MEET Alina Shahid
ICT Insurance Consulting Intern
Team ICT Insurance Consulting, P&C team
Segment P&C Reserving
Location Reigate, U.K.
Experience level Intern
University Cass Business School
Why did you pursue an internship with Willis Towers Watson?
Studying an Actuarial Science degree, I always knew I wanted to get experience in the actuarial world, specifically consultancy. I was eager to learn more about how the technical mathematical problems we learned at university apply to economic trends in the real world, in order to provide client-oriented solutions. Willis Towers Watson is industry-known for being an actuarial consulting specialist, so it was always on the top of my list of firms I wanted to learn more about. After attending a ‘Discover’ event at Willis Towers Watson, I fell in love. Every colleague I spoke to was very welcoming and helpful and I came away with so much guidance and insight in just one day, that I knew doing an internship here meant I would learn so much. Additionally, the project-based work at Willis Towers Watson was especially attractive to me because of the opportunity to gain experience in different areas of actuarial work and get a wider scope of experience than other roles elsewhere. The friendly atmosphere and culture here have helped me make my final decision that this is the company with which I would love to start my career.
What was your experience of the application process?
My experience of the application process was fairly straightforward. There were a series of online tests and then a video interview before an assessment centre. Willis Towers Watson was my first experience of an assessment centre, but everything was thoroughly explained, and Emma from the GB Early Careers team was helpful and calming therefore the day ran smoothly. I got my offer the very next day, so for me there was no anxious waiting around, the full process was really quick.
What were your thoughts/apprehensions about completing a virtual internship? Did they change once you joined the program?
I was extremely nervous before the internship and was worried about how I was going to manage to do everything without having someone physically close by to help. However, before the internship started Yvonne – who oversaw organising the internship – was in regular contact, providing me with information on what to expect and asking if I needed anything. Once the internship began and I started my project work, my project manager would message me daily to ask how I was getting on and if I needed any help. I also have chats twice a week with my line manager to catch up but really, we speak most days to talk about my progress and any challenges I am facing. As part of the internship programme, I also have been paired up with a buddy, Maggie, who is a recent graduate and is part of the Reserving team I am on. We have daily chats where she helps me with my projects, tells me about what projects she’s working on and gives me advice on how to get the most out of my internship.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?
I have learnt so many new things! Doing an Actuarial Science Degree provided me with a basic understanding, however, everyone I have meet at Willis Towers Watson starts from the beginning and explains everything thoroughly. We’ve also had training sessions on the specific sectors within Willis Towers Watson, the different software each department uses and current ‘hot topics’ within the insurance industry. Before my internship, I had no coding experience at all, and my Excel skills were at a beginner level. However, I’m starting to learn how to use new software such as Radar, Igloo and ResQ FR. Additionally, when I have had the opportunity to work on Excel, my project manager has made the time to screen-share with me, to show me different functions and tricks to get my work done more efficiently. Throughout all the software trainings we have been given, the specialists are happy to reach out to us and are quick to help whenever we have any questions. During my internship, everybody has been so willing to go out of their way to schedule a call so they can walk you through everything properly.
Is there anything about the internship that you found really challenging? What support did you have to overcome those challenges?
As I was given two projects straight away (along with training and onboarding) I was slightly overwhelmed at first. However, my line manager was brilliant! He really helped me organise my time and in just three weeks my time management and organisational skills had improved significantly. Also, my project managers were really understanding, we worked together towards deadlines and there was no expectation of having to stay late to complete work. The initial training was a steep learning curve but there were always colleagues available to message and ask for help and guidance.
Do you think you gained anything extra/different from having your internship online? What were some of the benefits of not being physically in the office?
I think it has encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone and learn new skills, apply what I already knew to new situations and solve problems using different techniques. It also helped me to take one step further and email new people from different teams in order to meet more people and learn about the variety of projects they are working on in different sectors which has improved my virtual networking skills immensely.
How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?
