Summer Student Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Barnett Waddingham, being especially grateful of the opportunity to rotate between Actuarial and Investment Consulting practice areas. The assessed summer student exercises provided a variety of work alongside client work, and allowed us to attempt more challenging tasks.

The team at my office have been extremely supportive of my professional development, and have been understanding of the fact that everything is new to me as a beginner. My colleagues gave me meaningful tasks and responsibilities which reinforced my belief that they valued me as a professional.

There was a mid-review halfway through the summer student program, in which we discussed constructive criticism and areas of improvement. In addition to this, I have always felt comfortable when approaching my "mentor" and "buddy" for any sort of query.

I constantly asked for new tasks, and so as a result I was never without a project to do.

Within Investment Consulting I was given a fair amount of responsibility relative to a beginner, drafting and producing reports that experienced professionals would typically be involved in. In Actuarial however, they was a limit to the complexity of the tasks allowed for summer students, which is understandable since they require qualified and more experienced individuals.

I believe the skills I developed and learned in this internship will be a great asset to me in my journey to become a qualified Actuary.

I would describe the office atmosphere as friendly and calming, yet with an underlying strong work ethic.

Various case study exercises were prepared before hand. Additionally, we had various technical training sessions throughout the eight weeks.

The social aspect of this firm went above and beyond my expectations. I got on really well with all of the other summer students, between offices as well.

My most favourite extracurricular company activities were the company wide football tournament, and the office golf tournament.