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Applicants should be in their penultimate year of studies and graduating from an undergraduate or master's degree programme in 2024

The pull of big brands and small start-ups can prove tempting for students and graduates. But a medium-sized firm like First Actuarial offers early exposure to industry experts and experiences that will accelerate your career.

We apply fresh thinking to pensions and investment consultancy and encourage everyone to bring their true selves to work. Our culture balances professionalism with a relaxed look and feel.

If you’re good with numbers and keen to make a positive difference to the world, we’d love to hear from you.

At First Actuarial, we put people first. We’re known in the financial services sector for our integrity. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.

We work with employers and trustees, bringing expert guidance and service tailored to Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes.

We provide the right blend of actuarial, consultancy, administration and investment services for every scheme we work with, building long-term relationships based on trust.

First Actuarial was set up in 2004 as a partnership with no external investors, and after experiencing steady, organic growth since we now employ more than 350 people across five offices.

Internship Programme

We run a 4-8 weeks paid summer internship programme that offers great training and work experience allowing you to get a good understanding of the role of a future Actuary or Investment Consultant. You will learn how our firm operates and get to meet colleagues from across the firm, including Partners and Founders. You will have a dedicated learning buddy to support your internship.

Our summer interns have the opportunity to join the following areas of the firm:

Actuarial (all offices)

What do actuaries do?

Actuaries use numeracy skills to help pension scheme trustees and employers manage their pension schemes. We grapple with huge uncertainties like inflation and manage the risks that can damage people’s lives.

What will I be doing on a day-to-day basis?

Although it sounds like a cliché, no two days will be the same. As an actuarial student, you ‘ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit – on actuarial calculations, models and client communications.

How will First Actuarial support my career progression?

As a new graduate, you’ll join our training programme to build up essential skills and knowledge. We provide an excellent study support package – including IFoA membership fees, study materials and study leave – to help you qualify as an actuary.

Testimonial

“First Actuarial is a brilliant place to work – I absolutely love it here. It’s a great company for professional development. They give me real responsibility, which is the best way to learn. Everyone will take the time to help you when you need it, which wouldn’t happen as easily in the larger consultancies. And yet the company is big enough to offer a structured training programme and a broad range of work experience with very little repetition. I can’t speak highly enough of them. To final year students I would say, don’t give it a second thought, just apply.”

Jennifer Hodgson, Actuarial Trainee, First Actuarial

Investment (Leeds, Basingstoke, Tonbridge)

What do investment consultants do?

Investment consultants use numeracy skills and market knowledge to help pension scheme trustees with their investment decisions, balancing returns with the risks that individual schemes can afford to run.

What will I be doing on a day-to-day basis?

Again, no two days will be the same. As an investment consultant trainee, you’ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit. Very soon, you’ll be managing client relationships, attending client meetings and producing bespoke client advice and reports.

How will First Actuarial support my career progression?

As a new graduate, you’ll join our training programme to build up essential skills and knowledge. We provide an excellent study support package – including CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or IFoA (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries) membership fees, study materials and study leave – to help you qualify as an authorised investment consultant.

Testimonial

“This is a great team if you’re ready for it, because there are plenty of opportunities for new people joining the team. You can get stuck in and take on a lot of responsibility from day one, and it’s not easy to get that experience as quickly in other places.”

Mitesh Dayalji, Senior Investment Analyst, First Actuarial

Choice of internship

In both internships, you’ll get involved in a variety of tasks from completing complex calculations to drafting reports, meeting stakeholders, carrying out research, supporting the teams directly in their work and much more.

As part of the application process, we will ask if you have a preference for either the actuarial or investment internship. We ask you to tell us your reasons for this choice in your cover letter.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for individuals with first-rate numerical skills and a strong academic performance. You should have at least a predicted 2:1 undergraduate degree in any discipline, as well as the following skills:

• Communication – A flair for communication, able to express complicated ideas clearly and to evolve your communication style as you get to know clients
• Strength of character – A can-do approach to problem-solving, and relationship-building skills with colleagues and clients.
• Self-discipline –Determination and motivation to combine full-time work and study
• Problem solving – An agile mind able to consider challenges from different angles.

Next steps

Press APPLY to complete the application process, which will require you to upload your CV and a covering letter.

Our local teams will be shortlisting candidates for interview from now until the end of the year. In some cases, we may still be recruiting early next year.

During the selection process you may be asked to attend interviews (virtual or in-person) and complete some aptitude skills test.

Should you require information in a different format, have other accessibility or reasonable adjustment requirements, or if you have any problems not listed on this page, please contact [email protected].