Built upon the virtuous cycle of helping and being helped, American Dream is a whole lot bigger than individual success stories; at its core, it's more about enabling the dreams of others.
Category: Blog
Unlike typical commencement speeches that tell students to find and pursue personal purpose, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took it one step further by encouraging 2017 Harvard graduates to create a world where everyone has a sense of purpose. "Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness." He outlined three ways to create such a world of purpose: 1. Take on big meaningful projects together. 2. Redefine equality so everyone has the freedom to pursue purpose. 3. Build community across the world.
As I reflect back on this race, I realized I could only break through those self-imposed physical limitations after my mind did. Think BIG, Take ACTION, Think PROGRESS. I hope this experience can serve as a reminder for you and me that limitation is only a state of mind - we are much more powerful than we think.
By studying smarter, you can reclaim your schedule and live a balanced lifestyle. For any actuarial student feeling overwhelmed by the demands of studying, learning how to study is a meta skill that will lead to a more successful career. - Mike Jennings, ASA, CERA, Co-author of Actuarial Exam Tactics: Learn More, Study Less.
I had the pleasure of attending a Dale Carnegie Training course this week - "Selling Your Value and Building Your Personal Brand." I'd like to share with you three things that will help you in all networking events: become a better conversationalist through conversation stack and sell your value through a personal branding statement.
I became very interested in the "glass ceiling" topic ever since I heard about this term as a freshman in college. This invisible career barrier is prevalent in Corporate America, politics, Silicon Valley, and beyond - it hinders minority professionals from reaching the top of whatever mountains they're climbing. I was a bit upset by it because I'm a firm believer of the American Dream, and this social issue seemed to contradict this splendid dream that many people have. At a 2015 conference at Harvard Business School, I asked the keynote speaker, Angela Chao, Deputy Chairman of Foremost Group, a question about glass ceiling. What Angela said that day still inspires me two years later. She recognized this social issue, but at the same time, she challenged me to think beyond the victim mentality. She asked me, "What can you do to be part of the solution?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM__xlwiqiQ&rel=0 Interviewed by Nemo Ashong, ActuarialJourney to talk about my actuarial journey from Temple University to the workplace: challenges I had and things I learned along the way: extra-curricular activities, preparing for actuarial exams, privatization, power of seeking help, time management, growth mindset, etc. Journey on! 🙂 Read an article about ActuarialJourney (formerly known as ProSocial Learning) … Continue reading Interview: Z’s Actuarial Journey
In 2015, I participated in a Chinese cooking challenge: make a Chinese dish with ingredients found in an American supermarket. Fun time! 😀
Ronald Chang, President, UPS Capital; Chairman, NAAAP Board of Directors: "Busy people always find ways to do multiple tasks at the same time. That's what leadership and good management skills all about: you being able to work with others.. be part of a team to deliver results."
This article was first published and featured on Society of Actuaries (SOA)'s website. I wrote it right after I graduated from college to reflect on my four-year journey. I'm deeply grateful for those who have provided me with guidance and the things I've learned along the way. It is my sincere hope that the three steps outlined in this article will help current college students and others who desire to have a rewarding actuarial journey.
WeZBest 