Analyst – Actuarial

What is your role and how long have you been at LCP?

I am an Analyst in the pensions actuarial department at LCP, having joined the firm in September of last year. My journey with LCP began even earlier, during a summer internship in the penultimate year of my university studies. This internship provided me with a solid foundation and a positive experience, which encouraged me to return as a graduate.

Over the past year, I have thoroughly enjoyed the diverse range of tasks involved in managing a pension scheme. For instance, last week, I worked on a triennial valuation for one of my clients. This comprehensive review, conducted every three years, assesses the financial health of the pension scheme by comparing its liabilities with its assets. My role in this process included verifying the accuracy and reliability of member data, ensuring that the details and corresponding pension amounts are sensible and accurate.

In addition to these tasks, I handle individual cases, such as calculating transfer values, which involves determining the amount a member is entitled to if they transfer their pension out of the scheme. I also engage in consulting-type work, such as drafting reports and creating dashboards that provide our clients with updates on the funding position of their pension schemes.

What inspired you to apply for this role/this company?

I was inspired to apply for a role at LCP because of the firm’s strong reputation and commitment to personal and professional development. During my time at university, I attended an LCP masterclass where employees from various departments shared insights about their day-to-day work. It was evident that LCP cares deeply about its people and invests in their growth, offering extensive training programs for new joiners. This commitment to development resonated with me, as I wanted to start my career in a place that would help me nurture my skills and grow.

I also appreciate the size of LCP, a specialist firm that is large enough to offer a wide range of projects and experiences, yet able to maintain a personal touch. The opportunity to engage in diverse work, from consulting on pension schemes to attending client meetings early in my career, made LCP an exciting choice for me. This combination of a supportive culture and the chance to work on meaningful projects made LCP the perfect place to start my actuarial career.

What is the company culture like?

The culture at LCP is incredibly supportive and nurturing. From Day One, new graduates are paired with a buddy – a colleague from a year or two ahead – who helps navigate the initial learning curve and offers guidance. This buddy system, combined with a strong emphasis on continuous feedback and learning, creates an environment geared towards professional development.

The Firm also covers the costs of professional exams and study materials, providing a study day each week where we can focus solely on studying without work distractions. Socially, LCP is active and engaging; for instance, we recently had a department sports day featuring fun activities like three-legged races and sack races. These departmental social events are important as they bring everyone together as a team, from the highest to the most junior levels, encouraging better open communication and camaraderie, and allowing us to get to know our colleagues better. The emphasis on both professional and personal growth makes LCP a fulfilling place to work.