Pensions Actuary summer intern Review

by Barnett Waddingham LLP

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.1/5
  • The Role
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.1
  • The Culture
    3.6

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • The 2 months were a fantastic experience and a great way to learn more about what it is that actuaries do day to day.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I was always made to feel like part of the team and my input was always valued. My colleagues were always willing to give up their time to provide help and guidance when asked.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Right from the first day I was told that I should ask as many questions as possible. My supervisors, as well as anybody else in the office, were always there to help me. The feedback system was thorough and helped me understand what I was doing well and what I needed to work on.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • The workload was challenging but manageable. If my workload did ever get a little low then my supervisors would always work hard to ensure I had something to do. The end of internship presentation meant that there was always something you could be doing.

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • The emphasis was always on doing real client work throughout the internship. Almost all the tasks given to me where actual client queries, as opposed to tasks produced solely for the internship.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • There were a number of training talks throughout the 8 weeks that have definitely helped me understand a lot more about the industry, the exams and what it is that actuaries do.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • The atmosphere was incredibly friendly. I was made to feel welcome from day one. There were a number of social events during my time in the office and I was always encouraged to take part in them. People were always willing to help and offer guidance.

    5/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • A lot of thought had clearly gone into making sure that there would be enough work during my time at the firm. There were a number of helpful training talks given by various members of the team. There were also a good number of assessed exercises with thorough feedback.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • As mentioned there were a number of training talks given throughout the 8 weeks. These ranged from excel skills to the pensions industry. The thing that struck me was the amount of time that was given towards feedback. It was always ensured that you were given proper feedback after every task so that you could learn and improve.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Sports and Social Club

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • The firm seems to be growing. Within the firm itself there appears to be a good chance of advancement.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • There were a number of social events whilst I was there. There was a chance to play weekly football, as well as firm-wide football and netball tournaments. There were a number of other events that I was always welcome to attend. The interns were encouraged to organise their own social event that people were happy to attend.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Being based just outside London was perfect. It wasn't as expensive as living and working in the city but central London was just a 45 minute train away.

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • The office is based in quite a quiet town. There were a lot of pubs about but not much more than that.

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • There were a number of social activities to get involved in. The firm also very kindly paid for me to go to the SIAS (Staple Inn Actuarial Society) annual boat party on the Thames. There was also free travel into London for a SIAS talk.

    4/5
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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

South East

August 2014

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