Internship Review at Mercer

The Role

Role Description

Calculating pensions for members of a wide range of schemes.
Providing assitance to consultants and newly qualified actuaries.
Creating and provdiding funding updates to clients.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work was ver mathematical, interesting and challenging. I was always busy which I really like.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I feel my work and contribution was appreciated by members of the team from the feedback I have got from them.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was assigned a buddy from the beginning who explained some theory and talked me through the work. Everyone else in the office was approachable and happy to answer any questions I had too.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were a couple of days where I had little work, but the vast majority of the time I was busy. I like to be kept busy and to work with a little bit of pressure.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

It's difficult to get any real responsbility as an actuarial intern as all the work I have done has been checked by two people before it is sent out. I also haven't got a huge amount of experience.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I have improved my time management skills whilst working here due to deadlines and pressure. Something I haven't had is client interaction which would have been useful. Though I have had the opportunity to practice my presentation skills for my internship project.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

It is often quiet because people are concentrating on their calculations or work, but there is a lot of conversation at times, especially about football. Everyone has been really friendly and welcoming to me though.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I have had a lot of work, but it might have been useful for me to spend a day or so in Investment Consulting or possibly shadowing a consultant for a day. However in practice these things might not always be possible.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I recieved basic Excel training on my first day and have had a lot of time sitting down with members in the office explaining techniques to me. However I haven't been on any formal training courses.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

• There were no perks with this internship

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I have recieved good feedback from people in the office about returning after my studies, however it is still twelve months away, so it isn't set in stone.

Other Information

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

There have been a number of socials, including a treasure hunt around Windsor which was fun. I have also played football once a week. However I have been the only placement student over the summer, so there hasn't been a busy social scene.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I haven't had much opportunity to socialise or go out in Windsor, as I have lived in Egham. It wasn't too expensive to live as it's a student town. I have often gone in to London though to see friends.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

I think there is one club in Windsor called Liquid, but I never went there. I have only been to a couple pubs with people from work.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I have played football most Wednesday evenings with people from work.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I have had a great experience working here for Mercer in Windsor; the people are really friendly and the work has been interesting and challenging. It is a quiet friendly office if that is what you're after.

Review 35/59 for Mercer

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