What do you talk about at your first date?

[Ms_Actuarial_Scientist]

I’ve recently moved country and need to network my way into a mid-level job. Say I message someone on LinkedIn and we agree to grab coffee. What do you talk about on your first meeting? I’m horrified at just the thought of it.

[GargoyleWaiting]

Firstly, don't call it a date. You might get more people agreeing to meet you, but they won't want to talk about recent developments in discount rates...

For a networking meeting in a new country, however, I'd start* by talking about the market in the new country. You say you're looking for a mid-level job, so presumably you know the market in your old country. Find out the similarities, and the differences, who are the big players, what are the big challenges, what does the future look like for actuaries.
That sort of thing - you want to meet people and find out about the new country, right?


*I'm assuming you know to actually start with small talk

[LifeIsAPoissonProcess]

The risk associated with taking long walks on the beach.

[Westley]

Figure out what you want to get out of it
Figure out what the other person might get out of it
Find conversational topics that will get you to discuss the common interests from above. Ask the other person questions that will introduce those topics.

[rhoucag]

Just make sure they pay for the hotel and meal. Wait ... is this about a first interview?

[bjc2142]

I clicked this post thinking you were asking how to describe actuary or actuarial job to your date.

[The_Polymath]

Find something you have in common via small talk/prior research.

Talk about it.

Re-direct to the work subject after a bit of time, but don't be pushy.

Not all that hard.

[Ms_Actuarial_Scientist]

Thanks for your great advice and apologies to those that felt clickbaited.