Women in Business Review

The majority of my time was spent in one-to-one online and in-person meetings with a variety of actuaries at manager, director, and associate level. There was loose structure and both parties treated the meeting as an informal chat and simply opportunity to learn more about each other and prior experiences. I had two appointed buddies who also created certain activities that simulate the work of an actuary on a day-to-day basis in the life and non-life insurance sectors.

I definitely gained an appreciation and recognition for the importance of asking well-placed and well-thought questions when in conversation with someone who possesses greater experience. Though it sounds nuanced, being able to tactfully glean as much useful information from someone who is willing to share proved to be more difficult than I had imagined as it necessitates more than just an enthusiasm for the field. Generally, I suppose this could be considered the skill of 'networking'.

Frankly, I found it very exciting. I spoke to people who worked in fields or industries adjacent to the most well-known ones that I didn't even know existed - some of which resonated a lot more with me than the 'popular' ones. From PwC, the most memorable impression I have of the business culture is the agility to move between factions and lines of service to suit your skills, interests, and ambitions to develop your career.

The actuarial line of service was very friendly and the team seemed like a very close-knit family. The general atmosphere is more relaxed than I expected and I learned a lot about the prevalence of flexible working schedules, with some managers I spoke to working for example 80% contracts that allowed them to maintain a healthier work-life balance with families and children. Overall, every person I spoke to was very welcoming and aware of my intent to learn humbly.

I have to say I enjoyed the second and third day much more than the first. This is because the first day was very introductory and welcoming-based - which I understand the merit of - but I was not spoken to personally other than by my buddies. The other days involved more hands-on activities and shadowing and consequently I felt more values and actually included in the workplace. In general, I did find the experience quite enjoyable though.

Yes

Self-projection is probably the most important thing, I would say, in the video interviews. In one of my videos I ran out of time and got cut off; if that happens, the most critical thing is the not let it ruffle you and continue onto the next. You do not need to speak for the full time to do well, as long as what you're saying is good. And lastly, be patient. I waited many months until I got the phone call that I was accepted, such that I thought I had simply been ghosted.