Summer Student – Actuarial & Investment Review

I have undertaken a mix of typical actuarial consultancy and investment consultancy tasks. This includes calculating transfer values, producing investment monitoring reports, drafting scheme funding reports and researching funds. There is a mix of short term work and longer projects, providing a great introduction to what these roles involve. These tasks also involve regular interactions with senior team members and partners. I have also had the opportunity to speak to senior team members about careers and their work as well as sitting in on higher level calls to provide an insight into how a career could develop.

Since starting this role, my understanding on economics and investments has improved massively. A combination of independent research and discussions with experienced colleagues has helped me to understand how investment advice is provided to a variety of different clients. My excel skills have also improved since starting, as a lot of the work is excel based and training has been provided to introduce new joiners to its functions. My confidence and social skills have also improved.

I have been given a lot of tasks over my internship with flexibility around self-learning and formal training. This allowed me to take on more responsibility, knowing that I could always query parts of tasks I was unsure on, and all work would be checked at the end. I was able to work on reports that were sent out to clients, providing a real feeling of involvement in the team.

There was a large amount of training on a wide variety of subjects throughout the first few weeks of the internship, and after that discussions with more experienced colleagues were welcomed. The balance between training from other team members and self learning was then largely left to my own discretion to suit my own needs. I also had a mentor and supervisor assigned for each part of the internship to provide advice.

Barnett Waddingham has a brilliant culture and atmosphere in all the offices that I have been able to visit. Everyone that I have met had been helpful and willing to talk about any queries that I have had. There is an emphasis on a friendly and comfortable working environment, with collaboration encouraged.

I have really enjoyed my internship so far. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere have allowed me to really get involved in life at the company and take part in a wide variety of work and events. It has been a great insight into the roles available at Barnett Waddingham and the people who work there. I have had only positive interactions with everyone that I have met, and been provided with support whenever I asked for it.

Yes

I think applying to Barnett Waddingham allows you to be true to yourself and your preferences. The company is very open to taking on a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and is happy to train new starters in the role specifics, as long as they have a good attitude and are willing to learn.