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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.

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Career path

Senior Review Actuary

Phoenix Group

From 06/2005 to 06/2024

Company

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.

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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.

Serena W

Regulatory Analysis & Support Team Manager

Top Insider Advice

Have go......what have you got to lose!

Tim B

Programme Director

Top Insider Advice

Notice how you feel about what you're doing and about how you're doing it. If it feels right then stick with it... if not adjust, notice how you feel and keep adjusting until it feels right.

Discussions with Jason C
What are the 3 top qualities required to succeed in your role?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Picture of Rachel
Picture of Tim
3 responses
411 views
What is the simplest job offer I can get remotely
in Career Tips·Friday, March 14, 2025
1 response
6 views
How would you describe this company in 3 words?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Picture of Tim
Picture of Stuart
3 responses
48 views
Hi do you offer student work experience for year 12
in Career Tips·Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Picture of Jane
2 responses
18 views
Is networking essential to advance at Phoenix Group?
in Career Tips·Wednesday, May 7, 2025
1 response
4 views