Name:
Chris Hawes

Job title:
Actuarial Analyst

University:
Bristol

Degree:
BSc (Hons) Mathematics

’Training is a key strength of Towers Perrin.  The company has its own training arm providing a wide range of job-specific and ’soft-skills’ courses.’

Challenge and variety
Towers Perrin appealed to me as it is a global organisation with a highly impressive Blue-Chip client list. It also offers a variety of project-based work and excellent support for those wanting to pursue professional qualifications. I felt immediately comfortable in the company’s relaxed and friendly culture. I am now an Actuarial Analyst based at Towers Perrin’s London office. I am involved in the valuation and redesign of pension funds and advising corporate clients on all aspects of financial risk-management. Flexibility is important in my job as I often handle six or seven projects simultaneously. I am currently advising clients regarding new legislation affecting pension schemes – a very ‘hot’ topic these days.

Supportive environment
Training is a key strength of Towers Perrin. The company has its own training arm – the Towers Perrin Institute – providing a wide range of job-specific and ‘soft skills’ courses.  Actuarial students also receive comprehensive support in their quest for a professional qualification either as a Fellow of the Institute or the Faculty of Actuaries. I am certainly enjoying myself at Towers Perrin. There is a supportive and friendly atmosphere within the company that helps students bond quickly. The flat management structure also ensures that everyone is readily approachable on first-name terms.

Time to relax
My main message to candidates considering applying to Towers Perrin is simple: don’t be put off by stereotypical views suggesting actuaries are dull or that the work/life balance is so distorted you can never enjoy a life outside work.  At Towers Perrin, the exact opposite applies. Our people work hard, but the company takes work/life balance very seriously. Naturally, it is demanding to juggle qualifying as an actuary with your everyday work commitments, but there are excellent support systems in place to help you cope.

Challenge, variety, support and a good social life – that’s a career at Towers Perrin.