Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
I understand this isn't for everyone but we're in a business and company which thrives on change so we should be accustomed to it. Change is good for your career progression and also ties in with personal challenge which helps with development. You don't know whether your good at something until you've tried it and you'll be surprised how the skills gained in one role can be translated and enhanced in another.
Career path
Senior Review Actuary
Phoenix Group
From 06/2005 to 06/2024Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I used to moan about having too much work and things constantly changing, but then when projects landed and work got more manageable, I'd find myself having itchy feet and wanting to find something more challenging. That's a good thing about Phoenix, the business is changing so much, that each valuation, each annual review (of anything) isn't the same as the previous one. There's also plenty of projects on the go which means more opportunity for seconding / moving onto one, and also plenty of secondment / role opportunities in other actuarial teams in Phoenix.
Greatest achievements
Sounds cheesy, but there's a few to choose from including qualifying as an actuary, winning the Phoenix football tournament a number of times (despite not being that great), running two marathons (with minimal training) and becoming a family man. However, I've chosen the example above because the latest career step-up always seemed far off and a large leap. But I took on a lot of constructive feedback, a lot of knocks along the way but my previous managers put a lot of faith in me. I took myself out of my comfort zone to take on a project role which was a stretch for me and proved to myself and others that I had to skills to do the role but could also improve myself to take ownership of the role and bring it into BAU.
Alexis A
Lead Business Analyst
Top Insider Advice
I started as a Pensions Administrator when I first joined the company. Since then, I have worked in Finance, Mortgages, Testing and then onto Analysis where I became a Lead managing others to develop in their role. The company is large, and opportunities are presented regularly to allow you to try out jobs you may have an interest in until you find the right job for you. The company also supports staff in life changing events allowing me to go part time and then when the kids are older to increase my hours to ensure I have the right work life balance.
David B
Senior Risk Manager
Top Insider Advice
Only you will truly know yourself and what you do and do not like. When you are deciding on a role you have to weigh up is it appropriate for you, but also what is your 'gut feel'. Not just about the role, but the people and organisation. You will spend many years of your life in the workplace, so it is critical you enjoy what you do. I have been fortunate in that 95% of time I have loved the work, experiences and people I have worked with. There will always be tasks we don't quiet enjoy, but it is my fondness for the role which has kept me here for 22 years
Simon I
Facilities Project Manager
Top Insider Advice
Always have a career plan, no matter how vague and set your self targets/goals that you want. Be flexible though, as sometimes you may need to take an indirect route to get to your next goal. Opportunities will come along that might not be an exact fit to the plan, sometimes you will use your head and other times your heart to choose whether to take up an opportunity but keep the plan in the back of your mind at all times. Its good to always consult your friends or colleagues, be prepared to be challenged, embrace this though, do not fight it. You should always listen and take account of both sides an argument, that way you can make and take informed decisions and actions. No such thing as failure and do not be afraid to make mistakes, no matter how careful you are, they will happen, so don't stress it, use that energy for getting things done. When mistakes do happen, own them, be accountable and learn from them. Your mistakes and those made by others are all part of what makes you. They are as important was your successes and make sure you add them to your building experience and knowledge. These lessons can be applied anywhere and will increase your personal resilience. You own your career, no one else, take those opportunities that fit.
