Pensions Consulting Actuarial Intern Review

Day to day included carrying out a variety of calculations across different pension schemes, as well as checking calculations that had been completed by an offshore team. Lots of opportunities to partake in data checking work and data validation. There was also the opportunity to put together reports and slide desks for both internal and external use. Other tasks including helping with the monthly client billing and summary funding updates. Generally I was just helping my connectors with work they gave me, however I was given work to complete on my own also.

Learnt lots of new skills relating to working in excel which helped throughout the role. Also learnt skills relating to pensions and how to go about calculating transfer values or trivial commutations for these. More generally I developed skills relating to time management as I would often have varying pieces of work which had different deadlines for different people. Also developed teamwork and communication skills when working with various people from across Aon all with varying levels of seniority.

I would say a lot of the tasks I completed were small sections of tasks which other people had to do and so probably not too much responsibility here. However I was assigned to a client team and had multiple calculations that I needed to do for this throughout the internship. Although these all do get checked I was responsible for doing the initial calculation/check (if previously calculated offshore) and so had this responsibility. Doing it correctly and rigorously saved time and money for the people who are checking above me.

I think a good amount. My buddies and manager were always keen to see how I was getting on and passed me work. The wider team were also all really friendly and always took their time to explain any work they gave me and answer questions that I had. I didn't really come into many problems that required attention but I'm sure that if I did my colleagues would have been happy to listen and support where they could.

Very friendly and fairly relaxed. My office was flexible in what time you could come and leave as long as you did the set hours for the week. They also had a dress for you day policy and so you could come in in clothes that suited you. Lots of social events were planned, all of which I was invited to and went to with made it a nice atmosphere to work in. At lunch many colleagues all ate together in the kitchen which made it an ideal time to socialise and get to know people a bit better outside of the office.

I really enjoyed the work I got to complete throughout my internship. The people I worked with were all friendly and welcoming and so it didn't feel like I was a burden on anyone. The office was a really nice place to work and I think had a good level of being able to talk with colleagues whilst still being able to get good quality work done. I didn't really have many expectations going in to the internship but it was better than anything I thought it would be. If I was given the opportunity I would definitely go back to Aon.

Yes

Take your time to research Aon and their competitors as this is a common interview question. If you are having to prepare a presentation make sure you prepare well so you are able to include everything you wish to. The presentation/interview is the ideal time to sell yourself and so making sure that you come across as being passionate about the role you are applying to I think is important. The key thing is being prepared and just do your best, they're not trying to catch you out.