Actuarial Intern Review

The people were absolutely lovely, from the secretaries to the partners. They were helpful and supportive and seemed genuinely interested in my experiences.

I had two reviews with my supervisor during the 8 weeks and one with the business manager at the end of the internship. I was usually given feedback after each piece of work I completed from whoever had been reviewing it so I felt comfortable with the progress I was making.

Unfortunately there was a lack of work in the office during the summer and so it was sometimes difficult to get work that I could do, however, when I did get work it was interesting and beneficial, with plenty to learn.

I had plenty of responsibility to ensure the work I was doing was completed on time, the correct information was gathered and any interaction needed with other offices over the phone was usually done by myself. How I organised my time and kept work in order was also left to me.

With regards to my degree I am not sure how much of the skills I learned will be useful - other than computer skills. However as far as my future career is concerned I feel as though the experience was incredibly helpful.

The atmosphere was professional and hard-working but incredibly friendly and welcoming. I never felt as though I wasn't part of the team and was taken out to lunch and encouraged to take and bake cakes, join in socials and ask as many questions as I needed.

I think there could be improvements made to the internship but I got the impression that the business manager was aware of this and was trying to ensure that in future a better structure was set up for the times when there was a lack of work.

I think I got about the same amount of personal training as a new graduate would in their first 2 months within the company.

I can see why many individuals would look for a career with Mercer and have noted how many are still in the company after many years, or who have returned. The company has good values and the atmosphere is great - as well as there being a graduate programme in place for actuarial students and a good support package. I am waiting to hear from them about a graduate job as the feedback I received was very good.

Unfortunately I was not within a suitable distance to socialise with other interns in offices around the country but we did get the opportunity to speak via intercall and email as well as on the induction day. I got the impression that those working within the same office were enjoying a good social experience with the others, although I didn't feel left out.

Living and socialising in Windsor would be relatively expensive, and there were few 'student' attractions but I really liked the feel of the town and was able to enjoy it without spending too much money. I did live further away (as did most of the office) but all of this was expected due to Windsor's status and proximity to London.

I didn't go out in Windsor and at best I think there is one club. There were quite a few bars/restaurants but I didn't get the impression that it was a place that came alive at night.

I was able to join in with the Windsor Challenge, a fun social orienteering-type experience around the town after work one day and there were a couple of after work drinks but other than that there was a lack of time during the week to find out if anything else was going on.