Summer Student Review

On the whole, I enjoyed the work. There were some jobs that were a little too long and repetitive for how tedious they were, but on the whole the jobs were challenging, stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable. Every day I looked forward to work, which is more than I can say for most jobs!

Colleagues were very friendly and always happy to answer any questions, no matter how frustratingly obvious they might have been. Feedback was sometimes a little slow but I do not know if that was just me expecting it too soon. I will miss the closer friends I have made during my time here.

There was plenty of training for all the key tasks. There was always someone available to answer questions and never no-one. The questions could be task specific or about general life at B W and they would always be happy to help. There was never any pressure over getting things wrong.

There were some days where I spent time searching for jobs to do, but mostly the days filled themselves with various tasks. There are also weekly meetings in teams that help to establish who is low and needs more work and who needs help to complete the work they have been assigned. Busy days are better!

I was not burdened with huge responsibility, but then neither are student actuaries. All work goes through the hierarchy to be checked regardless of who did the work. I did get to send out emails to clients and managers, again these were checked as is the rules for any external communication.

The actuarial specific tasks will help with modules that are exemptions, and vica versa, as one would expect. It will help mostly in the motivation it will give me to do well next year to give myself the best chances in the tough job market. Also been excellent for time management and team responsibility.

The atmosphere in the office is good, there are quieter days and louder days but generally great. Having partners near you does not add the stress but does give a good level of performance expectation. People are always friendly when passing them, whether you know them or not, even if from another team.

The communication before the internship started was poor and often quite late. The phone interview was organised a day before and only a week before the assessment day leaving very little time to prepare. The assessment day in Leeds was also poorly communicated. That being said, once arriving in the office all the organisation was excellent.

The company were happy to give us tasks that they knew we would delay and get wrong in an effort to help our learning. They also provided many expenses such as travel and accommodation for the training days. Also donated much time towards training us and ensuring that we were getting on okay and not struggling on our own. That being said, the internship is essentially an 8 week job interview.

I really hope I get the graduate job from the internship as I cannot imagine enjoying a job as much as this one. The B W style and ethos is pitched just right for the relaxed office/ high pressured work environment that would suit me and my preferred style of work.

We formed our own weekly traditions as summer students which were fun and I looked forward to. We also organised a team social, which was reasonably well attended. There are regular lunches and drinks that various members of the team attend, but there is no pressure to attend if you do not want to.

The biggest cost for me was travel. Fuel expenses worked out at approximately 13% of my salary, and it was still cheaper than the train. I lived a little too close to get accommodation, which probably would have cost even more. The parking in the town centre is expensive but there are places further out to park and walk.

I did not go on any nights out while here but do know that Cheltenham and especially Gloucester have good nights out. I would be confident that if I moved here permanently having secured a job, there would be ample opportunity to enjoy a night out and have options as to where to go.

Yes! There are company wide sports tournaments that are a great opportunity to be competitive as a team but also see friends from other offices. The netball and football were both near Cheltenham so especially easy to get to. There are also volunteering days that you are encouraged to take and regular socials.