Welcoming. Helpful. And Supportive. Everybody has been so willing to go out of their way to introduce themselves and offer assistance and guidance. At Willis Towers Watson a lot of colleagues are true specialists in their field and are always willing to share their expertise, something which has been an invaluable experience to me.
Were you able to build your network with your internship peers and Willis Towers Watson colleagues, even though you weren’t physically together? What things were in place/did you proactively do to achieve this?
Yes definitely! Throughout the internship we have had multiple networking sessions scheduled with a wide variety of people, from all different levels (from recent graduates to partners) so we could get a real variety of perspectives. Getting guidance, insight and tips from senior partners and information on the routes they took in order to be successful actuaries has been very inspiring.
We have also had opportunities to speak with colleagues in different areas from our own, so although my internship is in general insurance, I have spoken to people within life insurance for example. Additionally, we were asked what areas of work we were interested in and have then received the contact details of experts in that field to set up virtual ‘coffee chats’ with.
Not one person has ever turned down the opportunity to talk and give insight into what they do. One of the most interesting things about my experience was that so many colleagues have walked in very similar paths in terms of their career and studying for the actuarial exams and therefore provided great advice and tips on how to be successful.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I am hoping to secure a space on the graduate programme at Willis Towers Watson as the study package and support they provide is exceptional and it is a goal of mine to complete all the examinations in order to become a qualified actuary. The breadth of experience provided at Willis Towers Watson should hopefully put me in a good position to face challenges and take more responsibility on various client projects in the future.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an internship at Willis Towers Watson?
I would tell them go for it! It may seem scary and nerve wracking to start with but honestly, I had no experience when I started but I ended up learning so much whilst on my programme. Everybody at Willis Towers Watson has been so welcoming and helpful: the culture is like a big family.
I would recommend talking to as many actuaries as possible, participating in virtual networking events, maybe even asking your university if there are any actuarial alumni you could get in contact with and ask about their experiences.
Additionally, make sure to do thorough research – research the role as well as the company and its values. Research the industry well, especially how insurance providers operate and the ‘hot topics’. Also know the specifics of the company you are applying to, so you can tailor your application.
Come with an open mind, be yourself and be ready to experience new challenges.
MEET Pei Wang
Actuarial Analyst
(former Life Intern)
Team Insurance Consulting and Technology, Life insurance team
Segment Life and Annuity
Location Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Experience level Intern
University University of Connecticut, Master in Applied Financial Mathematics
Personal interests
I am passionate about learning, travel (anywhere I haven’t been is attractive to me) and music.
Why did you pursue an internship with Willis Towers Watson?
Willis Towers Watson was on the top of my list as I had been aware of its name and reputation for years. Consulting was the area I knew I wanted to explore.
What was your experience of the application process?
It was positive. The responses I got from the recruiting team were always quick and clear. The online application process was easy to follow.
And of the internship itself?
My responsibilities included sorting and analyzing data, making clear outlines and summaries, and communicating efficiently to managers and clients. I participated in major projects, which included summarizing data on provider assumptions on pricing models, rates and the like, as well as reviewing tech reports and conducting an analysis of potential outsourcing clients.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?
I gained professional skills and knowledge and improved my communication skills. Every project I took part in, every discussion I attended, every colleague I worked with — contributed to the overall educational experience.
Is there anything about the internship that you found really challenging? What support did you have to overcome those challenges?
It was somewhat overwhelming at first to realize that, as an intern, I had full responsibility for a specific part of a project. Getting used to a new role initially felt challenging, and I wasn’t sure if I was understanding things correctly or delivering things as expected. But all my peers and managers were so encouraging. They gave me positive feedback and full credit for doing my part. All this helped me feel supported throughout my internship. I felt appreciated and trusted by my team, which made me want to work harder.
What were the highlights of your internship experience?
The outsourcing case I worked on was creative and interesting. We needed to analyze the financial data, strategic information and human resource strategy of potential clients. We used various information sources to create benchmarks for pursuing new business and making deals. It was a great opportunity for me to solve open-ended, real-world problems from the ground up.
