establish a positive web presence · digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself...

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SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD By: Genevieve Shannon, Social Media Specialist, DW Simpson The overarching theme of this quarter’s newsletter is making the most of your professional interactions, be they in-person or online. As someone who spends most all of my time navigating social networking sites, I feel obligated to inform you that this type of new media is not going away any time soon. In fact, social media has become the No. 1 activity that people partake in on the Web...period. When I was at university, my peers and I would often open up a browser to begin doing research for a paper but quickly noticed we were clicking through someone’s photos on Facebook instead. For many, this phenomenon is practically muscle-memory and synonymous with “being on the Internet.” How then, can you use this public forum to help — not hinder — your Actuarial career? ESTABLISH A POSITIVE WEB PRESENCE Get yourself a LinkedIn profile and make it as impressive as possible. Even if you do not use it frequently, it is still important to have a professional digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself that does not involve your personal life). At a recent social media seminar I learned that: with a LinkedIn profile at the 100% “completeness” level, you can get 40% more networking and business opportunities. Even if you plan to stay with your current company for the forseeable future, it is important to recognize the value of networking, a lot of which is now happening online. Choose a flattering photo of yourself. Avoid distracting, unprofessional background clutter. A headshot or torso-and-up shot is best. Smile. List your current position and company in your LinkedIn profile heading. Include appropriate designations. In general, keep it to-the-point. If a hiring professional only spends an average of six seconds reviewing each resume they receive, you can imagine that a fairly comparable amount of time might be spent on your LinkedIn profile as well. Note that part of being “professional” means always using proper grammar and spelling along with consistent formatting, even online. In the Summary section, you should include the following, based on where you are at in your Actuarial career: What should be included in the Work and Education sections of your profile? Quite simply, the same experience and education that is included in your paper resume. Do not add a summer job you had years ago on LinkedIn just because there is space to do so. It can look odd to hiring professionals if the experience in your profile does not match up with what is listed on your resume. Consistency is key. Describe a bit about the work you did at each organization you have been affiliated with. At any experience level, you can present the suggested information in a paragraph or bulleted form, the key being that it is clean-looking and easily readable. Continued on page 2... Volume 4, Issue 1 – First Quarter 2014 800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com Entry-Level: Exams passed and level of education Actuarial internships Relevant technical skills: Excel, Access, SQL, etc. Short-/Long-term goals or areas of interest Mid-Senior Professionals: Include relevant designations in the headline section of your profile or after your name Provide a summary of your career highlights Make sure dates and promotions are included too Americans spend an average of 37 minutes daily on social media, longer than any other major Internet activity, including email. 25% of Facebook users don’t bother with privacy settings. Every second, two new members join LinkedIn. The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55- 64 year age bracket. This demographic has grown 79% since 2012. BusinessInsider and FastCompany.com Consider this...

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Page 1: Establish a PositivE WEb PrEsEncE · digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself that does not involve your personal life). At a recent social media seminar I learned

social media in the professional worldBy: Genevieve Shannon, Social Media Specialist, DW Simpson

The overarching theme of this quarter’s newsletter is making the most of your professional interactions, be they in-person or online. As someone who spends most all of my time navigating social networking sites, I feel obligated to inform you that this type of new media is not going away any time soon. In fact, social media has become the No. 1 activity that people partake in on the Web...period.

When I was at university, my peers and I would often open up a browser to begin doing research for a paper but quickly noticed we were clicking through someone’s photos on Facebook instead. For many, this phenomenon is practically muscle-memory and synonymous with “being on the Internet.” How then, can you use this public forum to help — not hinder — your Actuarial career?

Establish a PositivE WEb PrEsEncEGet yourself a LinkedIn profile and make it as impressive as possible. Even if you do not use it frequently, it is still important to have a professional digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself that does not involve your personal life). At a recent social media seminar I learned that: with a LinkedIn profile at the 100% “completeness” level, you can get 40% more networking and business opportunities.

Even if you plan to stay with your current company for the forseeable future, it is important to recognize the value of networking, a lot of which is now happening online.

