The IFoA’s Buddy System has been refreshed and relaunched, opening the IFoA’s global network to help you progress in your career.
The Buddy System provides volunteer-led, informal, confidential online support, offering members the opportunity to ask an experienced IFoA ‘buddy’ about anything relating to the actuarial profession or professional wellbeing – wherever they are based.
You can reach out to a buddy online at www.actuaries.org.uk/buddy
Who are IFoA buddies?
Our buddies are all qualified IFoA members with varying levels of experience across different practice areas, based both in the UK and around the world. They have added their names to the buddy list because they are keen to hear from, and offer support to, peers across the profession.
One buddy told us: “A newly qualified general insurance actuary approached me via the Buddy System, bored with their job and unsuccessful in finding a new position with their current CV.
“We brainstormed what their ideal job would be – and which types of employers would be most likely to fit their ‘dream’ – and I gave them bullet points to help rewrite their (very plain, uninviting) CV to make them the ‘best candidate’ for such a job.
“Four months later, they were delighted to report having got their ‘dream job’, using their ‘new’ CV.
Total input from me, just two hours – hugely rewarding.”
Buddies are committed to keeping conversations completely confidential, so system users can
speak freely.
Ask anything
Buddies are open to discussing any work-related issues, from actuarial methodologies and practices to managing up, and from seeking promotion to dealing with work pressure. The system is open to all members – both students and qualified actuaries. In addition to being a source of advice from more experienced actuaries, it is also open to queries from experienced actuaries who are seeking new perspectives or peer support.
You can choose which buddy you wish to make contact with, but the Communities Engagement Team is on hand to provide support if required.
If you have any questions about the system, or are interested in becoming a buddy, please email [email protected]
Note that the Buddy System is intended as a ‘first port of call’. There are other IFoA programmes available to offer issue-specific support:
Professional Support Service – designed to assist members looking for support on professional or technical matters, including ethical dilemmas they face in their actuarial work
Appropriate Person Pool – for members requiring help in identifying someone for their reflective practice discussion
Information about these programmes, along with further information about CPD and examinations, can be found on the IFoA website.
