Description: Interview with 2016-2017 SOA President Mike Lombardi about improving the actuary’s soft skills as one of the ways to remain relevant, and expand opportunities.

Description: Leadership writing contest entry for Admirable Leader category. Lessons in the importance of speaking up from Alexander Hamilton.

Description: metadata for the entire issue

Description: In the Leadership & Development Section’s Leadership Inspiration Contest, entrants were asked to tell us what inspired them to be a better actuarial leader. Carlos Arocha submitted an entry from the “Defining Moment/Event” category.

Description: An account of the trials of work ethic issues and college difficulties, and the triumphant story of overcoming obstacles through careful self-improvement.

Description: Over the last decade, the actuarial career has gained significant attention of entry level job-seekers as it continues to be one of the consistently top rated jobs in the market. There are different avenues to break into the profession, but one of the most common is through an Actuarial Student Program, where a company formally supports the exam progress of individuals through paid study materials, exam fees, and time off to study. Most programs also include an emphasis on development of leadership and communication skills. As the recruiter for MassMutual’s Actuarial Student Program, I get the opportunity to regularly share with candidates why I believe a student program is such a powerful springboard for a successful actuarial career. Profiled in the article is two actuarial students and one recent actuarial student program “graduate” to highlight the value a student program can bring to one’s professional development.

Description: Provides a summary of the Small Talk Newsletter for Fall 2016. Also included are thoughts on the need for continuing education and involvement in the industry.

Description: This articles showcases the principles of effective servant leadership.