Kuljit, Senior Consultant

Kuljit Position: Senior Consultant Studied: Mathematics at Imperial College Now working for: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, London

When and why did you choose an actuarial career?

I chose an actuarial career during a gap year I took before going to university. I enjoyed the application of maths to solve real world problems so I always wanted a job that would use maths. I discovered the actuarial profession through a relative. I was won over by the profession's application of maths to the real world.

What does your work involve?

The role is very varied. It is an analytical role but it also allows me to meet new people. I've enjoyed a high level of client interaction right from the start at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I could be meeting with an actuarial student to discuss company systems one day and discussing strategy with a company's Chief Actuary the next.

I don't spend all my time at client sites though. The department strikes an excellent balance between the time you spend in the office, at client sites and studying. There's also the potential to travel internationally.

Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?

You must have an analytical mind and an aptitude for maths. Softer skills such as building relationships are also very useful.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy the variety of work I am exposed to. I also like the level of responsibility that I am given such as managing more junior team members and presenting reports to clients.

Interaction with partners and other senior managers in actuarial and in other lines of service is a definite plus and they valued my contribution to the projects I was working on. I also enjoy meeting new people, visiting clients and working with other professionals such as accountants.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

Effective time management is key to achieving a good work/life balance. By prioritising my work and by working efficiently I
was able to ensure that I fitted some study into the evenings. I preferred to spend week nights rather than weekends studying so this ensured that most of my weekends
were free. Although, this changed as exams drew nearer!

Future plans?

My actuarial career is still in its infancy and I have much to experience in this exciting and challenging profession.

Any advice you may have for others considering an actuarial career?

Try and get some exemptions from the exams at university as these can give you a head start in ensuring that your theoretical knowledge keeps pace with the practical experience that you gain on the job. However, ensure your exemptions are backed up by your knowledge as the later exams assume knowledge from the earlier exams.

When applying for jobs, apply early - you'd be surprised at how quickly places get filled. If you're lucky enough to get one, an internship is a great way to help determine whether an actuarial career is right for you.