Actuarial Analyst Apprentice Review

I am an actuarial apprentice with Aon working within the retirement department. We work closely with a wide range of clients to provide regular updates on their pension scheme funding and how best to manage their schemes. Since joining I have been given a few responsibilities such as managing the mailbox where we receive all our individual member queries, ensuring that client billing is completed and delivered on time, ensuring that all client/member communications and meeting packs are ready on time for meetings etc. These are just a few of the tasks I am responsible daily.

I have learned loads of new skills from starting my apprenticeship. I have learned mathematical skills, such as learning how to value a pension at different dates using compounding and discounting etc., how different assumptions such as interest rates and mortality will affect how well funded a scheme is. I have also learned lots of social skills like how to construct a professional email to be sent to clients, how to conduct myself in a professional manner in front of senior staff and clients and useful skills such as time management and delegation.

I thoroughly enjoy my time at work as I am constantly learning and putting my new skills to practice in a real life situation; this is the main reason why I chose an apprenticeship over other routes. I also enjoy working in a large office with a mix of different people as I can see all the different ways people learn and complete tasks. I also like being able to build relationships with all areas of the business and building networks.

I feel valued by Aon as an apprentice; they have ensured that I have all the tools necessary to complete my role to the best of my ability. We attended a 2 week residential induction which allowed me to get a feel for the role I was going into and again allowed me to build relationships with colleagues in different offices and different areas of the business. They also provided us with laptops and are paying for the exams I will sit in order to complete my apprenticeship. This makes me feel valued and they care about my development.

The programme is well structured as we had a 2 week induction and have meetings and events for apprentices planned well in advance. I also know about what is expected of me before I started. However, after starting in the office I sometimes feel as if I am left to scout out and complete tasks I have never completed before and am not sure what is required. But if I am in this situation I feel I can approach other colleagues and ask for support.

I receive support from the outside training provider BPP. I have regular meetings with my coach who monitors my progress and provides support in any way she can. I also feel I can raise any problems or queries with them at any point. They provide detailed feedback on the work I supply and are interested in my opinion around they support they provide.

My employer provides me with support through my apprenticeship by funding the exams I have to sit in order to gain my qualification and allowing me ample study days to ensure I am able to pass these exams. I also receive quarterly meetings to review my progress and collate feedback from other members of staff I have worked with in order to progress even further.

My salary is basic and covers most of my main costs. It is expected to increase when I have passed my exams and then again when I have completed my apprenticeship. There is also the chance to receive quarterly bonuses and an annual increase. These are dependent on a review of your progress to determine if you meet the expectations set out.

There seem to be quite a few opportunities outside of work as we try to have a social once a month where the team gets together outside of work and has a night out. This is an opportunity to get to know your colleagues better and build more relationships. We also have regular team meetings that are of a relaxed nature where food and drinks are provided.

Yes

Aon is a large company with so many opportunities available to any colleague if they want them. I have learned so many new skills that I can apply to real life and take with me. I have felt welcomed and support since my first day and feel I can grow my career and be successful with the support available to me.

If you are successful in applying to Aon and make it to an assessment day or interview note that you are there because they know you have the ability to complete the job, they want to get to know what you're like as a person. Show personality and show you can fit in with the team and will bring some fun but be able to complete your work at the same time.