Veno Thayaparan
Trainee Actuary
Global Corporate UK
Why did you choose to become an Actuary?
Given my ability to excel in mathematics during my early education, I knew that my future lay within the financial sector.
I have always been ambitious, seeking new and exciting challenges, and I wanted my career path to follow this trend, for it to be an extension of myself. Striving to become an Actuary offered me this distinct possibly, giving me the platform to show my true potential and be highly regarded amongst my fellow colleagues.
Qualified Actuaries hold significant senior roles within large organisations, and their ability is respected and valued greatly. The examinations are tough and are designed to truly test your grasp of a wide range of topics, giving you the option to specialise in subjects, and branch out into different areas within the financial sector which actuaries occupy.
Actuaries are increasingly becoming fundamental to businesses across a wide range of sectors, and their future prospects coupled with the comparative security of the job were key factors in my decision to pursue a career as an Actuary.
When and why did you join Zurich?
I joined Zurich during September 2006, after the completion of my degree in Actuarial Science from City University, and a well deserved rest!
Zurich’s global presence was a huge driving force in my decision to join them, and their shear financial clout in the industry would provide the platform for me to gain invaluable experience in a wide variety of areas, working with a diverse group of people. Zurich truly cares about its people, be that its staff or its clients, and this was fundamentally important to me. It is structured in such a way as to promote the development of its staff, giving them extensive training and ensuring they are supported.
The Zurich graduate scheme appealed to me, as it not only provided me with the support needed to undertake the examinations, but also gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with other graduates around the country, working in different areas of the business. This has been something I have enjoyed thoroughly, and have taken great pleasure from being involved in.
Tell us about your role – how did you come to be in the position you are now? What does a typical day’s activity involve? Why do you like it?
I currently work within the Actuarial Global Corporate Reserving team in London. I was interviewed for the position both over the phone, and during a one day Assessment Centre in Fareham.
During the recruitment process, Zurich supports you and helps you to get the best out of yourself. They take account of your preferences, both in areas of work and location, and base their offer around this. I was keen to work in London, to be around the buzz that is so addictive, having been entwined in the City all my life, however, the other Zurich offices around the country offer their own distinct character and charm.
Typically, a day is never typical! I could be working on projecting reserves, part of our core work, or any number of ad hoc projects that could be trust upon me. Given the nature of our work, accuracy is fundamental, and you have to have a good eye for detail. Real business problems are never repeated, therefore the Actuary faces a constantly changing environment.
Being heavily involved in fundamental and pivotal business decisions which help shape the face of the company gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction.
What is the environment like? The team culture? How do you work with your colleagues?
The working environment in London is open plan, allowing freedom of speech and ease of conversation, also enhancing the feeling of space. My team consists of 6 people, 3 qualified Actuaries and 3 student Actuaries, with differing levels of experience and backgrounds.
Having joined the team, my nerves and trepidations were quickly eradicated by the ease at which I was welcomed, and the warmth that was shown towards me. If I have a problem, my colleagues are more than happy to help, and go out of their way to ensure I fully understand the problem, and the steps taken to reach a solution.
Progression & Future Opportunities? – Are these clearly mapped out for you? What role do you hope / expect to move into next?
Graduates are regarded by Zurich as the future of the business, and their progression and development is considered fundamental. Working for such a multinational company, the opportunities open to staff are endless, and it is up to the individual to take advantage of these opportunities.
The future for me is not set in stone. We are given options and choices, and it is up to the individual to choose which path best suits their ambitions and expectations. The key to Zurich is no avenue is closed off, no door firmly closed. The world is your oyster, and it is up to the individual to paint their own picture, with a palette containing all the colours imaginable.
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Tracy Pollard
BSc Statistics, 2005
Bath University
After my A-levels, I took a year out to gain work experience and do a bit of travelling. I found this immensely helpful because it gave me a real idea of how I wanted my degree to aid my career.
As a result, I changed my degree from a very theoretical mathematics course to a practical-based statistics course when I arrived at the University of Bath. During my final year I looked into various career options – actuarial work was a natural choice, as I wanted a career that would allow me to use and develop my analytical skills.
I wanted to work for a reputable, forward-looking company with an open and honest atmosphere.
The level of study support was a big factor as well, since I would be spending the next few years completing my actuarial qualifications.
Zurich clearly stood out from the very first contact I had with the recruitment department. The unpretentious and friendly atmosphere was very different to a lot of other companies. This was further compounded by recommendations from friends who work for Zurich – they simply could not stop telling me how much they enjoy it!
Now that I’m here, I totally agree with them. The support during my induction has been fantastic. My main goal over the next few years will be to qualify as an actuary and complete several job rotations within the Actuarial department. This will give me a full and rounded understanding of how I can contribute to Zurich ’s success.
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Simon Hon
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with
Actuarial Sciences, 2006
Southampton University
My interest in an actuarial career began during my A-level studies as I enjoyed both statistics and mathematics. This led me to complete a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Actuarial Studies degree at the University of Southampton. I was first introduced to Zurich by a friend working for Zurich. I was drawn to Zurich’s emphasis and commitment in developing its human capital. Zurich was also a reputable international financial services company with vast resources and opportunities.
I was particularly impressed with Zurich ’s Actuarial Graduate Programme, which provides trainees with prospects to gain experience in various actuarial work across the business through its rotation programme. Individual professional qualification is important to Zurich and the type of support provided can be tailored to each person ’s need to help them achieve their qualification as quickly as possible. Zurich ’s human capital development includes workshops and personal career guidance.
I started in the UK Personal Lines team in April 2006 and it has been both exciting and fun. I was entrusted with responsibilities and given the opportunity to take charge of projects even at the early stages of the programme. The learning curve is steep, but the team is always eager to share their expertise and help, especially the qualified actuaries, who are always available to provide advice and direction.
The people here are very friendly and always enjoy a good laugh now and then.
My current goal is to complete the professional qualification as quickly as possible and to gain a broad knowledge of the general insurance industry. I believe Zurich is able to fully develop my skills and abilities and I look forward to advancing my career further in Zurich internationally.