• Choose a flattering photo of yourself. Avoid distracting, unprofessional background clutter. A headshot or torso-and-up shot is best. Smile.• List your current position and company in your LinkedIn profile heading. Include appropriate designations. • In general, keep it to-the-point. If a hiring professional only spends an average of six seconds reviewing each resume they receive, you can imagine that a fairly comparable amount of time might be spent on your LinkedIn profile as well. • Note that part of being “professional” means always using proper grammar and spelling along with consistent formatting, even online.• In the Summary section, you should include the following, based on where you are at in your Actuarial career:

What should be included in the Work and Education sections of your profile? Quite simply, the same experience and education that is included in your paper resume. Do not add a summer job you had years ago on LinkedIn just because there is space to do so. It can look odd to hiring professionals if the experience in your profile does not match up with what is listed on your resume. Consistency is key. Describe a bit about the work you did at each organization you have been affiliated with. At any experience level, you can present the suggested information in a paragraph or bulleted form, the key being that it is clean-looking and easily readable.

Continued on page 2...

Volume 4, Issue 1 – First Quarter 2014

800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com

Entry-Level:• Exams passed and level of education• Actuarial internships• Relevant technical skills: Excel, Access, SQL, etc.• Short-/Long-term goals or areas of interest

Mid-Senior Professionals:• Include relevant designations in the headline section of your profile or after your name• Provide a summary of your career highlights• Make sure dates and promotions are included too

• Americans spend an average of 37 minutes daily on social media, longer than any other major Internet activity, including email.

• 25% of Facebook users don’t bother with privacy settings.

• Every second, two new members join LinkedIn.

• The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55- 64 year age bracket. This demographic has grown 79% since 2012.

BusinessInsider and FastCompany.com

Consider this...

Page 2: Establish a PositivE WEb PrEsEncE · digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself that does not involve your personal life). At a recent social media seminar I learned

ProtEct Your ProfEssional imagE In addition to a professional online presence via LinkedIn, you may well maintain additional social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). This is all fine and well, the key being that content and privacy settings are managed appropriately. Consider any such accounts, along with the following:

If you think you may have questionable content on your personal social media pages, remove the content and/or deactivate your accounts during the job search process. Remember that usually, the world can still see your profile picture, even if your privacy settings are moderate. Make sure this one photo is presentable to all audiences. It helps to put yourself in a hiring professional’s shoes and think, “How would I perceive this candidate as a professional if I saw this profile?”

As most know (and fear), once we put something into the digital space, it never really “goes away.” That being said, err on the safe side when it comes to the things you say and post online at all times, in the event that an employer or potential employer searches your name. With programs like the Snipping Tool and the Print Screen function on a keyboard, even if you take something negative down, it is always possible that a hiring manager or potential boss has already seen it and has even been able to save it.

From time to time, social websites will alter elements of their privacy settings, requiring you to stay informed. They are obligated to notify you when rules and guidelines have been changed. However, if you are not a regular email checker, I recommend reviewing these privacy policies and settings for your accounts sporadically just to be sure your image has not been compromised.

Today is the day to start thinking about your online presence as an Actuarial professional. If you are already active in the digital space, please join the conversation....

800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com

from meetings and industry conference preparation/execution to your presence among the varied social media, how you comport yourself makes a significant impact on how you are perceived by your peers, superiors and others in the profession. how, then, can we use each of these interactions to maximize our career potential?

effective and respectful communication skills are a must. and this concept goes beyond the spoken and written word. appropriate attitude, management/treatment of others and your physical appearance, i.e. dress, are all elements of effective communication.

while everyone has his or her own distinct personality, it’s how you leverage it — either positively or negatively — that defines your attitude.

and though you may not be a gregarious, back-slapping office joke teller, do you still take steps to engage others in an upbeat, energetic and positive manner? or do you allow your reclusive or shy nature dictate your under-the radar presence within the office? if it’s the latter, work on ways to overcome this limitation. some recommended avenues are: join a book club, take an improv/acting class, volunteer to present at conferences…anything that pushes you beyond the limits of your comfort zone is a step in the right direction to help you.

