Actuarial Intern Review

One of the best things about this job was that each day was different to the last. Each day consisted of new tasks and no 2 days were the same. Some days I found I did lots of individual calculations and learnt in depth how to do each one. Other days I could sit in on client work discussions or shadow colleagues working on current projects. Some days I spent time researching for my own project and others networking across the office. The list of tasks I took on was very extensive and because of this I feel I now have a wide exposure to the industry.

At the beginning of my placement I met with my intern manager to discuss my objectives for my 8 weeks here. I stated from day one I wished to have more experience and improve my confidence with excel. From then I was presented with many opportunities to achieve this target. From multiple online training sessions, independent excel projects and work assigned to me, I have been exposed to excel every day. As a result I have developed my skills with the programme, meeting my objective.

I was surprised at how much work I was able to take on and complete alone. Before coming in I had the expectation that I would only be shadowing and watching others do their work. Whilst I did get this opportunity and found it extremely helpful, I was also given many pieces of work that I was able to do myself. This was a great learning experience for working towards deadlines and produce high quality work.

One of my biggest praises to WTW in the time that I have had here, is how supportive and invested everyone was in my experience. From day one I met with my manager and mentor who were always readily available whenever I needed help. I found that everyone made time to answer my questions and were more than happy to do so. When researching my project I even reached out to a colleague in a different office and he was extremely willing to lend a hand.

I have extremely enjoyed my time here and I believe it has largely been down to the people and the culture. Despite starting this placement online due to COVID-19 I still felt connected and considered. In my early weeks everyone went out of their way to set up meeting to introduce themselves so I felt I still had a great networking opportunity. As the weeks went on and restrictions lifted, we were able to host a social event where everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly! In the few days I was able to go into the office everyone was keen to chat, go for lunch or a drink after work. I find this an amazing quality in a company.

I am very grateful to have had the chance to spend 8 weeks here and it is a company I would recommend to anyone. WTW is somewhere I would love to work in the future and I believe this speaks volumes for how much I have enjoyed my time here. From stimulating work to social opportunities, I believe everything I look for in a career has been met. I have only praise for my internship experience.

Yes

I would recommend to anyone considering it to apply here. My advice would be to do your research and come into your interview with a little bit of background knowledge. This demonstrates you are well researched and up to date with the industry. However, don't feel you need to be an expert in any topic to apply. I had never seen actuarial work before I started here and it didn't hold me back. If you are enthusiastic, ready to learn and engaged, you will get the most out of the experience.