Name: Chandler Walker
Job Title: Actuarial Analyst
Organisation: APR LLP
Number of years in current position: Six months
Qualifications: A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science
Briefly describe the organisation you work for.
APR provides actuarial and technical support to clients across a wide range of different areas of actuarial work. These clients are typically insurance companies that are currently undertaking projects that need additional actuarial / technical capacity or expertise – a simple example might be building models to help them assess the financial and other risks they are exposed to.
Explain what you do on an average day at work.
An average day will typically involve me building/testing/adjusting models (normally using Excel), working with managers and colleagues to make sure the project is progressing and that everyone’s updated, and reporting / solving issues that I uncover when using the models. As well as my client work I also get involved in projects internally at APR, such as supporting with recruitment.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy being able to make a tangible positive impact on a project for a client. I enjoy dealing with the responsibilities that I have, including reporting to managers and communicating with lots of different groups of people.
What stimulated your interest in maths, and when?
I’ve been interested in maths for as long as I can remember. For me, working long and hard on a problem and then finally being able to solve it is a very rewarding experience.
What influenced your career choice?
I knew that when I finished my A Levels I didn’t want to go to university. This led me to look at other options, which is when I found out about the actuarial industry and the new Certified Actuarial Analyst (CAA) qualification that meant that you didn’t have to go to university any more to get into it.
Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?
Problem solving is a must, as well as good communication, so you can work effectively within your team and report to managers clearly. Programming is also very useful.
Any advice you may have for other individuals considering your career path?
Take every opportunity that comes your way, nobody is going to do it for you!
Your future career plans?
I plan to qualify as a CAA and then potentially look at continuing with studying, with the ultimate aim of becoming a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
