Summer Student Review

The work was client based, so it was quite interesting and good to get an experience of what an actuary actually does. There was a fair variety of work to get on with and I had work to do most of the time. I felt I was getting a valuable experience and learning a lot.

Was made to feel that I was trusted with work and had several team lunches and socials together. Colleagues spent time getting to know me and encouraged questions and assisted with work. I felt a valued member of the team and was given plenty of work to do. We had several socials and lunches out.

There was a variety of people I could ask for help. We had review meeting half way through to ensure we were doing alright. The work was given by a variety of people, but questions were encouraged and everybody was supportive with advice. We weren't given designated supervisors, but their was plenty of people to ask questions.

We had a few projects to work on over the summer, however day to day we were given client work from the office. It often required emailing out requests for work, but then people would respond and then we would have enough work to do. Some days were quieter than others depending on the work available.

The work was client based so we had a responsibility, but all our work was checked by others.

The skills wouldn't necessarily assist in my degree, but it furthered my understanding of Excel. I had extensive training about pensions and also have a furthered understanding about investment and economics. I think the training and skills I have learnt will definitely assist in a mathematical career in the future.

The atmosphere was positive as people are friendly and welcoming and want to have a chat and get to know you. People sometimes brought in cakes and sweets. There was some lunches out for various events throughout the summer. The office is new too so is quite nice to work in.

The work was fairly well organised as all the projects and assessments were planned in advance and we knew when they were. We therefore had plenty of time to complete the project work. We rotated round different departments so had the chance to work with a variety of teams and people.

There were several socials that we could get involved in in addition we were required to organise our own social at some point during the summer. There were escape room socials and lunches out in addition to trips to the pub. There was also some leaving drinks and qualification drinks which summer students were invited to.

Amersham is quite expensive as it is quite close to London. So it is not affordable to rent in the short term period. The cost of living is also very expensive and doesn't deal well with a limited student budget. There are plenty of travel links but these can also be expensive.

There is very little nightlife in Amersham as it is a commuter town and full of families. It is on the metropolitan line so you can get into London fairly easily, but the trip is over forty minutes. So it depends where you are staying whether you want to make the journey in.