The Power of Community

June 17, 2025

As actuaries, we spend a lot of time analyzing risk, forecasting future outcomes, and diving deep into technical work. But one of the most powerful forces in my career hasn’t been a model or a method—it’s been community.

Early in my career, I believed that doing good work within my company was all I really needed to focus on. It took me a few years to realize just how much connecting with others in the actuarial field—through networking and volunteering—could expand not only my professional knowledge but my personal growth as well.

Learning Beyond the Day Job

Talking to actuaries from different practice areas—whether in retirement, life, health, or casualty—has challenged my thinking in the best way. I've learned how others approach familiar problems in unfamiliar ways, and how seemingly unrelated areas of work can influence how I view my own. These insights simply wouldn’t have come if I had stayed in my own professional lane.

And it’s not just about technical knowledge. Through these conversations and connections, I’ve made lifelong friendships, discovered unexpected opportunities, and had the chance to contribute to topics shaping the future of our profession.

1. Getting Started with Community Engagement

If getting involved feels daunting, I want to reassure you—it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few easy ways you can begin to tap into the value of the actuarial community:

Engage on the CCA Communities Site

As a member of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries (CCA), you have access to an online space filled with micro-communities organized by topic or practice area. You can post about an interesting article, respond to a question, or ask for feedback on a challenging issue. The casual yet professional format makes it easy to exchange ideas and build relationships organically.

2. Be Active on LinkedIn

Many of us have LinkedIn profiles, but fewer of us truly use the platform. Sharing your thoughts, engaging with others’ posts, or simply commenting on something insightful can be a great way to build connections and expand your perspective on the industry.

3. Explore the International Actuarial Association (IAA)

While individuals can't directly join the IAA, the CCA is a member—so you have indirect access. You can also join IAA sections (on a subscription basis) to access valuable resources and global volunteer opportunities. A great example of this is the AIForActuaries.org site, a new initiative from the IAA to help actuaries learn and share ideas around AI. It’s a collaborative platform where you can post questions, share tools, and access curated content on artificial intelligence in the actuarial space.

The Value is Real

Community isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a career multiplier. Every connection, every discussion, every shared idea strengthens not only our professional network but the broader actuarial field. I’ve been lucky to find fulfillment, growth, and purpose through this kind of engagement—and I believe you can too.

If you're looking for ways to grow in your career, build relationships, and contribute to a profession that’s constantly evolving, take that first step. Start a conversation, attend a meeting, or just reach out. The community is here—and it’s powerful.

Let’s keep learning from each other. What has the actuarial community done for you? How are you looking to get more involved?