About Mercer
As the world’s leading global provider of talent, health, retirement and investments services, Mercer specialise in helping global organisations stay one step ahead. Operating in over 180 cities and 41 countries, we provide expert advice to over 60% of FTSE 100 companies, on everything from pension schemes and investments to salaries, rewards and benefits.
Our graduate roles encompass actuarial, retirement, investment consulting, and human capital analysis. Apply for jobs and internships with Mercer.
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The questions
I studied physics at Imperial College and I want to pursue a business related career in London – would being an actuary, consultant, or working in investments be the best career for me?➜
I am currently a first year undergraduate studying mathematics and I want to become an actuary in the future. What next steps should I take to achieve this goal?➜
I am a 40-year old teacher of A level and further maths. I plan a career change and will have a sabbatical year, agreed by my sixth-form college, from next September, in which I plan to complete the CT1-8 actuarial exams. Are there any opportunities for professionals like me to get work experience at Mercer?➜
If vacancies are filled at a particular location, will applicants have the opportunity to be transferred to another location? ➜
I understand that each person’s application will be judged on its own merits, but is there any preference for students who have recently graduated over someone who graduated one or more years ago, considering they might have more business experience?➜
If you don’t have direct work experience with an actuarial firm, what work experience is useful and how much should you have before applying for a graduate scheme?➜
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The answers
I studied physics at Imperial College and I want to pursue a business related career in London – would being an actuary, consultant, or working in investments be the best career for me?
Hector, Imperial College, London
A degree in physics is very transferable to a business related profession. We have a number of interns and graduates from a physics and science background who do very well in an actuarial career. The degree enables you to analyse complex information and relay it in a simple manner which is important for the type of work our actuaries do, as they are constantly advising on complex and technical issues which their clients may not necessarily have the background in. A career within the actuarial or investment profession would enable you to develop your skill-set further and develop the business/financial skills you are looking for.
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I am currently a first year undergraduate studying mathematics and I want to become an actuary in the future. What next steps should I take to achieve this goal?
Zhen, University of Oxford
To pursue an actuarial career it is advisable to build up the best knowledge you can with regard to what it involves to become an actuary. We run Insight Days in our London and Manchester offices, which you can apply to by submitting your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]. Here you can learn more about Mercer and hear from our actuaries regarding their role and the exam route that they have taken.
In your second year it would be good to apply for an internship – there are many companies offering actuarial internships within insurance, life and pensions so you would need to do your research around which area you would like to focus on. Internships are a great way for you to learn more about the profession and to see if it really is the career route you would like to go down. Also internship opportunities are a great way to secure a graduate position.
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I am a 40-year old teacher of A level and further maths. I plan a career change and will have a sabbatical year, agreed by my sixth-form college, from next September, in which I plan to complete the CT1-8 actuarial exams. Are there any opportunities for professionals like me to get work experience at Mercer?
Yusuf, Anglia Ruskin University, The Open University
We have numerous career changers apply for positions here at Mercer. Our graduate programmes are open to all those who have a degree and are looking for an actuarial career, whether it be straight from university or as a career change. We would welcome your application for an internship or a graduate role.
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If vacancies are filled at a particular location, will applicants have the opportunity to be transferred to another location?
Jie Wen, Heriot-Watt University
Yes, this is possible to transfer your application to another location if all positions are filled. Your application will then be considered alongside all other applications for that location.
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I understand that each person’s application will be judged on its own merits, but is there any preference for students who have recently graduated over someone who graduated one or more years ago, considering they might have more business experience?
Melissa, University of Exeter
Our applications are reviewed on an individual basis. Each application has a set of questions to be answered and it is important that these questions are answered to the best of your ability. They do not require previous work experience, but require you to show your understanding and enthusiasm for the role.
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If you don’t have direct work experience with an actuarial firm, what work experience is useful and how much should you have before applying for a graduate scheme?
Emma, University of Warwick
Our internship and graduate positions are not dependant on previous work experience. Our interview process is about how you apply your knowledge and the enthusiasm and commitment you demonstrate towards Mercer and the role.
We run Insight Days in our Manchester and London offices in February which are open to students in all years where you can come and learn more about our firm. To apply, please email [email protected] with your CV and cover letter.
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