Name: Gavin Mackie

Company: Royal London

Age: 24

Year of joining Actuarial Profession: 2006

Year of joining current company: 2006

Exams passed to date: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT7, CT8

Why did you choose to become an actuary?

It was actually my guidance teacher at my high school who recommended a job as an actuary to me. Her brother-in-law is an actuary. I did some research about what it involved and liked what I read about the mathematical and problem-solving requirements of the job.

Did you find it hard to adjust to working life when you first started?

I worked in a bank for four years in my holidays when I was at university, so I was used to the hours. However, there was a lot more to take on board in my first few weeks as an actuarial student than in my job in the bank.

How do you find balancing work and study?

This was a bit harder to get used to. Spending at least 7 or 8 hours in the office and studying for 3 hours in the same day can be a bit draining. However, after a few weeks of it I started to getting used to those 10 to 11 hour days.

Do you find you have much free time?

In short – not as much as I would like, so it’s important that I make good use of the free time that I do have.

How relevant are the exams you’ve studied to the job you do? (i.e. Do you apply what you've learned?)

I definitely think that some of the CT subjects have been relevant to my work, especially CT4. I have heard from more experienced students that the later exams are more relevant to the work carried out in my company. From studying CA1 so far, I can see where they are coming from.

How do you find working in the life insurance industry?

I enjoy it very much. There’s always something in the news that has a direct or indirect effect on the industry, so in that sense it’s very interesting.

How easy is it to move between departments in your company?

Provided that we are progressing well at work and in our exams, this is not a problem. Moves tend to take place every two years in our company. We just have to let our actuarial mentor know at our half-yearly meetings where we would like to rotate to and they look into arranging it.

Which is better, in your opinion? To change roles frequently or to remain in one area where you can build up a strong level of expertise?

I think at this early stage in my career it is best for me to change roles frequently and see as much of the company as possible so I can decide which area I would like to specialise in. I’ve recently rotated to my second department and can already see the difference in point of view.

What is expected today from new actuaries?

Among many other things, new actuaries are expected to be good communicators and good problem-solvers. I also think it is important that you can balance work, study and a social life. Too much of one thing can affect how much you get from the other two.

What skills, if any, would you recommend trying to develop before starting work with a company?

Presentation and time management skills. It’s not unusual to be working on two or three different projects at the same time. As well as having to meet the deadlines set, you will usually have to have to present your findings and conclusions to your colleagues.

What prospects do you see for actuaries in the future?

More involvement with the work of other professions, hopefully.