Employers are looking for much more than just an excellent academic record.  Work experience shows initiative and determination, and demonstrates your willingness to learn in real life situations.

47% of employers say that it is “not very likely” that they would take on a graduate with no work experience.  (High Fliers, The Graduate Market in 2013)

How do I get work experience?

Many actuarial employers offer internships and often use them as opportunities to evaluate suitable candidates for future positions.  The Directory of Employers will show you which employers currently offer internships. 

What can I expect from an actuarial internship?

Towers Watson had a series of interns working with them last summer in their Leeds office. Find out what they thought of the experience:

• Robin Palmer - Actuarial Summer intern profile
• Jenna Macaulay – Actuarial Summer intern profile

Barnett Waddingham also recruited a series of interns to work with them last summer, from Cambridge, Nottingham and Bristol. Collectively they have written two blogs which talk about their experiences.

• Summer Students' Experience: Spreadsheets and the City - Lloyd Richards
• Summer Students - What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Work - Lloyd Richards

What do I do if I can’t get any actuarial work experience?

If you're struggling to find an actuarial work placement, it is often worth approaching large employers such as insurance companies for general office-based work experience. Although this may not be what you had in mind, it will be a useful insight into the workings of the industry. Once you've established yourself, mention your interest in actuarial work, and see where it takes you.