Valuable Opportunities Offered Through the International Association of Black Actuaries
We invited Kate Weaver, Executive Director of the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) to share information about IABA and the opportunities available to students through this organization. To learn about the benefits of student membership, and access information about the IABA scholarship, networking opportunities, and Job Board, read on.
What is IABA?
IABA is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization that represents black actuarial professionals and students around the world.
The organization consists of a group of leaders and volunteers that work together to accomplish our mission through the support of strategic plan initiatives and IABA programming. Our mission is to contribute to an increase in the number of black actuaries and to influence the successful career development, civic growth and achievement of black actuaries.
Student Membership
Membership is open to all who support our mission. Annual membership dues for college students are $15.
College Student Membership Benefits include:
- Access to IABA job board for internships and entry-level positions, as well as opportunities to participate in resume books
- Access to introductory actuarial webinars
- Special student tier sessions at Annual Meeting
- Access to IABA Foundation Scholarship application
- IABA Foundation Actuarial Boot Camp opportunities
- Access to actuarial mentors/role models by phone or email
- Networking through local and national events, including participation at the Career Networking Event at the Annual Meeting
- Experience the camaraderie and fun that results from being involved with IABA!
Scholarship
The IABA Foundation Scholarship Program provides scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate level for black students who are interested in pursuing actuarial careers.
IABA has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships since 1992. Scholarships are awarded on basis of merit and can be renewed.
In 2014, IABA awarded over $70,000 in scholarships to 22 graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students. Five scholarships included internships or entry-level offers. Scholarships also include IABA annual meeting attendance (including travel), membership dues, and assignment of IABA mentor. This year, all eligible applicants will be entered into a drawing for $1,000!
The application deadline for the 2015 Scholarship Program is May 1, 2015. Download this flyer to learn more about application requirements and where to apply.
Annual Meeting
From professional development to networking opportunities, the IABA Annual Meeting can help you take your actuarial career to the next level.
- Career Networking Event: An exciting opportunity to interact with industry professionals in a casual & intimate atmosphere.
- IABA Networking Reception: Experience the host city while engaging with old and new friends.
- Professional Development: With sessions tiered to experience level, attendees will learn something new, and can earn at least 10 continuing education credits.
- Annual Awards Banquet: A time to recognize new designees, exam passers, and those who helped IABA throughout the year.
Special student rate is $125 for members, $150 for non-members.
Boot Camp
The IABA Foundation Actuarial Boot Camp is geared towards increasing industry awareness of prospective actuarial students and positioning them for a successful actuarial internship.
The 4-day program covers a variety of professional development and business skill topics and also provides the following to prospective actuarial students: exposure to real world actuarial work, resources in preparing for professional exams, the soft skills needed to successfully interview for and land an internship, as well as extended support to remain on your chosen career pathway as you return to your respective academic programs. The Actuarial Boot Camp is typically held in conjunction with the IABA Annual Meeting and includes attendance to the Annual Meeting.
Students can apply for the program through the IABA website and will be selected to attend free of charge, less a registration fee. The Boot Camp concludes with participation, paid registration and accommodation at the IABA Annual Meeting.
Learn what happened at the 2014 Boot Camp on the IABA website. Additional information about the 2015 program and application materials will be announced on the website in coming months.
Job Board
Dozens of actuarial employers use the IABA job board on a regular basis to post jobs and search career profiles. Job posters are often specifically seeking diverse candidates. That makes our job board a strong channel for the best jobs/internships and a great way to get your resume in front of your next employer. There is no cost to participate.