Work Experience - Actuary Review

Doing actuarial calculations such as revaluing pensions to ensure that a pensioners pension remains at the same value today as it was when they started paying into it. This role involves a lot of mathematics and independent work as each individual client takes a lot of time to do.

I have developed my mathematics skills heavily and have learn't how to manipulate Microsoft Excel in a much better way than before. Furthermore, I have also developed my communication and teamwork skills as at Aon everyone sits on tables to emphasise teamwork and togetherness.

The programme was very enjoyable as I always had things to do; I was never bored. Moreover, the work I was set was stimulating and challenging and not mundane tasks such as photocopying or tea making .

I feel very valued by Aon because they gave me tasks that their junior employees were also doing and directly affected clients as even a tiny error could mean a difference of a few thousand pounds for a client. This responsibility given to me by Aon made me feel that they trusted me, and this in turn made me feel valued by them.

To be honest, he programme was not structured at all. I was just given tasks to do, as and when clients requested them. On my first day I was given a tour of the building and was made to read the fire drill policy but apart from that I was given independence over what I did.

I was assigned a buddy who gave me tasks and was a first point of contact if I needed help with anything. My buddy was very helpful with any queries I had and everyone in the office was generally pleasant which was very nice.

I did not get to talk to the managers or members of the other teams at all during my two weeks at Aon which was a little disappointing.

I did not receive a salary but was reimbursed travel costs.

There were opportunities for other employees at the company outside of work such as playing in the Company football team after work on a wednesday and there was a gym nearby but I was not asked to attend or make use of these events.

Yes

Aon are a very friendly company who value and trust their work experience students as they give them proper client work. This in turn allows students such as myself to gain a true insight into what day to day life at an insurance firm is really like.

The most important piece of advice I can give is to be yourself and to not over exaggerate because you will be found out at interview if you do.