Look, I know I am posting a lot about this, but I need advice.

[coloradodem2005]

I need to find a way to create connections with people for networking purposes. I need advice about how to do that in a quick way. What kind of usergroups should I join? I can't just go up to random strangers, I need to find people I have things in common with. I am getting serious about this. I want to get my life back on track.

[Ready4Change]

1. Networking for what purpose?

Looking for work? What field? Assume you're in Colorado, yes?

[coloradodem2005]

3. Yes, for work.

Something Mathematical, other than teaching. Or maybe basic computer stuff.

[brokensymmetry]

2. Don't bother with usergroups.

Find groups or organizations in your area that represent your interests. Attend the meetings, and any after-meeting get togethers, and network.

Face to face is far more productive than online, in my opinion.

[coloradodem2005]

5. I am in the Jeffco Dems and Young Dems.

Beyond that, I don't know what else is out there.

[brokensymmetry]

15. That's a start.

Surely you know some people in those fine organizations? Ask them if there are any non-political clubs they might belong to - or, ask them what they're interested in, and expand the conversation.

You have neighbors, I suppose. Ask them what they like to do...

Did you graduate from a college? Is there an alumni group?

You clearly use a computer. Is there a computer user's group - which your local computer retailer could direct you to?

[ghostsofgiants]

4. Just go for it and buy the Coldplay cd...

Oh...not what you wanted advice on? My bad.

[Sanity Claws]

6. Who hires mathematicians?

Seriously. I don't know, other than teaching. If software computers hire mathematicians, then go to meetings of computer or software associations. Also, general business organizations, like a Chamber of Commerce, are usually good for finding people who would be good job networkers.
If you give me an idea of the type of employer you might be interested in, I might be able to come up with more specific suggestions.

[Sanity Claws]

7. I have to leave

but I will check tomorrow to see if you responded. In any event, don't limit yourself to going to groups which you feel you have something in common with. If your intent is to find a job, go to groups where you could find leads on jobs. Business groups or professional organizations are usually the best, IMHO. Also, your alumni association may be able to help.

[AlGore-08.com]

8. If you're religious, I'd suggest the church/synagogue/mosque of your faith

Seriously. They almost always have tons of volunteer opportunities, many that get you out into the community. And if (for instance) a potential employer first meets you as the guy who spends his weekends picking up donations to the local orphanage for the church/synagogue/mosque, you scream "I'd be a great employee".

[coloradodem2005]

9. What if you don't go to church?

[AlGore-08.com]

Depends on the kind of gig you're looking for - - how 'bout the Lions

Or the Optimists or the Rotary or any of those other "old school" community service organizations? If you're looking for business contacts, they are the mother lode.

But even if you're not religious, you might want to attend a few Unitarian or Unitarian Universalist events to network. Their congregations are almost always extremely liberal - - and a real high percentage of the events should be free to attend.

[AlGore-08.com]

14. Self-delete: dupe

[papau]

10. Everyone is cutting back - but jobs for actuaries who have not passed

all the exams are still available as companies fire the experienced (and over 60) and replace with lower cost folks.

U.S. Health Southwest-Colorado Student-upper level Associate http://www.actuary.com/joblistings/13720.htm Milliman, Inc. Actuarial Student - Mid-Level Actuarial Job # ACT13720

U.S. Health Southwest-Colorado Entry-with exams Student-lower level http://www.actuary.com/joblistings/13718.htm Milliman, Inc. Actuarial Student - Entry Level Actuarial Job # ACT13718

[coloradodem2005]

11. What if you haven't taken any exams yet?

[papau]

13. What does the resume look like? Zero exam hires are possible but

obviously harder to come by.

The SAT grad adv math exam is accepted as exam "1" - or it was long ago. That - or whatever is in your background - plus a good interview may make for a great career.

A PHD, or even a Masters, gets you employers who will pay you as they wait for you to catch up. The MBA in Finance is a good hook, as is an MS in economics or a Law degree

If moving is an option, Morgan Stanley is one of many that hire math types to deal with derivative hedges.

FSA salaries have dropped from the top 2% making 250000 plus to a still solid 150000. (but folks below top 2% are also moving down from prior rather common 140000 to 75000 to 100000, and actuarial firms in India are bidding out work at 25,000 per year per actuary - out-sourcing sucks! :-( )

[bleedingheart]

12. here in Pittsburgh there is a group of Geeks that meet once

a month on thursdays...

is there something like that in your area? check out your local newspaper or more "hip" newspaper...

if you have the cash the best way to network is to get out and about...museum events, art galleries...

i know my old alma mater has an engineering golf outing that is probably all networking...i was thinking about going but I can't golf...hahahah