Name: Tom Wood
Age: 24
Degree: MA Physics
University: Sheffield University
Occupation: Pensions Actuary
Employer: Towers Perrin
Location: London

I’ve always enjoyed mathematical subjects, and I wanted a career where I could use the skills I’d learnt at university to solve real problems. The professional qualification gives you a really strong background in all things actuarial and financial, and it’s respected throughout the financial world.

My physics helped me with some of the subjects and, although some of the exams were as difficult as some people had said, they’re not impossible. Most firms offer a study package to help you through the exams.

My specialist area is pensions and I advise companies on the financial management of their pension schemes. I’d usually expect to be working on perhaps two or three different projects on any given day. The size and complexity of the tasks can range from a five-minute telephone call to a large benefit redesign project which can last for several months.

I really enjoy using the skills I’ve learnt to help clients solve their problems. The variety of work at Towers Perrin is one of the best things about working here. There are new and different projects to work on all the time: designing and valuing pension schemes, setting up flexible benefit packages, dealing with mergers and acquisitions and valuing employee share schemes. There is always something new to learn.