Summer Retirement Intern Review

A really enjoyed it - enough to decide that I would like to become an actuary! I felt it suited my skill set, my colleagues were friendly and I felt comfortable at Towers Watson

I was mostly doing client work, so I knew I was making a valuable contribution. The context and relevance of my work was always explained and my colleagues made an effort to include me in social events and make me feel welcome. They would also answer as many questions as I could through at them and gave me regular feedback on my work.

I had a line manager who gave me regular feedback and catch-up meetings and helped me to set goals during my placement. I also had a buddy who was a new graduate, who helped me to settle in and gave me lots of advice. If my buddy or line manager were out of the office there was always someone else I could turn to for support. My buddy and line manager both kept an eye on my workload and looked out for interesting jobs for me to do. Interns were also given several training sessions in the pensions industry and actuarial software on joining, as well as an induction pack.

I always had plenty of varied work to do. I managed my own capacity - if I didn't have enough work I would tell my colleagues that I could take on more and, equally, if I was at capacity they wouldn't overload me. If I ever ran out of client work, then I was working on my internship project. Towards the end of the internship I was very busy because my office had a lot of client work coming through.

The level of responsibility I was given was well-judged to the amount of experience I had. I was working on client projects from the first day, starting with simple tasks then increasingly complex jobs as my knowledge increased. I worked on a graduate recruitment project with 7 other Towers Watson interns from across the country designing and filming a recruitment video, where we were given complete creative freedom and ran the project from inception to completion.

I learnt a huge amount about the pensions industry and how to do calculations and how to use actuarial software. It was a great insight into working on a consultancy team. My project management, team, communication and time management skills improved a lot. I also learned how to use conference calling and give presentations effectively.

It was a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Colleagues would always be happy to answer your questions and chat.

Very well organised, apart from the odd last minute email from graduate recruitment regarding the internship project.

I felt that the company wanted me to gain as much experience as possible during the internship and were looking to make a lasting investment in me. The company gave several training sessions in actuarial knowledge and software. Colleagues would always explain the background to work I was doing and answer questions. They would give me regular feedback so I knew what to keep doing and how to improve.

I would definitely like to go back to work for Towers Watson. The company culture suited me and I really enjoyed the job. They regularly give graduate job offers to interns so I will just have to wait and see... Study support is good for permanent employees and a high proportion of the graduate intake go on to have lasting careers with Towers Watson.

The interns went out for lunch with our buddies, managers and senior staff at the beginning/end of the internship. There were office drinks every Friday, welcome drinks and an event to celebrate actuarial exam results coming out. Colleagues were sociable - everyone chatted when in the office, we often had lunch with them in the canteen or park and were invited to join our colleagues' sports teams. There were 7 other interns at my office which was just the right number. We got on well and would go out after work sometimes. There was an amazing boat part on the Thames too for our whole office.

Never had to pay for anything at office socials! Accommodation costs are expensive in London, but Towers Watson gave me an accommodation which helped a lot with that.

See social scene. Also we had 3 induction days throughout the internship to meet up with all the Towers Watson interns from across the country.