Student employer contacts (SECs) are an important link between employers and the IFoA, helping student members stay informed, supported, and engaged throughout their qualification journey.
Join a growing network of over 300 SECs across 170 organisations worldwide, supporting more than 15,000 IFoA student members.
SECs play a vital role in supporting students at every stage of the qualification journey, from those preparing for their first exam through to those working towards Associate and Fellowship milestones.
“Being a student employer contact is a great way to support our actuarial students and help them navigate the qualification process. It's rewarding to be able to share information and guidance, while also staying connected with developments at the IFoA. I would encourage anyone considering the role to get involved, as it's a simple but valuable way to support the next generation of actuaries.” – Debbie Matravers (Principal - Senior Actuarial Consultant), Howden
What is a student employer contact?
An SEC is a trusted link between the IFoA and your organisation, helping to ensure your student members are informed, supported, and empowered throughout their qualification journey.
As an SEC, you'll play an important role in fostering student success, sharing key information, and strengthening the relationship between your organisation and the IFoA. You'll gain direct access to updates, resources, and support, while providing valuable employer insight that helps shape the future of actuarial education and the learner experience.
Whether you work in HR, learning and development, early careers, people management, or an actuarial role, becoming an SEC gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the students you support and the profession as a whole.
Understanding the student journey
As an SEC, you'll gain insight into the key stages of the IFoA qualification journey, helping you better support students as they:
- Register and prepare for their first exams
- Explore exemptions and prior learning opportunities
- Progress through assessments and work-based learning
- Achieve Associate and Fellowship milestones
This makes the role feel more developmental and valuable to the volunteer.
Why become a student employer contact?
By appointing an SEC, organisations can strengthen support for emerging actuarial talent, improve awareness of qualification developments, and build a closer partnership with the IFoA.
- Stay informed with key updates affecting your student members.
- Support learner success throughout the qualification journey.
- Influence the future through employer feedback and insight.
- Expand your network through events, webinars, and peer connections.
- Access dedicated support from the IFoA Employer and Partner Services Team.
What's involved?
The student employer contact role is designed to fit alongside your existing responsibilities, with most SECs dedicating around one hour per week to supporting learners and engaging with the IFoA.
As an SEC, you'll play an important role in shaping a positive and informed learning experience within your organisation. You will:
- Stay ahead of key qualification updates, helping your students prepare for important milestones and opportunities.
- Champion learner success by sharing guidance, resources, and timely information throughout the qualification journey.
- Provide valuable employer insight that helps influence the future development of IFoA qualifications, services, and support.
- Connect with a global network of SECs, sharing ideas, experiences, and best practice.
- Build a strong partnership with the IFoA through direct access to support, resources, and engagement opportunities.
While the time commitment is small, the impact is significant. By helping students thrive, strengthening the connection between your organisation and the IFoA, and contributing to the future of the profession, you'll play a meaningful role in supporting the next generation of actuaries.
Who can volunteer?
You may be a good fit for the role if you:
- Work for an organisation that employs IFoA student members
- Have experience supporting people through professional qualifications or development programmes
- Are interested in supporting learners and building strong employer relationships
- Can act as a communication link between your organisation and the IFoA
You won't be eligible to become an SEC if you are a current IFoA student member.
“As someone who is passionate about supporting actuarial students, becoming a student employer contact was a natural fit. The role has enabled me to stay connected with and influence developments in the profession and learn from how other organisations support their students. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to help improve the student experience and ensure learners have the support they need to succeed in their qualification journey. I'd recommend the role to anyone who is interested in developing actuarial talent and contributing to the wider profession.” – Dave Sigley FIA C.Act (Senior Consultant), AON
Multiple SECs at one organisation
Many organisations choose to appoint more than one student employer contact.
Having multiple SECs helps provide continuity during periods of absence, shares responsibilities across teams, and ensures students continue to receive support when needed. It can also bring a wider range of perspectives and strengthen engagement across your organisation.
Not sure whether your organisation already has a student employer contact, or if multiple SECs are already registered? Simply get in touch with the IFoA’s Employer and Partner Services Team and we'll be happy to help.
Resources and support
To find out more about the role, including how to become an SEC and some tasks and specification information, read our student employer contact guide (PDF, 4 MB)
Once appointed, you'll receive access to:
- SEC welcome pack – with onboarding pack
- Employer hub resources
- Ongoing support from the Employer and Partner Services Team
- Webinars, events and networking opportunities
- Access to the SEC community
Recognition and community
We value the contribution our volunteers make.
As an SEC, you'll receive:
- Digital volunteer recognition badges
- Access to a dedicated collaboration community
- Opportunities to network and share best practice with peers
- A chance to contribute to the future of actuarial education
What you need to know
Volunteering provides you with a wide range of opportunities. With all rights and opportunities come responsibilities and we ask all our volunteers to comply with the terms of the IFoA’s governance manual and volunteer information pack. Before offering to provide support, please read through: what you need to know.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you're in HR, learning and development, student support, or an actuarial role, becoming a student employer contact is a practical way to support learners and strengthen your organisation's relationship with the IFoA.