The experience of a volunteer based in China

“I became a Fellow of the IFoA in 2009. As I was based in China, I didn’t know much about opportunities to volunteer for the IFoA and I didn’t feel connected to my professional body.”

“That changed a few years later when I received an email from the IFoA looking for volunteers for the international feedback groups. That is when I first became aware of the volunteer vacancies webpage and when I began volunteering for the IFoA. Since then I have been involved in a number of roles – a member of the International Feedback Group in China and South-East Asia, a Career Ambassador and I have participated in the GIRO International Pricing Working Party and the General Insurance Asia Working Party.

In 2015, my company (China Reinsurance) sent me to work in London. Whilst I
was there I continued my involvement in volunteering and could see how integral volunteers are to the IFoA’s success. I even volunteered to be photographed for the IFoA’s Annual Report, which was a really interesting experience! I attended my first Volunteer Recognition party and got to network with other volunteers. What’s more, I received a Silver Volunteer Recognition Pin, something I am very proud of!

My experience of volunteering has helped me recognise the really important contribution volunteers make to the IFoA.

The influence of the IFoA does not only depend on the profession itself but also on the contributions of its members. The more IFoA members in the region that contribute, the higher the recognition and respect the IFoA will gain in the region. I encourage more IFoA members to be engaged in volunteer work. Please join us and show your strength!”

by Xiaoxuan (Sherwin) Li.