additionally, how you manage and treat others in a professional setting speaks volumes about you and how you’re perceived. are you a good listener or are you short with others? do you take the time and energy to mentor appropriately? or do you take the stance that you’re busy and your report “should get it by now.” maybe you micromanage people within an inch of their existence? as the old adage goes, treat others as you’d like to be treated. take some time to self-assess this area of your career and be honest with yourself.

finally, what you wear also communicates who and how you are as a professional. Update your wardrobe so that it’s professionally appropriate for both business casual and business formal settings. By doing so, you are displaying respect for the arena within which you are conducting business and for yourself as a business professional.

From the President’s Desk...

commUnication sKills words can’t descriBeby: bob morand, President and managing Partner

@dwsimpson LinkedIn Facebook Jobs Site [for mobile devices]

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800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com

HEALTH OPENINGS:Health Actuarial Associate (West, USA): Leading insurance corporation seeks a health actuary with solid underwriting and forecasting experience. Strong Medicare Advantage insurance background preferred. Position is open at the Student/ASA level. (#40804)

Health & Welfare Consultant (Southeast, USA): Our client has an immediate opening for an actuary with a strong health & welfare insurance background. Solid consulting experience is strongly preferred. Position is open at the Student/ASA/FSA level. This role will be involved with ratemaking analysis and modeling for various government programs. (#40204)

Health Actuary (Midwest, USA): Leading health insurer seeks an FSA with solid experience working in the managed care industry. Cutting edge analytics experience required. Masters of business administration preferred. High visibility. (#40624)

LIFE OPENINGS:Consultant (Northeast, USA): Analytics firm seeks an actuary to serve in a consultant role. Work will include delivering ALM solutions for Variable and Fixed Annuities. This role will work directly with clients. (#37116)

Pricing Actuary (Europe): International reinsurance corporation seeks a life actuary with a strong reinsurance background. Actuarial designation required. Must have life insurance pricing experience. Working knowledge of MoSes, VBA and C++ preferred. (#40955)

Actuarial Assistant (Midwest, USA): Our client has asked us to locate a life ASA or FSA for a consulting role in their Mergers and Acquisitions business segment. Valuation and forecasting experience required. Must be an advanced user of SAS, C++ and VBA. (#40969)

PROPERTY/CASUALTY OPENINGS:AVP, Assistant Actuary (Northeast, USA): Global P&C insurance company seeks an experienced actuary to serve in an analysis role. Work will include providing pricing and reserving models for new and renewal commercial lines of business. (#40575)

Actuarial Senior Consultant (Midwest, USA): Our client has an opening for a consultant with solid analytical skills. 7+ years of solid experience in insurance and statistical concepts. Role will support the Small Business team. (#40755)

Actuarial Analyst (Southeast, USA): Our client has asked us to locate a student/ACAS with 5+ exams and 4-5 years of P&C experience. Financial reporting, reserving, and reinsurance skills required. (#40434)

NON-ACTUARIAL OPENINGS:Experienced Risk Manager (West, USA): International Insurance Corporation seeks an experienced risk manager to act as Director of a team responsible for supporting the operational risk management of annuity and retirement business operations. Must have a minimum of six years of experience. Life insurance background required.(#40769)

CAT Modeler (Southeast, USA): Leading P&C insurance corporation seeks a Cat Modeler with property insurance experience. Reinsurance background preferred. Must have strong programming skills. Stochastic modeling experience is a plus. (#40608)

DW SIMpSon RETAInED SEARCHES

Actuarial Vice President (Midwest, USA): Our client has asked us to locate an FCAS/ACAS to serve in a Vice President level role. Will supervise the work of a small actuarial department. Must have a strong financial reporting background. CPCU designation is preferred. Experience with commercial or specialty insurance required. (#40458)

Actuarial Director (West, USA): North American insurance corporation seeks an FSA with six years of experience working with Group Life/Voluntary insurance. This position will be involved with product development, underwriting and financial reporting. (#40227)

