As a leading independent UK professional services consultancy, at Barnett Waddingham we are free to do the right thing by our clients at all times. We aim to do so through a partnership approach that delivers real value. Our independence and culture empowers us to think freely and advise on solutions based on our clients’ needs rather than proposing solutions based on house standards and products or having chargeable hours targets. To further support our continued growth as an independent, resilient and evergreen business, we need talented, motivated and enthusiastic people to join our Graduate Programme. Look at what the people who joined our Graduate Programme over the last couple of years have to say:

“I joined Barnett Waddingham as part of the 2019 graduate intake, and ever since I started at the firm I have felt a valued member of the team and have been well supported in my work.  The company’s culture centres around doing the right thing – this shines through in the way BW is committed to supporting clients, but also in how BW puts emphasis on staff wellbeing and development.  The graduate programme allowed me to get experience in both Actuarial and Investment work, which gave me the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of tasks right from day one.  After I had completed the 18 month programme, I had the confidence and experience to make an informed decision about which area I would like to specialise in in future, which I think was very valuable.”

“When I joined BW, just under a year ago now I was worried about struggling with a steep learning curve that comes with a role such as this. I was really surprised how friendly and willing to help everyone is the team is. Everyone is really happy to help with any questions I have had which has made the learning process so much more enjoyable!”

Throughout the lockdowns and beyond, we have recognised that the ways many of our clients and people would like to work will change and have seized this unique opportunity to proactively review and improve the way we work for the better. We recently announced our new flexible working framework, “WorkSmart”, after actively looking at the wider business market to help identify the best ways of working and engaging with our clients and employees to obtain their opinions.

What do we do?

As a professional services consultancy, our teams use cutting-edge techniques to advise a range of stakeholders, providing investment advice and advice on the finance of pension schemes, helping them find tailored solutions to their pension challenges:

• employers (almost 25% of FTSE 100 and almost 10% of FTSE350 companies);
• clients who look after pension schemes, commonly known as trustees and
• local government authorities and other public sector organisations such as NHS, fire services, police authorities and teachers

In addition, we advise insurance companies and other organisations such as charities, endowments, family offices on a wide range of services, such as investment advice, mortality projections and longevity risk. We’re also branching into exciting new areas that provide the opportunity to further use actuarial and risk management skills.

Our graduates get early opportunities to work directly with clients and plenty of training to allow them to develop both their technical and communication skills. In particular, as part of our Graduate Programme our graduates get the chance to work with a variety of our teams during the first 18 months of their career – following which a specific team is selected to work in. We will provide you with the opportunity to thrive in a business which believes strongly in being supportive, developing its people and offering a good work/life balance.

Qualification

Our Trainee Consultants will start with a foundational set of exams which form part of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Fellowship qualification (FIA). Depending on the team chosen after completing the initial Graduate Programme, our Trainee Consultants have the option to either continue studying for the FIA qualification or consider alternative routes to qualification, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA.)

Who are we looking for?

Our current graduate vacancies require a minimum 2:1 degree and A at A-Level Maths. We require dedicated individuals with a strong academic background who are dynamic, proactive and have excellent communication skills. Developing your consultancy and numerical skills requires time for studying and monetary support towards exam materials, which is why our study package encompasses this and much more.

Application Process

• CV and eligibility criteria stage
• Cognitive ability test
• Application form
• Telephone interview
• Assessment day