Actuarial Intern Review

My internship was in the Actuarial and Benefits practice in the London office. I loved the experience and gained an invaluable insight into the actuarial profession. I was given real client work from day one and continually challenged. There was a strong, collaborative working atmosphere, built upon the unique values of the firm. Consequently, I felt productive and very motivated.

By the end of the placement, my colleagues had become friends. I felt that I was not 'just an intern', instead thought of as a potential graduate trainee.

My People Manager and Team Leader were always on hand for guidance and regular catch-up meetings. At the beginning of the internship, we agreed on objectives for my development and identified particular areas of work which I could get involved in. Due to the open office environment, I could ask anyone a question at any time.

I usually arrived around 9am and was encouraged to leave at 5pm. There was always plenty of work to do but sometimes, especially with the project work, it was difficult to find time for everything.

I was given the responsibility of completing various pieces of client work, to the same level as a graduate trainee. My work was always checked and double checked by colleagues.

I learnt how to communicate in a professional setting with clients and colleagues. The individual project on defined contribution pension schemes expanded my commercial awareness and allowed me to develop presentation skills. Technically, I learnt how to do basic actuarial calculations and improved my Excel skills. The internship is a strong foundation for knowing what to expect from the graduate role and future actuarial exams.

As previously mentioned, the firm had a strong working atmosphere. Everyone was friendly and many were chatty and up for a laugh throughout the day.

The internship was well-organised, with clear work for me on a day-to-day basis, on varied clients. The individual project was difficult on times as there was no clear direction given, but this reflected the nature of a real business project and the need for innovation.

Throughout the internship, we had various training sessions organised. These were designed to give us an insight into the other practice areas, Investment and Risk Modelling. Once a month, all the students did a half-day training exercise, in which we were encouraged to present. However, I could have benefited from more pensions-specific training in the first week.

I was very enthusiastic to continue working at the firm and accepted an offer of a graduate position, commencing this September.

I was invited to the Staple Inn Actuarial Society boat party on the Thames, which was great fun. The whole office attended a pub quiz night and we were fortunate to have an office away day at a cookery event.

In London, everything is expensive! However, the company offers loans for accommodation or travel tickets.

Plenty of nightlife in London!

Yes, there were regular drinks events on Fridays and we also, as interns, organised an event for the office. There are opportunities to get involved in the social committee and organise activities.