Actuarial Intern Review

It was my role to learn about the life of an actuary and start to understand the basics of being a pensions actuary. Outside of the study, I worked on numerous clients, completing calculations for members to work out their pension values. I also did some really exciting work on working out the present value of bonus' for huge companies. I had a intern project and presentation which last me the time of the internship.

I have learnt many skills. I think the most prominent one was the ability to organise my life around working full time. Through university, we can do what ever we like when ever we like but in working life its different. This internship definitely worked as a intermediate step, teaching me how to work within the formalities of professional life. Outside of organisation I also developed great communication and presentational skills. The group project really stretches you to be your best in front of the whole company

I was given a variety of responsibilities. All client work is reviewed before it is sent off, but I was working for pensions schemes in the 10s of billions of pounds. The changes I made altered schemes millions of pounds in one way or another. The work I received was often quite simple so although the scope of the work was huge, acting on many international clients, sometimes the actual job, the specifics were very similar. Sometimes the work was very complicated! Definitely a mixture.

On my internship I was allocated a "buddy" who I could go to at anytime to ask any questions. At the start of the internship she would break down work into step by step processes. As the Internship progressed I would just be given the work to complete myself. This was a great experience as my knowledge improved but I could still go back to my buddy when ever needed. Everyone I worked with found time for me when I went to them with problems, even when they had busy days.

The culture was great, everyone was really down to earth which surprised me as I definitely wasn't expecting that to be the case beforehand. My internship was mainly online however when I got in the office it was awesome to have the fun across desk jokes and see everyone smiling. I was encouraged to host a social for the Internship and went on a few hosted by others. It was obvious the team were trying to include me and make me feel welcomed.

I really enjoyed my placement! You have to work hard and sometimes I had to work later than I would like but I enjoyed every moment. The best moments were probably shadowing other members of the team working on projects I wouldn't be able to do yet but being given the opportunity to see that work was great. I would have liked to get in the office more however with the environment I am glad I got in at all

Yes

Try to talk to as many people as possible. The Internship goes so fast that if you don't, you wont make the connections that this opportunity brings. Willis Towers Watson has so many interesting people that have some really valuable lessons and experiences. Try to be as extroverted as possible, really push yourself to meet new people and make new friends, whether that's other inters or other people on your teams. Everyone started at some point and absolutely everyone will be happy to talk to you.