Finding the right place to work. "After finishing at Exeter University, I started working for an IT firm – lured by the potential for high earnings. Having spent a few years in an account management role, I realised it wasn't fulfilling my career aspirations. After some serious thought, I decided what I really wanted was a job that made more of my strengths in numeracy and problem–solving. Actuarial work looked like a promising direction for me. Speaking to both students and qualified actuaries from a few different companies made me appreciate just how many dimensions there are within an actuarial role. This coupled with a highly structured career path, made the idea a perfect career solution"
"It's great that my work is so well aligned to the actuarial exams."
A real advantage is gaining experience in different business areas. "I started out in the Commercial Services Team where I learned about the structure of the various companies within the HBOS Group and all of the associated products and brand names. In 2006, I joined the Financial Pricing Team where I gained a deeper understanding of savings, investment and pension products. More recently I have been carrying out financial reporting for our International business and later on in 2007 I will start a new role in the Planning Team. I've been able to continue the same cycle of progress and development throughout the programme. It's an exceptionally challenging environment and one that definitely tests my abilities every day."