BuddyProgramExplained
ASSOC is a community - and we welcome you with open arms.
Written by | Eamonn Hanna
nevitably, as every Actuarial student progresses throughout their tertiary studies, there comes the realisation that despite how difficult the entry pathway was, despite how prestigious the courses of study are, despite how lucrative the career prospects, or perhaps directly due to all of these things, the road of the Actuary is a rather niche one to tread upon.
So while you delicately walk in the purgatory between Business and Science students, unable to truly claim affinity towards either campsmasking your shock with nervous laughter at yet another declaration by your Commerce friend of not studying for their third final in a row - I hear you ask the question, “What is ASSOC?”.
ASSOC is your first handshake with a corporate representative from the Big Four. ASSOC is the midnight screenshot of solutions for Question 7 of the 2018 Session 2 Survival Modelling Final. ASSOC are the friends that understand your need to go MIA two weeks before exams, unable to return calls or messages.
In short, ASSOC is a community - and we welcome you with open arms.
02. What is ASSOC?
A little introduction to the Actuarial Students' Society (ASSOC).
04. 2021 President's Farewell
ASSOC's President of 2021, John Bekiaris, reflects on the past year
05. Treasurer's Report
ASSOC'S 2022 Treasurer, James ThorntonChen, reviews the society's financial position in the past year.
06. Meet the Cabinet 2022
Get to know the ASSOC's incoming Cabinet of 2022!
09. Finity Feature Article
Get to know one of the recent graduates from Finity.
10. Buddy Program
A sure-fire way to make friends and see what both the society and university has to offer!
11. Places around MQU
A destination list for when you are feeling lost on Macquarie Uni's campus.
12. Meme Throwback
A stress relieving break from the onslaught of Actuarial information
14. Upcoming Events
A few of the amazing events planned for ASSOC members this year, all on two pages!
It is my pleasure to design and provide this year's edition of ASSOC's annual magazine!
I'd like to thank ASSOC's Cabinet 2022 for aiding me in completing this intimidating task I would also like to thank last year's M&M director, Deane Ngo, for inviting me to join the M&M team when I was a first year If she had not roped me in, I would be in a very different situation from where I am today I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I enjoyed designing it :D and all the best for the year to come!!
Ethan Kwok Media & Marketing Director 2022
ear ASSOC,
As another new chapter begins for ASSOC in 2022, I look back on my experiences with the society.
Throughout the years, ASSOC has achieved so much, and even with new obstacles appearing like COVID-19, they haven’t stopped the ASSOC community from flourishing. ASSOC has always stood for serving the university student body, and I am proud to have been a part of this community
President's
Farewe
To the new students arriving at university in 2022, I would like to extend a warm welcome, and hope you all get less “ zoom university” than I have received, as one of the best parts of university is the friends and memories you will make. For me, joining ASSOC as a first year shaped my whole university journey Through the society, I got to meet people that would become my closest friends Not only did I get to build my professional network through career events connecting students to a range of professional firms, ASSOC also provided opportunities for refining my skills in a competitive industry, with events like mock interviews This time of your lives is defined as the first time where you have the freedom to make your own choices, and I do not think there are many better decisions for your university experience and career, than joining ASSOC
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the passion, hard work, and resilience of my Cabinet team for 2021 Everyone saw the results we produced for ASSOC, such as co-operating with the actuarial faculty to create support sessions, but I also want to recognise the hours everyone sacrificed, to make the society the best it can be in 2021 From weekly meetings, to rehearsals, I would not want anyone else with me this past year. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the 2021 ASSOC Committee, as without you, we would not have achieved everything we aimed for To the incoming ASSOC Cabinet and Committee for 2022, my team and I wish you the best for the year ahead, and look forward to seeing you guys accomplish your goals with ASSOC
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to our sponsors, faculty staff, and student engagement for your continued support and commitment to our partnership. ASSOC would not be where it is today without your endless support
Sincerely, John Bekiaris President, 2021