Health Actuary (Southeast, USA): Health Insurance corporation seeks an FSA with a strong managed care insurance background. Must have pricing and product development experience. Will be involved with Healthcare Reform and business intelligence. Seven years of experience are strongly preferred. (#40170)

Actuary (Northeast, USA): P&C insurer seeks to fill a critical position in their product management group. This individual will be responsible for tasks including rate filings, predictive model development, product development, and pricing. (#37704)

Actuarial Vice President (Southeast, USA): Leading insurance corporation seeks an ASA/FSA with a strong health background. Experience with Medicare Supplemental insurance required. This role will be involved with all aspects of product development and financial reporting. (#40543)

Manager, Actuarial Services (Canada): Canadian P&C insurance firm seeks a qualified Actuary to serve in a manager role. Work will include overseeing the daily operations of the department and developing rates for personal auto lines. (#39973)

Health Actuary (Southeast, USA): Our client has asked us to locate an FSA with experience in health actuarial work. This role will be involved with the pricing of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage insurance products. Knowledge of Health Care Reform is required. Some reserving experience preferred. (#40877)

Actuary (Midwest, USA): Global insurance company seeks an FCAS Actuary to manage their property & casualty valuation teams. Will assist with insurance risk management and actuarial governance issues. Specific background as an appointed actuary is preferred. Strong communication skills are required. (#40461)

Sr. Consultant/Manager (Midwest, USA): Leading consulting firm seeks a health care consultant to serve in a senior role. Work will include advising on health and welfare and other benefit plan issues of mergers and acquisitions. (#38589)

Dave Benton Dave RetfordPartner, Retained Search Services Director, Retained Search [email protected] [email protected]+1 312 867 2338 +1 312 867 2345

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800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com

maKE thE most of Your mEEtingsBy Caitlin Cunningham, Manager

It’s a new year and, in the spirit of new beginnings, an ideal time to plan and prepare for the coming 12 months’ business conferences and meetings. Beyond strategically deciding what to attend, marking your calendar and arranging for travel — certainly necessary and important steps — the time is ripe to go a bit further, outlining event-specific objectives and how to achieve them. This article shares tips for ensuring that you make the most of the resources you, and perhaps your company, are investing in these valuable industry “face-time” efforts.

industrY confErEncEs

Outline a strategic schedule. Highlight the sessions, exhibitors and networking opportunities most relevant to your work and interests. Have physical and electronic copies handy for easy reference. Jot down questions you might like to address with presenters or company representatives.

Chat with everyone you can. Engage in a natural give-and-take dialogue with as many fellow attendees as possible, whether in a more structured (i.e., on the exhibition floor) or casual (i.e., in the halls between sessions) setting. You never know who you might run into or meet, or where the conversation might lead. Be confident, personable and an active listener. Exchange business cards, and write notes on the back after the conversation so that once you are back in the office you can revisit what was discussed and follow through on any action items.

Utilize social media. A few weeks prior the conference, use resources like LinkedIn, Twitter and TripIt, for example, to let others in the industry know that you will be in attendance. Put in calls and emails where appropriate, too, to make plans to meet up with your contacts — long-standing or prospective. Also, follow the event/host on social media, checking for postings and getting involved in the dialogue. After the conference, send personalized LinkedIn invitations to connect to new professional contacts.

mEEtings

Go in with a clear purpose. Clarify a specific agenda with all parties, whether formally or informally, going into a meeting, allowing everyone adequate time to prepare accordingly. Research who you will be getting together with, and if appropriate brush up on your history with the company and/or fellow meeting attendees. Have a list of questions prepared to ensure that they are addressed during the conversation or in follow-ups. At the end of the meeting, reiterate conclusions and action items with the group so that everyone is on the same page.

Be organized. Have directions, contact information and the like handy both electronically and in hard copy. While the primary focus should be actively listening and participating, take brief notes on key items during the meeting. Fill in any gaps and write down additional information after the meeting while it is still fresh in mind.

