Summer Placement Student Review

by Punter Southall

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

Rating

4/5
  • The Role
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.1
  • The Culture
    3.4

    The Role

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

    • Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my internship. Throughout the whole process I was given lots of client work to complete which made me feel valued. In addition to this, we were given a project to complete in our free time ensuring we always had something to do. This kept me busy ensuring I was happy at all times. Further to this, it was applicable and allowed us to learn what the job maybe like further down the line. This was something I enjoyed.

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

    • At all times during the placement I felt valued by my colleagues, This came from them giving me relevant and important work to complete. This created a sense of trust which made me feel valued. In addition, all of the interns were regularly invited to various social events. This allowed us to feel a real part of the team.

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

    • Throughout my placement I was sat next to a recent starter. They were particularly helpful in answering any questions I had, regardless of how simple they were. In addition, during the internship we completed a project which involved re designing a pension scheme. Throughout this project we were given lots of support and guidance by everyone around the office, including the most senior workers.

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

    • At all times during the placement we were kept busy. All of the actuarial trainees regularly passed us work and were happy to explain anything to us. In addition, we had a project to complete over the six weeks which we were told to do in any of our free time. This ensured we always had something to do, even if there was little client work available.

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

    • From the first day of the placement we were regularly passed client work. This was a significant amount of responsibility for someone who had just started. However, everyone was very happy to answer any questions. Thus it was a good way to learn how to do new things quickly. In addition, we were safe in the knowledge that all of the work we completed would be checked before being passed to clients.

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

    • The whole process was very useful for allowing me to develop new skills. In particular the group project developed my ability to work in a team. This has (and will) prove particularly useful for my final year at university which involves significant amounts of group work. In addition, whilst working we regularly learned new skills and processes. This exposure will prove useful when approaching new material at university.

    4/5

    The Company

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

    • In the office the atmosphere was very friendly. At all times around the office everybody said hello and took an interest in what you were doing. Further to this, when we asked people for help with work they were always willing regardless of how busy they were. Finally, regular social activities allowed the interns to get to know people around the office, which further improved the atmosphere.

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

    • The internship was well set up and organised. This was because there was regular training laid on for us which allowed us to learn skills relevant for the job. In addition, everyone in the office was aware we were looking for work. This ensured we were always busy and learning new skills.

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

    • They invested training in us and gave us time to complete non client work such as a project which gave us an insight into what working at the firm would be like.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Sports and Social Club

    Company Parties/Events
    3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • A career within the organisation is very appealing. This is because not only do I know what I am well suited to the work, I also know that the office atmosphere is friendly. This means that I do not have to start a fresh with getting to know people and settling in again will be a smooth process. In addition, a few weeks after my placement I was offered a job so I no longer have the stress of applying for jobs,

    5/5

    The Culture

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

    • Were only two other interns though we regularly went for lunch and all got along well

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • I was fortunate enough to live at home and commute so it was travel and accommodation were very cheap. In terms of socializing in Guildford it, things were more on the expensive side. However, prices were not extortionate like they maybe in some areas of London. Overall it was on the expensive side though affordable.

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Was lots of activity and a few clubs.

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

    • Lots of opportunities ranging from going to the pub quizzes to playing in cricket matches for the office team.

    5/5
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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

Actuary

South East

November 2015

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