I also enjoyed getting to work with nice, friendly people who were always open to questions and offered help when I needed it. As an intern with limited knowledge, they were always patient with me and taught me a lot. Also, the company provided a great deal of support for me to continue my course of study and take certification exams, which I very much appreciated.
How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?
The culture is flexible and respectful. Working on multiple projects while studying for my exams required good time management skills. People and management are flexible — you get to make your own plan as long as you can deliver your work on time.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I look forward to studying and passing exams so I can get industry certifications. I’d like to explore different business lines and work toward becoming an expert in the insurance industry, and pursue a consultant role.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an internship at Willis Towers Watson?
Be willing to learn quickly. Working in a consulting company can be diverse and intense, and you have the opportunity to try different roles on different projects. You should take the initiative and be confident, as the work moves quickly. Know you were hired for a reason and are there to make a contribution. Every single day can be your opportunity if you are willing to take it in and enjoy it.
You’ll feel comfortable and appreciated working here.
MEET Jasmin Bedi
Retirement Associate
(former Intern)
Team Retirement
Segment Human Capital and Benefits
Location Reigate, United Kingdom
Experience level Intern
University St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, India, BSc (honors) Mathematics
Why did you pursue an internship with Willis Towers Watson?
Having studied for some actuarial exams at university, I was keen to understand the practical aspect of the theoretical knowledge I was gaining. Willis Towers Watson gave me the opportunity to work for some of the biggest pension schemes in the country, which was a perfect opportunity to learn the essence of the industry.
Can you tell us about your career progression with Willis Towers Watson, starting as an intern?
I started my career as an intern with Willis Towers Watson India a few years ago and now I work as an associate with Willis Towers Watson UK. Having worked as an associate on defined benefit schemes in India, I wanted to get exposure to the pension industry in another country. As one of the largest actuarial companies with a presence in multiple countries, Willis Towers Watson made getting an opportunity to work in another country easier. I applied for a position in the UK, was contacted by HR and after a few in-depth interviews, was made an offer to transfer.
Willis Towers Watson’s Global Mobility team made the transition a smooth one, and I felt supported at every step. It was definitely a big change driven primarily for the purpose of career advancement. Now that I have been in the UK for almost 10 months, I feel the move has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
What were your responsibilities as an intern?
As an intern I was responsible for shadowing consultants in the preparation of valuation reports for clients for accounting purposes. It gave me a good understanding of how pension liabilities impact the ledger for multinational corporations. I also got an opportunity to sharpen my Excel skills by creating a spreadsheet for automating a process.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?
Willis Towers Watson has an extensive training programme, along with great study support. To succeed an actuary, we need to maintain a balance between work, study and social life. Having a generous study policy made things easier. Also there were frequent social events with the team where I got to interact with senior consultants and actuaries; learning from their experiences was definitely an added benefit.
What were the highlights of your Willis Towers Watson career experience?
At a very early stage in my career, I had an opportunity to work closely with a senior consultant supporting a client that was implementing a government-driven defined contribution pension scheme. It involved managing a project with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. We started by selecting a third-party administrator, and then had discussions with senior management at the client company to ensure they had the platform required to introduce the new pension scheme to employees.
From having the opportunity to attend client meetings and work with communication experts to prepare content for employee awareness, this experience provided incredible exposure to project management and to the client.
How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?
The culture is diverse, with something for everyone. One of the best things about my job is the ability to interact with members of the team at all different levels. I love that I get to learn new things from highly experienced actuaries. I also enjoy the sincere appreciation I receive from not only my manager, but from the people I work with directly.
MEET Eifflin Ding
Rewards Analyst
(former Talent and Rewards Intern)
Team Rewards
Segment Human Capital and Benefits (Talent and Rewards)
Experience level Intern
University Renmin University of China/Master’s Social Insurance
Personal interests
Passionate about life.
Why did you pursue an internship with Willis Towers Watson?
