Actuarial & Investment Consulting Review

I worked across both the AC (Actuarial Consulting) and IC (Investment consulting) teams. I would work within the client teams doing various calculations, including calculating transfer values for members as well drafting different reports including Summary Funding Statements, Actuarial Reports, Investment Monitoring Reports and Implementation Statements. There was also a chance to sit in on various client meetings to gain exposure to what happens in those meetings.

I have improved my presentation skills greatly through our exercises we did, which involved presenting to a mock trustee board (made up of other members of the team) which was good to develop the public speaking part. In addition my general knowledge of pensions has improved greatly as well as my attention to detail and what should be picked up on.

I was given significant responsibility to do calculations for actual clients and to draft reports that were later sent out. The work i did was checked by someone more senior and then sent back with comments to be addressed, but overall it was my piece of work and me who did the bulk of the drafting and calculating with a lot of the work.

There was a good mentor system in place with 2 mentors in both IC and AC that communicated well with us and were a first point of contact. The mentors were very approachable and helpful whenever I struggled and were always happy to explain things. there were also multiple sessions on career progression and how the company worked which was useful advice for future decisions.

The company was very relaxed and I got on well with everyone i worked with. The company seems very supportive and willing to adapt to their employees. There was no expectation to work any overtime and managers would encourage you not to overwork yourself. There were also good regular socials that were well attended and good to be involved in. People actively made an effort to include the interns in everything they did.

I enjoyed my placement immensely and found it really interesting to see what the career looks like. The time went really quick and i found the work very intellectually stimulating. the team were very welcoming and helped me feel at home vey quickly. Working for real clients was also very good to get real exposure and see the work done.

Yes

- do your research on the company and the work that the company does - know the actuarial industry and what the work entails - do some research into the actuarial exams and what study will look like - do some research on pensions industry current topics to discuss at interview