Summer Student Review

As a summer student in the actuarial private business unit, I was part of 4 client teams and 2 proposition teams. Day-to-day tasks included drafting papers, completing actuarial calculations such as transfer values, drafting member communications, large data set analysis. More generally, my role was to support other members of my teams with work they needed to complete for clients or to improve internal processes.

Throughout the internship I have had plenty of opportunity to learn new technical skills such as completing actuarial calculations e.g. transfer values, and more general skills such as presenting e.g. at the end of my independent project. Having responsibility over client work and conversing with senior colleagues and trustees has also helped me develop my ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment.

I was given plenty of responsibility during the internship. I have really enjoyed being given the freedom to make an attempt at completing work independently before receiving further support from senior colleagues. This has allowed me to think more deeply about what I've been doing and develop my understanding of concepts rather than just following instructions mindlessly.

The support and guidance I've received has been excellent throughout the internship. Whilst I've been given the freedom to have a go at work independently, I have known throughout that anyone in my client teams would have been happy to talk me through work further and provide some hints. I had regular catch-ups with my teams, people manager, and graduate 'buddy' to discuss what I've been doing and raise any issues.

The company culture was incredibly inclusive and the atmosphere was always welcoming and friendly. Even before I joined, HR, my manger, and my 'buddy' contacted me to talk me through the induction process and settle any nerves. Ever since I joined, I felt like I could speak to anyone on all levels within the business and everyone I met made an effort to come and speak to me in work hours or during socials.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Hymans. It has been incredibly informative, interesting, and fun. I came into the internship with very limited knowledge of pensions and actuarial consulting and feel like I have learned a lot. I've really enjoyed getting involved with all of my teams and being responsible for some of the work. The work socials have also been excellent for getting to know lots of people in the firm.

Yes

I would strongly advise anyone applying to Hymans Robertson to not be afraid to be themselves, during the application process and at work if you're offered a role. I would also suggest you get involved with as many parts of the business as possible whilst you're there. Everyone is really happy to chat you through what they do day-to-day and this can lead to you being involved with and learning about their work.