The IFoA Foundation explores how it is improving diversity in the profession through the Actuarial Mentoring Programme. And four new mentees from across the globe explain why they applied to the scheme.
This year, as part of its commitment to increasing diversity in the profession, the IFoA Foundation funded 10 mentee places on the Actuarial Mentoring Programme.
Mentorship is usually only accessible through participating employer organisations, but this innovation opens up this prestigious scheme to any recent actuarial graduate, anywhere in the world, to support and kickstart early careers.
Following a competitive selection process, 10 mentees were paired with professional actuary mentors, whom they will work with over nine months.
Actuarial Mentoring Programme: mentee stories
Here are some of their stories and reasons for applying for the scheme.
Jiacheng Ge, UK via China and Australia: Coming to the UK as an international student, my access to the UK professional network is quite limited. I am particularly interested in what the actuarial work culture looks like in the UK, and I hope the mentorship will guide me on how to navigate and pave my actuarial career path.
Susan Achieng, Kenya: I am a corporate beginner and so delighted that mentorship at this time is going to streamline my career. It will help me make informed decisions that will be of lifelong impact. My ultimate goal is to volunteer and impact other upcoming actuaries so that we can bridge the shortage of actuaries in the East African region.
Connor Smith, UK: I applied for the scheme as I identify as a gay man and wanted to be part of an inclusive mentorship scheme, as it can be difficult to meet people similar to myself in the actuarial or insurance environment. My main hope is to build lasting connections with my peers and to be a part of the diverse and welcoming environment you facilitate.
Rymon Takudzwa Gurure, Zimbabwe: My mentor is an actuary in the City of London. He is keen to understand the Zimbabwean market and also help me identify areas where I can use my skills to improve our economy. Not only is my mentor assisting me with technical knowledge, he is also supporting me with advice on how to strike a balance between work and my professional exams as a recent graduate.
170 aspiring actuaries applied for the 10 places available on the foundation-funded mentoring scheme. IFoA Foundation trustee Masimba Zata said:
“It was inspiring to see the overwhelming response to our open, global call for recent graduates to apply for our AMP places. Competition for places was intense and it was evident that mentoring support at the point where actuarial students transition from study to the workplace is much needed.
“In response, the IFoA Foundation is looking at ways to expand mentoring opportunities for those who are not yet in employment or do not have a professional network as we see great potential to make the workforce more inclusive this way.”
If you would like to get involved with supporting and mentoring the next generation of actuaries from across the globe, please get in touch at gmfoundation@actuaries.org.uk.
The IFoA Foundation is the charity of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, pursuing the mission, ‘Actuaries Supporting Others’. You can donate at IFoA Giving.