n 2021 ASSOC’s financial standing was good despite the continued impact of COVID-19 causing the society to produce an overall loss of 3,542 dollars This loss can be largely attributed to the unfortunate cancellation of both ball and camp for the second year in a row Thankfully, the 8,722 dollar deposit paid for the planned ASSOC ball will be carried forward into 2022, lowering the expected expenditure this year If we ignore this deposit, ASSOC made a profit of 5,180 dollars which can be considered a success
llIn regards to sponsors, the ongoing success of ASSOC’s sponsored events and a generous support package has increased our corporate sponsorship income As a result, our sponsorship income from these companies increased from 8,850 dollars in 2020 to 13,200 dollars in 2021. We hope to continue our relationship with existing sponsors and forge new relationships in 2022
Our expenditure increased from 2021 during the first half of the year when COVID-19 restrictions eased allowing inperson events to run The Krispy Kreme fundraiser was successful in raising 1,285.22 dollars to assist with funding the camp. But, cancellation of both camp and ball due to a new wave of COVID required refunding of all sold tickets
This year’s cabinet aims to focus on providing a more engaging experience for our members through expansion of Ball and Camp as well as allocation of funds towards video media production We received a lower membership income than previous years so we hope for more newcomers to join ASSOC in 2022 To encourage this, we are introducing the Orientation Camp to supplement our other events by providing new members with an opportunity to have an enjoyable introductory experience and forge a strong community with ASSOC.
Treasurer's Report
Finally, I would like to congratulate the 2021 Cabinet, in particular the treasurer, Annie Lin, for her outstanding efforts in making the best of a difficult year. Despite making a loss, ASSOC is heading towards a brighter 2022 in a strong financial position
James Thornton-Chen Treasurer, 2022
EAMONN HANNA ~ President
What is your role in Cabinet?
My role as President is to ensure all of the incredibly talented members of the Cabinet and Committee are pointed in the right direction and working in the right ways to maximise their input to the society
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
The pandemic has dulled many of the bright moments for ASSOC over the past two years, but with this new year I aim to ensure this continues no further The quality of Actuarial student life is highly dependent upon the success of ASSOC, thus I pledge to uphold the traditions of this society and deliver an enjoyable year for you all
Fun Fact!
I can draw and show you a portrait that’d make you think I was holding up a mirror (albeit a grayscale mirror, or perhaps you just developed colour-blindness)
jerry chu ~ internal vice President
What is your role in Cabinet?
I act as the society’s main point of contact with the university I also overlook student engagement in particular with first-year students, with our ASSOC Buddy Program initiative
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to encourage more people to become involved with ASSOC as we continue to plan meaningful and beneficial events for all our members I am also hoping to plan more collaborations with other universities and societies
Fun Fact!
I spent 12hrs a year taking out the rubbish
C A B I meetthe
kai lavers ~ External vice President
What is your role in Cabinet?
As External Vice President I am the main point of contact for our sponsors I also try to gain new sponsors and money for bigger and better events
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to get to meet new people and improve the connections ASSOC has with their sponsors
Fun Fact!
I have a lifetime ban from Costco Australia
What is your role in Cabinet? I am responsible for managing ASSOC’s bank account, budgeting and providing reimbursements for events
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet? I hope to budget events as to maximise the value provided to our members while maintaining a healthy bank balance
Fun Fact! pro minecrafter
Vaishnavi Murugavel ~ secretary
What is your role in Cabinet?
As the Secretary of ASSOC, I make sure that the society runs smoothly and our members are fully informed of the events and fun things happening over the year
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to make ASSOC an essential part of an Actuarial Student’s university experience
Fun Fact!
I have an unhealthy obsession with Brooklyn-Nine-Nine to the point where I have watched it over 7 times and now I’m Amy
ryan kwon ~ careers director
What is your role in Cabinet?
As one of the Careers Directors of ASSOC, I am in charge of the organisation of careers events
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to make ASSOC career events fun and insightful for all Actuarial students
Fun Fact!
I have a malatang obsession lol
NE
matthew aung ~ careers director
What is your role in Cabinet?
