Mentors
In the past years, our mentor program has been extremely helpful as it gives underclassmen an opportunity to learn from older students who have been in the same shoes as them. We know how overwhelming it can be in this major so having someone that can answer all your questions and prepare you for the future is so important. Being a mentor gives you a unique experience to learn leadership and communication skills as you guide your mentees through the process.
New in Fall 2021: This year we are adding groups to our program! These groups will help mentees (and mentors) meet more people and hear about more experiences. A few of the mentor-mentee meetings (like interview advice and exam advice) will be group activities so mentees can get opinions from different mentors and be even more prepared. You will still be the primary contact point for your mentee(s) and still have significant opportunities to individually connect with and mentor them.
New in Fall 2021: This year we are adding groups to our program! These groups will help mentees (and mentors) meet more people and hear about more experiences. A few of the mentor-mentee meetings (like interview advice and exam advice) will be group activities so mentees can get opinions from different mentors and be even more prepared. You will still be the primary contact point for your mentee(s) and still have significant opportunities to individually connect with and mentor them.
Requirements for Mentors
At this time we ask that mentors only apply if they have passed at least one exam and completed at least one actuarial internship.
Instructions for Mentors
1. Reaching out and providing aid to a mentee is YOUR responsibility
As a mentee, it is challenging to know what you don't know. Therefore, mentees frequently struggle asking for help or understanding what they could be doing better as actuarial students. It is your responsibility as a mentor to reach out and offer help to your mentee. Here are some suggestions for steps to take to help your mentee:
As a mentee, it is challenging to know what you don't know. Therefore, mentees frequently struggle asking for help or understanding what they could be doing better as actuarial students. It is your responsibility as a mentor to reach out and offer help to your mentee. Here are some suggestions for steps to take to help your mentee:
- Ask for their complete schedule plan until graduation, and ensure they understand which classes they need to take and how they can maximize their time at Penn State. If they do not have a complete plan, sit down with them and help them create one.
- Ask for their resume. Provide respectful, constructive feedback to your mentee on how they can improve their resume. Feel free to use your own resume as an example. If they do not have a current resume, provide them a template for one and help them create it.
- Set aside 30 minutes to do a mock interview with your mentee. Feel free to set up extra time to provide feedback in order to use the full 30 minutes for the mock interview. Have your mentee pick a company for you to represent and have basic knowledge of that company.
- Ensure they are attending events put on by the actuarial science club, such as information sessions, the career fair, and interview workshops
- Check in on their study habits and how they are doing in classes. Provide all the tips and tricks you've learned over the years on how to be successful
- Talk them through the process. Help them find leadership positions on campus, understand the industry and the exam process, and always be a friendly face on campus
2. Use your network
Your mentee may need help or have questions about an area you are not an expert in. In this case, use your network in the actuarial community to find them additional resources. If you are struggling to find the best information, reach out to an officer board member for assistance.
Your mentee may need help or have questions about an area you are not an expert in. In this case, use your network in the actuarial community to find them additional resources. If you are struggling to find the best information, reach out to an officer board member for assistance.
3. Being a mentor is a commitment
Don't sign up for a mentor if you are not certain you have the appropriate time to devote to your mentee. Some mentees require more assistance than others, so you should be prepared to provide sufficient time to them based on their needs.
Don't sign up for a mentor if you are not certain you have the appropriate time to devote to your mentee. Some mentees require more assistance than others, so you should be prepared to provide sufficient time to them based on their needs.