Actuarial intern Review

Coming into this internship I didn’t know what to expect and it could’ve been easy to go along with the stereotypes of making tea and coffee for everyone, and although I did do this at times, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aon. I wanted to come into this internship to learn about pensions and the actuarial role within this sector. Without having any prior knowledge I felt have a accomplished what I wanted to learn and taking away fundamental skills needed to be a successful actuary. Throughout my time I have had great opportunities to enhance my learning each week and being able to learn from the best in the industry.

Coming into a work place where I was unfamiliar with not only the work I am doing but also the surrounding was tough. However, everyone within the company made me feel welcome and would take their time getting to know me and explaining complex theories in regards to work. With work coming from all levels of position goes to show how colleagues value interns at Aon.

At Aon the buddy system worked perfectly. Any day to day issue which occurred, my first port of call was my buddy then my manger. Throughout my time any work that was given to me I would receive feedback. I think this was important to ensure that I was learning the theory behind what I was doing rather than just applying techniques. In addition, I have feedback regularly throughout my time to ensure I was maximising my learning.

With any sort of job it would depend on market conditions. With summer being a period of time within the actuarial field of not being that busy, it was difficult to ensure I had regular work. Having said that, any opportunity which arose I ensured I took full advantage of this. Some days were very busy however other days were quiet. With the quiet days I would work on my group project, so overall there was something I was doing at all periods.

Being an intern and a new addition to the industry it was hard to give somewhat major reasonability. However at my time here, any work that was given to me was of value for the firm. I wasn’t given work for the sake of it, rather to ensure that I could help the firm in some way. However my group project gave me responsibility of which I can expect further on in my career.

With technology growth accelerating it’s vital to ensure that as a worker you can be efficient when coming to use computers. My time at Aon has given me exposure to understand what computer skills are vital to ensure high productivity. Aon have been excellent by also offer training for excel to ensure a smooth transition into the work place. Another skill would be communication. Working as an actuarial consultant, it’s important to explain complex theories is a simple manner for clients. Being exposed to client calls, I could see the approached senior colleges took by explaining theories and answering questions. This can adapted not only in a work place but in a general aspect of life. As a mathematician, when it comes to solving a very difficult questions it’s easy not to check your calculations. However working at Aon and ensuring the quality results are provided for clients, I would take this into my studies as I know it’s very easy to make simple mistakes which can effect a whole calculation.

It was a friendly place to be in. With the new seating systems in place it made it easier for an intern to meet a new person and make conversation with them. Overall it was a positive atmosphere was everyone was friendly and willing to help. It has a great balance of fun and work.

With the buddy system in place this made sure that my first few weeks were a smooth transition. My buddy would give me work to begin with and as my productivity picked up I was able to obtain work for others area of the business. At my time here there was always something to do.

The firm invested a lot of time and money into interns. With firstly offering us a competitive salary was generous as it can easily be avoided. In terms of work relation, there was a lot of online training that was made available likewise the time to be able to ask questions to other colleagues. There was a variety of resources made available to us interns to ensure we could maximize our potential in this internship.

In current economic climate, it can be seen as the norm for workers not to stay at a company for a long period time. However at Aon, in particular the Bristol office, I was working with colleagues who have been at this company at a very long time. This goes to show the firms ambition to ensure that they retained the employees. With the training and investment put into you as a worker, it gives you the motivation to work hard as you know you will be rewarded.

Yes there was. There were socials organised ranging from different ages where everyone would interact. In addition, there was sports socials organised by the company where different ages of people would play sports together during the day and socialise within the evening. Overall i felt that there was a good social scene amongst students/colleagues.

Being from Bristol the cost of living was nothing as I lived with my parents. Having said that, Bristol can be seen as a quite expensive area but the price compensations for the views that city does have. The cost of socialising wasn’t bad at all as there are a variety of places to go in Bristol meaning all firms must offer a competitive price.

Having grew up in Bristol I can say that nightlife is very good, especially during the summer. There are a host of events held in Bristol such as the harbour festival which happens during July and then the balloon fiesta. These attract people from all over the county and have a good vibe to them. It can be a bit on the expensive side to enjoy yourself at these events however it doesn’t happen every year.

Having just moved office the firm was getting familiar with the transition. However Aon have been great in hosting social events in different locations in the UK. Overall if you wanted to be involved in something there would be someone in the office that would also be interested meaning it can be easy to arrange something.