About First Actuarial

First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. Two decades later, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary with events at all our five offices. It’s a great time to be part of First Actuarial. Following last year’s 20% revenue increase, our strong growth path has continued into this year, and we now employ around 450 people in the UK.

We’re still an independent business with no chargeable hour’s targets, giving our people the time to deliver their best work and excel. We shape our high-quality services by listening closely to our clients’ needs. And we price those services fairly.

As we develop our business, prospects for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough, and Tonbridge offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback, so we all learn and improve.

We love numbers, but we love people more. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance have always been core values. Beyond the firm, we’re known for our integrity. We’re happy to challenge conventional thinking and speak up. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.

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. You will learn how our firm operates and get to meet colleagues from across the firm, including our Partners. You will have a dedicated learning buddy to support your internship.

Actuarial Internship Opportunities 2024

For 2024, we have internship opportunities in our Tonbridge and Manchester office.

All our interns are welcomed into a stimulating work environment, working with professionals from diverse backgrounds in friendly and close-knit teams.

 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 intern, you ‘ll learn about working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit – on actuarial calculations, models and client communications.

Testimonials

“I really enjoy working at First Actuarial and think it’s a great place to work. My colleagues are constantly supportive as I continue learning and studying for actuarial exams. I have already been given great opportunities and responsibilities in my first year here that have allowed me to learn about a vast range of work. As a recent graduate myself, I would recommend First Actuarial as a great place to start your professional development journey.”

 Katie Morgan, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP

 “Choosing to start my actuarial career at First Actuarial is one of the best decisions I’ve made. As a mid-sized consultancy, it strikes the perfect balance — big enough to offer meaningful and varied projects, yet small enough to foster genuine care and support within a tight-knit actuarial team. From day one, I’ve been immersed in impactful work, making a difference for pension scheme members. I am given real responsibility within projects and comprehensive training to support that, which will ultimately make me a well-rounded actuary. I’d recommend First Actuarial as a great place to work for any aspiring actuary.”

 James Milligan, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP

 Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for individuals in their penultimate year of study, 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.

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 HRHelpdesk@firstactuarial.co.uk.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates who have a permanent right to work in the UK.