Program Description
The Institutes CPCU Society is committed to extending its reach and influence globally, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in the insurance industry. The International Ambassador Program is designed to support this mission by empowering members from around the world to promote the CPCU Society and the designation and foster connections within their local insurance communities. Through this program, we aspire to enhance the global presence of the CPCU Society and facilitate a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional development. We believe that by engaging international members, we can collectively advance the profession and strengthen our industry’s network of global leaders.
Expectations for the International Ambassador
An ambassador is “a person who represents, promotes, and advocates for an organization or cause.” Within the CPCU Society, the International Ambassador serves as a trusted representative who embodies the mission and values of the CPCU Society while fostering global connections and awareness of the CPCU designation.
The selected applicant will serve as the CPCU Society’s International Ambassador for one year (July 1st – June 30th). The expectations of the selected recipient are:
- In2Risk Conference: Attend and participate in the In2Risk Conference in person (3 days + travel time).
- Local Chapter: If applicable, work with Jen Polachek, Director of Volunteer Operations, to explore the possibility of starting a new chapter in your region if none currently exist. (approx. 5-10 hours for research, outreach and discussion on process with CPCU Society staff).
- CPCU Society Champions Program: Sign up and become a CPCU Society Champion to promote the benefits of CPCU Society membership with your colleagues and/or employer (approx. 1 hour per month).
- Conduct Local Connections Visits: Perform local connections visits (meetings with local employers) in your country to promote the CPCU designation and the benefits of CPCU Society membership, providing feedback on findings (approx. 5-8 hours per visit for preparation and delivery) with a goal of at least 2 visits during your year as ambassador. CPCU Society staff can provide guidance and materials to assist.
· Write Articles: Contribute an article to each of the following (approx. 5-7 hours for research and writing):
- International Insurance Interest Group (3iG)'s quarterly journal, The Informant
- CPCU Society's quarterly journal, Insights,
- CPCU Society’s weekly online newsletter, Membership Monday
- Leadership Transition Support: Participate in the interview process for the incoming International Ambassador, providing perspective, continuity and insights to support a smooth and informed leadership transition (approx. 3 hours).
- End of Term Reflection: At the end of your term, submit feedback reflecting on your experiences, activities, contributions and feedback on the program as the International Ambassador (approx. 1-2 hours).
- Optional Activities
- Mentor Match Mentorship Program Participation: Become a mentor in the CPCU Society’s mentorship program, Mentor Match, and mentor other international insurance professionals. (approx. 1-2 hours per month for meetings and communication if matched with a mentee).
- Host a Webinar: Organize and submit proposal to host a webinar on the insurance industry outlook in your country (approx. 4-6 hours for preparation and delivery).
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must:
· Location: Must reside outside of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
· CPCU Society Membership: Must be an active dues-paying member of the CPCU Society.
· Visa: Must be able to secure travel to the United States in time to attend the CPCU Society In2Risk conference held in October/November.
· CPCU Designation: Applicants should hold the CPCU designation or be in the process of obtaining it. This enhances credibility and commitment to the CPCU Society's mission.
· Volunteer Experience: Applicants may be required to demonstrate prior volunteer experience within the CPCU Society or other professional organizations, showcasing their commitment to service and leadership within the insurance industry.
· Language Proficiency: Given the global nature of the program and the anticipated public speaking opportunity at In2Risk, candidates are expected to be reasonably proficient in the English language.
· Capacity and Commitment for Engagement: Applicants should indicate their capacity for engagement over the course of the upcoming ambassador term, including the ability to commit their time and resources to fulfill the ambassador's responsibilities effectively.
Recipient Benefits and Recognition
These added benefits not only enhance the ambassador’s experience but also provide long-lasting value in their professional development and affiliation with the CPCU Society. The selected applicant will receive:
- Complimentary Registration: Receive complimentary registration to the CPCU Society’s In2Risk Conference, held in a different location each year (typically October or November).
- Travel Stipend: Receive a travel stipend of up to $4,000 USD to cover airfare, lodging, and other transportation expenses necessary for attending the In2Risk Conference.
- Public Acknowledgements: Be recognized at a general session at In2Risk and give a brief 1–2 minute speech.
- Mentorship and Support: Receive direct mentorship, guidance, and support from members of the CPCU Society’s Leadership Council, offering strategic insight, leadership development and a deeper understanding of the Society’s priorities and governance.
- Professional Headshots: Receive a professional headshot session at In2Risk conference if available during the headshot schedule.
- Feature in CPCU Society Publications, Website and Social Media: Receive a dedicated feature or interview in the Society’s publications, such as Membership Monday, Insights, The Informant (International Insurance Interest Group [3IG] newsletter), highlighting their professional journey and reflections on their contributions as an ambassador as well as recognition on the CPCU Society’s website.
- Digital Badge: Receive a digital badge that can be showcased on LinkedIn, email signatures, and other professional platforms. This badge serves as a symbol of your leadership, commitment to global engagement, and contributions to the CPCU Society.
- Certificate of Recognition: Each ambassador will also receive a formal certificate acknowledging them as a participant in the program. This certificate can be shared with employers, included in professional portfolios, and used to highlight their achievement within the risk management and insurance industry.
Application Information and Timeline
Application Period:
- The application window will open on March 2 and will remain open until March 31, giving potential candidates ample time to reflect on their interest and availability to commit to the role.
- Interested candidates will apply via INteract, answering a few short questions and uploading their resume, with the application designed to take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
Final Selection:
- By May 29, the Nominating Committee will notify the recipient of the International Ambassador role. This timeline ensures that the ambassador has ample time to prepare, secure any necessary travel documents (such as visas) for their trip to In2Risk, and get ready for their upcoming responsibilities.
Announcement to the CPCU Society Membership:
- The newly selected ambassador will be publicly announced on the CPCU Society website and in membership communications starting in June.
International Ambassador Term:
- The international ambassador will serve from 7/1 – 6/30.
TESTIMONIALs FROM PAST INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR:
"Being recognized as an International Ambassador helped cement my credibility among my clients and peers as a knowledgeable and committed insurance professional. More importantly, it reinforced in me the importance of paying it forward, by giving me an opportunity and a platform to help my extended network of insurance practitioners and aspirants pursue their goal of professional accreditation."
– Arun Kumar V, CPCU
2013 International Ambassador, India
FAQs:
Why did the CPCU Society start this program?
The International Ambassador program was established to help CPCU Society members overseas promote the CPCU designation and to provide financial support for attending In2Risk in person. It fosters a platform for international members to share knowledge related to their insurance markets, cultures, and countries. Additionally, the program encourages all CPCU Society members to embrace diversity and enhance the CPCU Society as a global organization.
My country already had an ambassador. Should I still apply?
Yes! Every applicant has a fair chance at being selected, regardless of past ambassadors from their country.
What should applicants do to ensure their applications are considered?
Complete the application in its entirety and respond thoughtfully to each question. Show your passion for the CPCU designation, the CPCU Society and the insurance industry. Highlight how the CPCU designation and/or CPCU Society membership has influenced your career. We strongly encourage applicants to provide authentic, personal responses in their own voice and ask that you do not use AI tools to draft or significantly enhance your answers as we are looking for genuine reflections and experiences.
If an applicant is not selected, can they still hold a volunteer role at the CPCU Society?
Yes! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. You can also apply for the international ambassador role again if not selected this year.
Any Final Words?
Applying for the International Ambassador program is a great opportunity to connect with dynamic CPCU Society volunteer leaders. Regardless of the outcome, we encourage you to apply and engage with our global CPCU Society community.
To apply to become our next International Ambassador, please sign into INteract and click on the Apply Today button.