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.
Serena W
Regulatory Analysis & Support Team Manager
Top Insider Advice
Have go......what have you got to lose!
Josh R
Senior Accountant
Top Insider Advice
The key advice I have given to all applicants and new starters is that Phoenix is a company where your opportunities are significant and plentiful. The key to capitalising on this is to be proactive, take the time to understand and reflect on your goals and achievements and communicate openly and honestly with the team around you about how you want to progress/operate within the business. The business can be fast paced and although all the resources and help are made available, it is incredibly important to make yourself accountable and seek the information you need for yourself. People are always willing to support you here but have respect for those who have taken the time to consider their requirements carefully and actively seek support before it becomes a critical requirement.
Jonathan M
Top Insider Advice
Be open to new opportunities, which make you smile We are in a growth business, and a growth mindset compliments this. I am a big believer in doing things which make you happy and working on your strengths. I feel like I have found this here