Actuarial & Risk Intern Review

I have really enjoyed my placement and could not have felt more welcomed or supported during my time here. Whenever I have asked for help, it has been readily given.

From the offset I was invited along to social/team events with colleagues and was made to feel a real part of the team. Colleagues were very happy to take time to talk/explain about what they were working on, their career path, etc.

I had weekly meetings with my manager to see how my placement was progressing, as well as weekly catch-ups to discuss my work.

Although some times have been busier than others due to deadlines or meetings, I always had more than one task I could be working on, which meant that I always had something to occupy me, and got to work on my prioritisation/time-management skills.

I felt I was given a really good amount of responsibility, but with the support and guidance to make this non-intimidating.

Softer skills such as presentations, organising meetings and conference calling will be incredibly useful in my later career, along with more technical knowledge in e.g. excel.

A good balance - a hard-working, friendly atmosphere. I felt welcomed from day one and through my placement, colleagues from around the department were happy to give their time to explain their role.

My work was organised incredibly well - I was always occupied and felt challenged. There were events that bought all the interns together most weeks as well as a formal induction day and separate welcome day at the beginning.

There were quite a few development events throughout the internship, as well as online learning and strengths finder activities. There is a heavy emphasis on personal development, with a mid-term and end of internship review, as well as on-going self-reflection via internship diaries.

We were given a lot of insight into what life on the graduate scheme and beyond would be like. There is a strong actuarial community, amongst both students and qualified actuaries. Future employment prospects are incredibly appealing, especially given the company culture, ethos and values.

A lot of the interns lived together in apartments which meant there was always something to do and people around. It has been a really enjoyable summer and has exceeded all my expectations.

Given there is so much to do, it can get costly as you are out and about so much. However, earning a salary and having provided accommodation really helped with this!

Edinburgh has been a wonderful city to live in for the ten weeks, both in terms of nightlife and at the weekends. We've managed to see and do a lot in our time here. Living in such a good location made this very easy also.

There is a range of societies and clubs in the company, and we were given the opportunity to get involved in these. As an intern community we were encouraged to set up a social committee, which organised events such as a ceilidh. The intern programme also involved a charity day which was incredibly worthwhile.