"I've always enjoyed mathematical subjects, and I wanted a career where I could use the skills I'd learnt at university to solve real problems. The professional qualification was also a big plus. It gives you a really strong background in all things actuarial and financial, and it's respected throughout the financial world.

I was quite surprised about how much my physics helped with some of the subjects. Although the exams were as difficult as everyone had said, with a bit of hard work, they're not impossible. Most firms offer a study package to help you through the exams, many including study leave, tutorials or study groups.

Working for a global actuarial consultancy like Towers Perrin, I get involved in a wide variety of projects. My specialist area is pensions and I advise companies on the financial management of their pension schemes.

I'd usually expect to be working on perhaps two or three different projects on a given day, unless I'm at a client meeting. The size and complexity of the tasks can range from a five minute telephone call to answer a client's query to a large benefit redesign project which can last for several months.

There's a great atmosphere in the office and there are always people around to share their experience and offer advice. There's a lively social scene and we have a social club that organises sports events, fun runs, quizzes and the Christmas party.

I really enjoy using the skills I've learnt to help clients to solve their problems. The variety of work at Towers Perrin is one of the best things about working here. There are new and different projects to work on all the time from designing and valuing pension schemes, setting up flexible benefit packages, dealing with mergers and acquisitions and valuing employee share schemes. There is always something new to learn."