Summer Placements at EMB

"Each year we run a summer placement scheme for talented undergraduates considering a career in the actuarial profession. Many of them enjoy the experience so much, we often see them the year after as well."

Running for approximately eight weeks through July and August, the placement scheme aims to give those about to start their final year at university a taste of what being an EMB Consultant is like. Many of the summer placement students like what they see and we have had a number of them commence on the graduate scheme the following year.

What do we look for in a summer placement student?

• applicants to be in their penultimate year of study (including both undergraduate and postgraduate courses)
• 340 UCAS points (over 3 subjects)
• a predicted 2:1 or above in an academic subject
• A-Level Mathematics (at grade A)
• an interest in the actuarial profession
• good written and oral communications skills
• strong analytic and problem solving abilities
• an aptitude to work effectively both within a team and independently
• the talent to work with initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility
• the capacity to work under pressure, meet deadlines and prioritise workload
• strong computing skills  

What is it like working for EMB as a summer student?

Name: Francesco Daboni

Degree: BSc Mathematics (Hons) from University of Bath

Work History: Joined EMB in September 2007

I first worked at EMB as a summer student in 2006. During my second year at university I decided the best way to gain valuable actuarial work experience was to apply for a summer placement scheme. A year later, after completing my degree, I joined EMB permanently and I am now working as part of a consultancy team.

My placement at EMB lasted 9 weeks; the first few weeks involved becoming familiar with the company’s software products and the other systems that support them. For the remainder of my placement my work within the company was very varied as I was given the opportunity to participate in several different projects.

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer placement, as it gave me an insight into the actuarial profession, working closely with other trainees allowed me to see how they are able to balance both working and studying, and I was given advice on how to achieve this when I begin working full time. What I enjoyed most about my placement at EMB was the opportunity to work with senior staff and the variety of work offered.

EMB work mainly in general insurance, and are always developing new methods and innovative ideas for the market. Therefore there is plenty of scope within the company for creativity, and showing initiative is positively encouraged. EMB also have a range of software products, and there are opportunities to take part in their development. EMB have offices and clients worldwide which means there is also scope for travelling.

EMB has a great graduate scheme, and so it was easy to meet people and make friends. As a new graduate you receive a lot of training when you first join, so you can participate in real projects very quickly and the company encourages client contact as soon as possible.

Overall, EMB is a friendly place to work. There are plenty of social events and post-work drinks so you soon get to know people, and you quickly feel like part of a team.

We have completed the 2009 Summer Placements intake - thank you to all who applied. If you would like to apply for our 2010 opportunities then please send us your application in the Autumn of 2009.  Interviews will be held from early January.   If you would like to know who may be interviewing you or involved in the assessment process, click here