As the other Careers Director of ASSOC, I am also in charge of the organisation of careers events :)
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to make ASSOC events informative especially towards newer actuarial students
Fun Fact! I am Weeb
aidan chee~ external social director
What is your role in Cabinet? In charge of overseeing 3 teams; Integrate Ball and Charity
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet? I aim to make ASSOC an enjoyable environment for Actuarial students just like it was for me in first year :D
Fun Fact!
I spend way too much money on my cars and racing them! I've also recently gotten into motorcycles so I am deep down the rabbit hole Someone save me pls
T2022
melody zhang ~ internal social director
What is your role in Cabinet?
My role as the Internal Social Director is to help to organise ASSOC s (primarily) non-sponsored social events and provide members with the opportunity to foster lifelong friendships!
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet? I hope to encourage more Actuarial students to engage with ASSOC and make some new friends in the process :)
Fun Fact!
My grandma legally adopted me when I was a child so
What is your role in Cabinet?
As the IT Director, I am responsible for all IT events This includes the R, Python, and SQL workshops as well as the Excel Challenge It is a great privilege to organise these events which greatly add to people s understanding of coding languages
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I wish to provide support to everyone from first years to postgraduates in widening their knowledge on coding languages which will help them not only in university but also in their future career endeavours
Fun Fact!
I used to be a fire-fighter
elton phung ~ chairman
What is your role in Cabinet?
My role as Chairman is to mentor and advise the Cabinet of 2022.
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet? Continue to improve the quality of our society and bring everyone closer together
meetthe
Fun Fact!
I lOvE studying Actuarial Studies ;)
CAB ET IN
jason wong ~ sports director
What is your role in Cabinet?
2022
As the sports director, my role is to organise ASSOC’s sports events to create fun and social change-up in our events in a healthy environment
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I hope to create a change of pace to get all our familiar faces out of tutorial rooms and zoom meetings and have people having fun in an interesting new setting
Fun Fact!
My music taste is close to non-existent and I’ve only recently got Spotify last year
ethan kwok~ Media & Marketing director
What is your role in Cabinet?
My role as the Media and Marketing Director is to provide assistance with all marketing multimedia and publications materials within the society as well as maintain ASSOC’s social media presence through a variety of platforms
What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?
I would like to increase student engagement for ASSOC through a variety of communication channels, and revive both merch and the YouTube channel But most importantly, have fun and make friends!
Fun Fact!
One thing on my bucket list is to take a photo with a quokka so I can finally say that Kwokka has met a quokka
Buddy Program: Explained
Written by | Jerry Chu
SSOC’s Buddy Program is designed to help first year students (like you) to make new friends, meet up and find out more about the degree. Maybe you can also ask your buddy leaders for free notes !!!!! Ask nicely !!!!
ASSOC’s buddy system consists of two buddies leaders - experienced 2nd or 3rd year students and a buddy group consisting of multiple first year students. Together compete in weekly challenges, meetups and more
As part of the program, your buddies will:
Offer you guidance based on their own experience
Keep you updated with important information from ASSOC
Notice you of the latest opportunities
Give you a chance to meet your peers across the cohort in a fun casual setting.
Make sure to sign up for the Buddy Program at O - Week.
Joining the Buddy Program has to be the best decision I made in 2021. I have built so many new connections and met so many new friends. My buddy leader Jerry is legit the coolest person I had ever met. You are missing out if you don’t join.
Rashmin Chitale
ey case competition
A case comp sponsored by EY that promotes critical thinking and actuarial skills to solve real life issues Winners get internships at EY, with runner ups also receiving prizes Finalists gets to go to the Sydney EY office, so you can make connections and get your name out there!
Games night
Bottom line it's a fun night with games and a chance to make friends or strengthen existing friendships through our competitive spirits! Did I forget to mention prizes because they're pretty awesome ��
kickball/futsul
Everyone knows soccer but it may be daunting to jump right into it when you know that one person who is really good and will style on you in front of your friends The balance patch is in the works so keep an eye out for a fun time!
Excel challenge
Excel is used daily by actuaries worldwide. It is important to become highly skilled in it for all aspiring actuaries. Come test your skills at the Excel Challenge and find out just how skilled you are by competing with your peers!
