Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Carrying out detailed calculations to analyse pension schemes and reporting my findings to senior members of the team.
Preparing reports for clients on our findings.

I usually start the day with an hours' study before work (I will need to pass 15 exams over four years to become a qualified actuary). I then spend my working day on different projects which can involve a wide variety of work. The key areas of my job are using spreadsheets to analyse and model the funding levels of pension schemes and communicating our findings to the client both verbally and in writing in a clear and succinct way.

I enjoy the challenge of solving real-life problems for clients using my mathematical skills. I also enjoy being part of a team and adding value to clients.

I am learning on the job so usually each new project has a lot of areas that I haven't met before. I have to be able to get up to speed on the area and carry out the work required within tight deadlines. Brushing up on my mathematical skills has been particularly challenging!

I also have to put in around 20 hours' study a week outside of work in order to pass my exams. Balancing work, life and study can be tricky sometimes.

The challenge of learning something new and the opportunity to work for the most highly rated graduate employer.

Technical and analytical skills developed during my PhD, for example, researching new concepts or ideas and building spreadsheets to analyse data.
Writing reports that are factually accurate and easily understood, which was a key area of development for me when writing my thesis.
Presenting findings to clients and other team members using my presentation skills.

My exam materials and entry are fully funded by PwC and I get a day a week to study at home. I also have regular training sessions delivered by senior team members to help me get up to speed on the work I do.

Hopefully as a qualified actuary, if I pass my actuarial exams! I intend to stay with PwC and work my way up to more senior roles.

Research the area of actuarial work by visiting the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries website, and be prepared to work and study hard. Work on your presentation and team-working skills: these are vital in my workplace and in many others.