The Younger Actuarial Network "IDEA" Mentoring Program for Protégés

What is the objective of mentoring program?

Provide protégés access to mentors who can serve as a counselor, advisor and confidant to turn to with questions and concerns about personal growth and actuarial profession. The interaction between a mentor and a protégé will promote educational and networking opportunities.

What is an "IDEA" mentoring program sponsored by Younger Actuarial Network?

1. Cultivate Interest in being an Actuary in today's world
2. Provide protégés Direction in various stages of their professional development
3. Educate on new ideas, areas of practice and growth opportunities
4. Spur to Action, encouraging protégés to be proactive and to take responsibility for their professional growth

Minimum Requirements

• A member of the Actuaries of the Future (AOF) Section of the Society of Actuaries by filling out a form below along with $20 annual membership fee
• Contact Michael Watanabe (mwatanabe@pacificguardian.com) to join the Younger Actuaries Network (YAN) Subsection

How does the process work?

1. Contact Ashwini Vaidya at ashwini_a_vaidya@yahoo.com to inform her of your interest. Please attach the following form and a brief note introducing you.
2. We will update our protégé database with your information and will provide you a list of mentors. You will then have the opportunity of choosing up to 2 at a time. .
3. Once the mutual interest in proceeding is confirmed, we will provide you the protégé's profile and contact information. The rest is up to you! If you prefer, we can facilitate the first meeting for you.
4. Periodically, we will contact you to get your feedback on how the mentor-protégé relationship is working. Please feel free to contact Ashwini with comments, concerns and questions.

Ground Rules for Protégés

• Consider relevant experience, external interests and location for mentor selection criteria
• Play a partnership role with your mentor in your own development
• Respect each other's knowledge, time and commitments
• Be sensitive and responsive to the goals, needs and perspectives of the other
• Maintain confidentiality on discussions between you and your mentor
• Mutually hold expectations and agree upon mentoring activities
• Do not expect the mentor–protégé relationship to guarantee you a job with the mentor's organization
• Free and honest expression
• Have fun

Guidelines for Protégés

1. You will initiate the first meeting or contact with your mentor. Phone or email will be the most effective way for communication. However, it is important to set aside a specific time to interact face–to–face.
2. Before communicating with your mentor, take some time to think about what you want from the mentoring relationship.
3. The first e–mail should be kept friendly and light if possible. This is a time for the mentor to get to know you, your goals, your likes and dislikes and interests.
4. Exchange copies of CV before the first meeting or contact so each will have them on hand for the first discussion. Your CV is helpful for the mentor to begin a constructive review of you career and to suggest some goals for the immediate future.
5. Establish specific goals for the upcoming year as well as more long–term goals to start initial discussion
6. Be open and honest about concerns about the profession and work environment
7. Seek clarification on any points not understood
8. Receptive to both positive and constructive feedback, and implement as appropriate
9. Commitment to carry out agreed upon goals and action plans set by you and your mentor
10. Be proactive in engaging mentor including scheduling meetings and setting agendas
11. Give feedback to mentor on mentoring relationship
12. Seek informal mentors for areas where mentor is uncomfortable adding value

Meaningful Quotes on Mentoring

You are never strong enough that you don't need help–Cesar Chavez

Instead of waiting for someone to take you under his wing, go out and find a good wing to climb under–Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy's

Mentors are experienced people who go out of their way to assist you in clarifying your vision and personal goals and help you build skills to reach them–Linda Phillips–Jones