Retirement Actuarial Consultant Review

I would be involved with numerous activities, writing reports, calculating life expectancies and making demographic analyses for clients, calculating transfer values, etc. The work varied day-to-day so it was kept stimulating and fun. There would be the odd call with clients, and a lot of communication with others in the office - especially with those you are working with.

So many, I've gotten much better at reading the room when in an online environment, I'm more proficient with Excel, better at writing reports, more confident with PowerPoint presentations and I've enhanced my communication skills immensely - there's no such thing as too much communication.

A lot, from the get-go there was the intention of giving the interns a lot of client work to get involved with - to see what it's actually like to be an actuary. I can't say the same about placements in other offices as mine was smaller but still got a lot of work. I would be involved with at least one bit of client work each day which was amazing.

A lot, everyone in the office was very very patient with me, there were usually on-hand for any queries, no matter how silly or obvious. More senior colleagues would take so much time to talk through and thoroughly explain bits of content that I wasn't understanding or new processes that I would need for different bits of client work.

Awesome, and very infectious. Everyone is quite chatty, and inclusive of those who aren't, with a perfect level of banter that runs throughout the office - to the extent of they know if you can take it (as you've shown you can dish it back out). Everyone is very positive and inclusive of the interns in any social activity, or new experience that would be valuable to us.

To a great extent. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and would be very confident that anyone in a similar position would adore it as much as I have. Anyone looking for an actuarial placement would find it hard to get a better opportunity in my opinion. It's been a great way to spend my summer.

Yes

Be as authentic as possible in the recorded interview and assessment centre. Most of the job is about being as personable as possible, which is impossible to fake so ensure you know why you want to be an actuary and be motivated by that fact. Be curious and humble, and honest when you aren't sure of something - as you can then ask some very good questions!