Pioneers Sought for Image of the Actuary Campaign
By Joel Albizo, CAE, Society of Actuaries Managing Director of Marketing and Communications

The Image of the Actuary Campaign Advisory Group is seeking nominations for "pioneers" to help create a more dynamic and relevant image of the profession. Read on to learn more about the image campaign's pioneers program and how you can help your profession grow and prosper. 

  What Is A Pioneer?
Webster's defines a pioneer as "One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle." Think of Lewis and Clark. It also defines a pioneer as "one who opens up new areas of thought, research or development: a pioneer in aviation (or actuarial science)." Think of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

We are looking for both types of pioneers:
Nontraditional sector pioneers. Actuaries who have applied their skills set or "way of thinking" to new, nontraditional roles outside traditional sectors (e.g., insurance, reinsurance, consulting firms). An example might be an actuary who is now an investment analyst, chief risk officer, CEO, or an entrepreneur.

Traditional sector pioneers. Actuaries who have applied their skill sets in nontraditional ways inside the traditional sectors. Examples might include those who have become chief risk officers (or other C-level positions) or been promoted to a senior operational role (e.g., vice president of marketing). It might also include those who have gained greater influence by evolving into more of a business or strategy-consulting role to top management.

How Will Pioneers Help Build The Image Of The Actuary?
According to pre-image campaign research, traditional employers think the profession is narrow and technical and the "broader financial services" (e.g., commercial banks, mutual fund providers) employers don't know or understand the profession. The image campaign (and the marketing of the profession) is based on a belief that the actuarial skills set has value that extends beyond technical analysis and has operational and strategic value to the enterprise that is unrecognized. There are actuaries who are demonstrating this value today and, in so doing, are defying the "narrow and technical" stereotype and modeling the "dynamic and relevant" image we are seeking to promote.

How Will Pioneers Be Utilized?
Pioneers will help to inspire the profession, create practical pathways for career development and, in some cases, make good spokespeople to business leaders. This will be accomplished through exposure via articles, Web sites, and media relations.

How Do I Nominate Pioneers?
Simply forward their names and what makes them a pioneer to Mike Boa at the CAS office. We will follow up on each submission.

What Is The Time Commitment For A Pioneer?
The time commitment is small and will involve communicating some basic information to image campaign staff. Over time we may ask pioneers to consider participating in an interview for an article, a short e-mail survey, a focus group, or a media interview opportunity. Whatever time our pioneers can contribute will be valued.

Read more about the Image of the Actuary Campaign online.