Category Archives: Insurance Pensions and Actuarial

Hubert, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

History, Insurance Pensions and Actuarial

Hubert, History and International Relations student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme, to gain insight into the insurance industry and develop a professional network. Through the scheme, Hubert was matched with a Management Science and Operational Research graduate at the University of Exeter, who is now the Head of Product ENEA at MetLife.

Hubert tells us more about his experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Hubert achieved many objectives including:

  • Increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector
  • Received help to improve CV
  • Received work experience

What were your highlights of the scheme?

The main highlight for me was having my mentor organise some work experience for me at MetLife’s Brighton office. This was highly insightful and gave me something relevant to the industry to put on my CV. Equally, meeting him at his Canary Wharf office to go over interview techniques was a fruitful experience.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Obtaining work experience and guidance on application forms.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

If you are a student with very little experience of the industry you are looking to go into, the career mentor scheme can open doors and give you some useful insights into that industry; if you use it well.

William, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

Accounting and Finance, Insurance Pensions and Actuarial

William, Finance student, had spent time throughout his degree interacting with employers but applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to learn more about the financial industry in practice. Through the scheme, William was matched with an Exeter alumnus who is now the UK Product Director for MetLife. He has also worked for ZFS in Switzerland, Hong Kong and the UK.

“It can only have positive implications for your career.”

William achieved all of his objectives including a personal objective of gaining general career advice.

William shared his experience:

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I found the career advice the most useful aspect of the scheme. My mentor provided advice relating to structuring my job search and organising my applications. He also provided his advice on general queries I had about the world of work. I found these aspects most useful.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

I don’t see why a student wouldn’t apply for the career mentor scheme. It can only have positive implications for your career.

Alexander, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

Business and Management, economics, Insurance Pensions and Actuarial, ,

Alexander, a Business Economics student, became interested in the Insurance industry after completing work experience with a reputable insurance firm in London. He applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to help confirm whether this was the career path he definitely wanted to take and to gain an understanding of what would be required of him as a graduate. Through the scheme, Alexander was paired with a Consultant for MW Enterprises. This mentor’s previous job roles include four Managing Directors positions at Integro, Towergate Specialist Risks, TL Risk Solutions and Towry Law after beginning his career as a Graduate Management Trainee at Royal & Sun Alliance.

“If you know you want to go into a similar industry as your mentor then 100% go for it.”

Alexander achieved all of his objectives including help to secure a graduate job, improved personal development skills and increased knowledge of effective interview technique in this sector.

Alexander shared some of his experiences;

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Skyping and building a relationship with my mentor. We really get along.

What did you find most useful form the mentoring experience?

The information that only a current industry expert could provide, gave me invaluable insight into the industry which was crucial at interviews.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

If you know you want to go into a similar industry as your mentor then 100% go for it.

Mia, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

Insurance Pensions and Actuarial, Mathematics, , ,

During her final year of doing Mathematics, Mia was matched with a mentor who at the time of the partnership was a Senior Pension Consultant and Pension Scheme Actuary at JLT.  This mentor helped Mia who wanted to get into the Insurance, Pension and Actuarial sector by providing career guidance and advice.

Mia told us more about how the Career Mentor Scheme helped her develop her career path:

Apart from achieving all objectives, which were set at the beginning of their partnership, such as increasing Mia’s knowledge of effective application forms in this sector, improving her personal development skills and widening her contacts, other achieved objectives included: “Networking with other actuaries, gaining and insight into the occupation, help with CV and cover letters, understanding what skills and qualities are most important for the job”.

mia

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

I really enjoyed the pre-arranged meeting with the mentor. […] I felt that it really helped me get to know Terry and gain a better relationship with me from our following email conversations.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Being put in contact with an Actuary is probably one of the most useful opportunities I’ve received from the Career Zone. My mentor gave me ample information about the actuarial world, put me in contact with other actuaries (extremely helpful in terms of asking more questions and gaining further insight) and most importantly he gave me confidence that I am capable of succeeding in this career. He gave me reassurance that failing an exam is not uncommon and I should use this only to become more determined and try until I do succeed.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

If you are unsure as to whether your career choice is the right one, get a career mentor. They can give you that insight you need and help you decide whether it’s right for you. Come prepared with questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help – that’s what they’re there for and why they have decided to mentor you!!