Willis Towers Watson has a superior reputation and plays a leading role in the consulting industry.
What was your experience of the internship?
I have been an intern in the Talent and Rewards segment based in the Beijing office in China for three months. My role mainly involves assisting in conducting industry research in the early stages of a project, participating in customer interviews (collecting, sorting and analyzing the interview data) and, finally, writing a research report. The assigned work gets you to think more and learn to complete the tasks. Through the learning and training involved in the internship, we are rewarded with not only professional improvement, but also the development of interpersonal skills. Plus, it’s wonderful to be surrounded by a large number of brilliant colleagues.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?
I have learned both technical skills targeted to my job, such as the language around talent management and how to deal with data and use Excel software. I have also learned skills relative to the work experience overall, such as communication skills, stress tolerance and interpersonal skills. I have also received invitations to many social and marketing events, which I plan on attending in the coming months.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I plan to continue supporting senior consultants and improve my skills. In time, I hope to expand my skills to complete consulting projects on my own.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an internship at Willis Towers Watson?
Be prepared for challenging but rewarding work. You may have to work overtime, but you will get more than you can imagine from the experience.
MEET Mae Heloise Lisaca
HR Administrator for Benefits
(former Talent and Rewards Intern)
Team Global HR Services International Team
Segment Corporate
Location Manila, Philippines
Experience level Intern
University Asia Pacific College/B.A. in Psychology
Personal interests
Aspiring artist (visual painting in both digital and traditional media), poetry, public speaking.
Why did you pursue an internship with Willis Towers Watson?
Though I was interested in many companies, Willis Towers Watson stood out at the career fair in my school. When I learned that some of the brightest students at my school had their internship here, and they consistently praised the culture of the company, I knew it was worth pursuing.
What was your experience with the application process?
Willis Towers Watson was extremely professional, and the process was surprisingly brief and efficient. They never let me feel like a statistic in their pool of candidates. Immediately after my initial interview, the recruiters called me back to schedule my final interview.
What was your experience with the internship itself?
As a talent acquisition intern, I assisted in the end-to-end process of recruitment. I worked on creating and managing communication materials for special projects, auditing projects and was also involved with event organization. I was pleased to have direct communication with candidates on an immersive level. This provided tangible work experience in an intern role, and made me feel valued and trusted by my peers.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?
The in-depth mentorship that I had with my recruiter was especially appreciated. The training and development went beyond what I would have expected from an internship. I was treated like a colleague and not like an intern. It’s this kind of exposure that allowed me to grow as a professional.
My team exemplified the values that Willis Towers Watson aims to uphold. Being exposed to this type of environment helped me further understand what it means to take initiative, have integrity, prioritize client experiences and be held accountable for your actions.
Is there anything about the internship that you found really challenging? What support did you have to overcome those challenges?
I’ve learned the art of balancing my own roles on top of ad hoc projects and covering for unavailable colleagues. I’ve learned to think beyond what my job description entails and focus on what needs to be done for the best results possible. Whenever I encountered a difficulty, my manager would challenge me to consider what should be done, rather than solving things for me.
What were the highlights of your internship experience?
Being able to participate in client-facing work with the hiring managers for internship roles was a highlight. I find it very rewarding whenever I see new hires in the offices; it gives me a solid sense of what it means to be a recruiter. On the social side, dressing up in an elaborate costume for Halloween and competing against other floors for the best decorated floor in the office was a chance to be creative with my busy colleagues in a different way.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer who also practices organizational development in human resources.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an internship at Willis Towers Watson?
Always research the role you’re applying for — it shows that you’re interested and allows you to understand if the role is the right fit. Use the job description and company website, but also don’t be shy about asking your recruiter questions about the role and the culture.
Students often come to their internship interviews thinking that they have no real relevant experience. However, our company finds value in students’ school experience. Capitalize on your experience including:
o Thesis
o Group projects relevant to the required competencies/skills
o Other internship experiences
o Organizational activities
o Any personal experiences relevant to skills development