Follow up. Keep in touch with those you met via phone, email and social media as appropriate to see through action items and continue the professional relationship.

Going into this year’s planning season, the key takeaway is to have specific goals and agendas in place for each conference and meeting you will attend. Know what you want to achieve coming out of an event, and how you will get there. In a business world often dominated by virtual communications, live interactions can be a refreshing change of pace — and a forum for making significant professional strides. Mapping out your objectives and to do’s on the front end help ensure that you maximize the time, finances and effort invested, reaching your goals in a more efficient, effective and enjoyable manner.

Plan Ahead!DW Simpson will be attending the following meetings, seminars and

conferences in 2014:

ReFocus 2014 march 9 – 12 las Vegas, nV

International Congress of Actuaries march 30 – april 4 washington, dc

RPM Seminar march 30 – april 1 washington, dc

Life & Annuity Symposium may 19 – 20 atlanta, Ga

Seminar on Reinsurance may 21 – 22 new York, nY

SOA Health Meeting June 23 – 25 san francisco, ca

Valuation Actuary Symposium august 25 – 26 new York, nY

Casualty Loss Reserve Seminar september 15 – 16 san diego, ca

ERM Symposium september 29 – october 1 chicago, il

SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit october 26 – 29 orlando, fl

CAS Centennial Celebration & Annual Meeting november 9 – 12 new York, nY

Page 5: Establish a PositivE WEb PrEsEncE · digital footprint (i.e., an online representation of yourself that does not involve your personal life). At a recent social media seminar I learned

ReFocus 2014 march 9 – 12 las Vegas, nV

International Congress of Actuaries march 30 – april 4 washington, dc

RPM Seminar march 30 – april 1 washington, dc

Life & Annuity Symposium may 19 – 20 atlanta, Ga

Seminar on Reinsurance may 21 – 22 new York, nY

SOA Health Meeting June 23 – 25 san francisco, ca

Valuation Actuary Symposium august 25 – 26 new York, nY

Casualty Loss Reserve Seminar september 15 – 16 san diego, ca

ERM Symposium september 29 – october 1 chicago, il

SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit october 26 – 29 orlando, fl

CAS Centennial Celebration & Annual Meeting november 9 – 12 new York, nY

north america | BermUda | soUth america | aUstralia & new Zealand | asia | eUrope | middle east

800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 [email protected] www.dwsimpson.com

Mission Statementto be the premier search firm specializing in the placement of actuaries and related quantitative

professionals throughout the world; to be recognized for the best service, integrity and

forthrightness that the firm brings to each and every business relationship; and to be willing at all

times to sacrifice short-term gain for the long-term good of our clients and candidates.

Note our new office location:4121 north ravenswood ave, chicago, il 60613p: (800) 837-8338 / f: (312) 951-8386http://www.dwsimpson.com

Ginny Hiteshew joined dw simpson in december of 2013 as a retained search and client development specialist. previously, she spent sixteen years in the fixed income division of Goldman sachs as a Vice president in the municipal department. additionally, she spearheaded recruiting at Goldman sachs with the top mBa programs in chicago. Ginny holds an undergraduate degree in communications arts with a Business minor from Xavier University in cincinnati, oh.

outside the office, she serves on several boards, including sacred heart schools, women’s athletic club and Bears care, a philanthropic arm of The chicago Bears. Ginny has lived in chicago for over eighteen years with her husband and three children.

Adam Noreen joined dw simpson in september 2013 as a recruiter on the entry-level team. prior to joining the company, adam graduated magna cum laude from columbia college chicago, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in arts, entertainment, and media management with a concentration in music Business management and professional writing.

outside of work, adam enjoys singing, songwriting, playing piano and guitar, walking, weight training, and cooking.

WElcomE to dW simPson:

30th international congress of actuaries

dW simpson is a proud sponsor of this global actuarial gathering. We will be in attendance and look

forward to seeing many of you there.

march 3rd through april 4th Washington d.c.

for more information, please visit www.ica2014.org