Summer Intern (Retirement) Review

A variety of work with plenty to learn every day

Co-workers always did their best to make me feel useful, even when instructions took longer than the task itself

Almost every morning my line manager (or someone else, if they were away) would check what I had to do that day and appropriate tasks were found if I needed more to do. Feedback was given halfway through the internship. While this was very encouraging and friendly, it could have been more constructive.

I never had more work on than I could deal with, so long as I managed my time effectively. Some days were a little too quiet, but there were always a number of side projects I could be getting on with.

I was given client-chargeable work on my first day in the office, which was really encouraging and exciting. Since all work is checked a number of times, this wasn't too much pressure. Later on, I was given a small project to manage personally, permitted to sit in on client calls and work closely with senior managers. I think that I was given as much responsibility as is appropriate for someone with no training or experience.

Little of my work was directly related to my degree (maths) but I learnt a lot about the pensions industry, bespoke software, and the technical aspects that relate to the work of an actuary. In addition, I had the opportunity to make presentations, draft internal and external communications, take minutes, make conference calls, etc., which were useful workplace experiences.

Everyone in the office was friendly and welcoming. There was a bake-off, a sweepstake, and a raffle in the short time I spent there. Every Friday is casual.

There were no significant organisational problems for me, though some information could have been distributed earlier.

There was an introductory day to get all the interns settled in, a number of webinars about different aspects of the business and a number of informative in-office sessions with colleagues. Most practical training was given on the job. I was able to set personal development goals with my line manager, which she then helped to facilitate. While not much money was invested in training, Towers Watson certainly provided sufficient opportunities to learn.

I expected to hear from the company around a month after I have left about whether there will be a graduate opportunity for me. I understand the majority of interns are offered grad roles.

The office had some kind of social almost every week though this was an unusually busy period with results celebration, a leaving do, and the annual summer social. I also spent some time with the two other interns in my office, who were friendly.

It wasn't particularly cheap to live in Bristol but office socials were not expensive, you could be reimbursed for travel or accommodation and the wages were more than enough to cover any other costs.

The office socials made good use of the clubs and bars around.

In the time I was there, there were no opportunities to get involved with anything like sports or volunteering, but I understand these do arise occasionally.