prices.

Cyber risks can affect all forms of technology. Employees should understand security issues and how their behaviors can increase or reduce security risks.

What Companies Should Do

While an IT department can use evolving technologies to stop advanced attacks, human factors are really the key to protecting companies’ data. Simply throwing more money and resources at cybersecurity is not the answer. What is most important is to create a culture of cybersecurity at work and make cybersecurity everyone’s business. To truly reduce their cyber risks, companies must work towards being proactive rather than reactive.

Ensuring security measures is not solely the responsibility of the security team. The change should start at the top and cybersecurity should be considered an integral part of business. Companies should provide ongoing cybersecurity education and training to their employees and enforce effective security policies.

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What Employees Should Do

Research shows that the biggest risk is employee negligence.  Effective cybersecurity requires the involvement of everyone all the time.  Employees are the company’s first firewall. Technology and law enforcement are all important, but employees need to adhere to security policies.

While ongoing employee education, training, and reviews are very important for cybersecurity at work, the focus should be on individual responsibility. Employees must follow basic practices to protect the company and its data. Every employee needs to know about online security and start with the tools they use every day. In actuality, putting time and attention into cyber security is more convenient than it seems. The key is to follow some basic tips.

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Basic Tips

Develop strong passwords and change passwords often. Employees tend to use the same password for everything. Eliminating weak or redundant passwords is the first step employees should take. One employee’s weak password has the potential to compromise, not only the company’s data, but also the data of those serviced by the company.

Think twice before logging on to an open Wi-Fi network. Many employees travel frequently for business. If connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is absolutely necessary, use a VPN.

Think before you click. Phishing emails don’t always come from strangers. Often they can come from friends and colleagues. If you receive a request for sensitive information, contact the sender by phone to confirm. Check the display name to see if the domain matches the name. In a fraudulent email, these will not match. Hover over links to fully read domains exchanged through email.

Keep your applications updated. Sometimes employees are just lazy and choose convenience over security. Employees can get annoyed by reminders to update their applications because they think these updates are just optional. These updates are to ensure necessary security features, which make it harder for hackers to attack.

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How I Succeeded on My Path to Becoming an Actuary and How you Can too

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We invited CAS member Carlo Lahura, ACAS, to share his advice on being a successful actuarial student. Carlo is an expert in this subject, as he was able to graduate with a 3.8/4.0 GPA, held five actuarial internships, served five terms as actuarial club president, and passed 7 actuarial exams, all while earning his university degree!

Hola!

My name is Carlo, and I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2017 as Valedictorian with a wealth of experience on my resume. I currently work with EY’s P&C practice in Chicago as an Actuarial Consultant.

After having talked with numerous other successful graduates who managed to balance large commitments, as well as reflecting back on my own university experience, I believe the following 3 mindsets are crucial for ensuring your wild university success:

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1. DO NOT AVOID SACRIFICES.

Your success is proportional to how much you’re willing to sacrifice. I sacrificed nearly my entire social life in university to accomplish what I did. I will NEVER regret that.

I found that making an impact on the lives of thousands of people through my 5 club Presidencies was more meaningful and fun to me than traditional socializing. I still socialized within extracurricular activities – with my team members.

Extracurricular activities gave me some of the most amazing life experiences I’ve had thus far and I’ve met some of my closest friends through there. Absolutely zero regrets.

Think hard on how large you want your success to be, and be ready to sacrifice an amount proportional to it.

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2. EMBRACE FAILURE.

Failure is one of the greatest successes we can have in life:

  • I was rejected over 100 times for my first non-actuarial internship.
  • I’ve struck out at networking sessions more times than I can count.
  • I was rejected by EY actuarial at the interview stage in my junior year.

Look – failures are not failures UNLESS we don’t learn from them. Avoiding failure usually leads to engaging only in low-risk endeavors (low risk of failure), which are guaranteed to be outperformed by high-risk endeavors in the long-term.

The most successful people I’ve seen are the ones who keep on aiming high and, when they inevitably fail, they learn what went wrong and try again, 5 times harder.

I’ve learned from every one of my failures. They are the main reason why I got to where I am today.

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3. WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

How do you get back up when life knocks you down? Easy. You need to know what your WHY is.

You need to ask yourself what drives you!!! Do you want to make your parents proud? Do you have something you want to prove?

You need to seriously think about why you are doing what you’re doing.

We don’t get to choose when we get knocked down in life. But we sure do have the choice of getting back up or not.

When life knocks me down, I choose to get back up every single time. No matter how much it hurts. No matter how difficult it is.

Why? I get back up because my WHY is that I want to make a true impact in the world. I will grind for my entire life until this goal becomes a reality.

Remember this: life cannot beat what doesn’t give up.

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I want to make it clear that I don’t believe I am a “special” actuary. As long as the passion, ambition, and commitment is there, ANYONE can do what I did, and even more.

Well, I hope that helped! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn (I have several popular in-depth articles there on how to achieve success in various areas) and/or Instagram (@actuarial.motivation). I am very active on both platforms, and would love to hear from you there!

All the best in your endeavors!
Carlo Lahura, ACAS

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