Bright Network member Charlotte recently secured a graduate role with leading independent pensions, benefits & risk consultancy Hymans Robertson. Before getting stuck into the final year of her Actuarial Science degree at LSE, she popped into Bright Network HQ to pick up her bottle of Champagne and to chat about her experience.
Why did you choose to apply for a role with Hymans Robertson?
I first heard of Hymans Robertson when I attended a presentation in my first year by an actuary who worked there. I heard about the kind of work actuaries do and wanted to find out more. When it came to applying for internships, I was interested in applying to Hymans Robertson because they are predominantly a pensions consulting firm, which is the field I wanted to specialise in. They also caught my attention because they are constantly creating innovative tools for their clients and the industry more generally.
However, it wasn't until the assessment centre that Hymans became my top choice for a summer internship - everyone was so friendly. And during my internship my colleagues really took the time to help each intern develop their skills - this is why I immediately decided to accept my graduate offer.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The toughest part, as with most application processes, was the assessment centre. It wasn't particularly difficult but being assessed for an entire day is demanding and you always have to prepare more for face-to-face interviews.
My favourite part of the application process was the analytical test during the assessment centre. I have never done anything like it - it really tested my ability to work under pressure, but it was also very fun!
Were you surprised by anything during the application process?
I was really surprised to hear that if you don't pass the assessment centre stage, you can book a feedback session with the recruiters where they talk you through your performance on the day. They give you advice on how to improve for future applications and encourage you to reapply with Hymans Robertson. It really shows how much the firm cares about people and future opportunities.
What three top tips would you give fellow Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- If you are interested in a career in actuarial work, make sure you read lots about it. This applies to many careers and is really very important. Learn about what's going on in the industry in the news, whether it's sector trends or legislation, and think about what kind of impact these might have on the firm you're aplpying to.
- Actuarial work requires strong numerical abilities, but it's equally as important to be able to justify and explain any methods you use in a clear and convincing way. Make sure you are confident in communicating your thoughts and approach to other people in words that are easy to understand. This can be easily practiced.
- Be critical - ask questions about why things are done in a certain way and think about whether what someone told you is actually correct. Pensions work (and actuarial work more generally) is always changing and developing - it requires people who can facilitate these changes and developments by thinking of better ways to work.
What's your lucky charm or pre-interview ritual?
Wear nice but comfortable shoes! This sounds really trivial but it's important for the assessment centre. You'll be there for quite some time and may even have to commute from far away. Also, I usually arrive in the area early and spend a bit of time walking around to clear my mind and relax ahead for the day.
