Actuarial Intern - Pensions Review

As far as work goes I found the placement pretty enjoyable! I was kept busy and had a varied range of work to do - almost all of which was directly for clients. The atmosphere in the office was great, everyone willing to help and get involved in social things.

I felt like I was helping people out to complete tasks that they would otherwise have to find time to do themselves, so I did feel valued and always that the work I was assigned was worth doing.

My supervisors gave me lots of help whenever I needed it, made sure I had training on more technical aspects and ensured I always had enough work to keep me busy. They were patient when explaining things and offered to help with projects if I needed it.

I always had enough work to be getting on with but I never felt overwhelmed. I also had time to complete my summer student projects and prepare presentations.

From week 2 I was carrying out real work (preparing reports, calculations, emailing etc) for clients. I was slightly surprised to be given this level of responsibility early on, but I had help when needed and people to check and go over my work so that I learned from any mistakes.

The internship has given me a more business focussed perspective that I will not get from my degree. It has also enhanced more professional and work-based skills that I hope will help in future graduate jobs.

Really good! We were working but everyone was up for a laugh and willing to help. There were lots of lunches and charity days and nights out.

It was pretty well organised. The deadlines and requirements around the compulsory projects and exercises were clear, and the office in which I worked had a plan of what I would be doing on a weekly basis so that I got a varied experience.

I was involved in team training presentations and individual ones for me where required, to enhance my understanding on a specific subject. Any time I was starting something new it was explained to me thoroughly with good feedback on everything that I did.

As far as I'm aware that opportunities are good. Building a career as an actuary is a stable one and one which will be around for a while yet! Barnett Waddingham seem like an excellent company to work for; successful, diverse, great people and good career prospects.

There were no other placement students in my office, but most of the actuarial team were up for nights out. All the team went out for lunch on Friday's and there's nights out, charity days and sports activities to get involved in.

Pretty reasonable.

Good, we worked in the centre of town with lots of restaurants, bars and clubs close by.

Yes, sports events and nights out.