Graduate
London
University of Manchester
@GT_TomE

I wanted to do actuary work because I enjoy statistics, maths and working with people. The geek in me saw the work they do and knew it would be interesting. As an actuary, I like the fact that Grant Thornton gives you a variety of different areas to work in, a chance to try different parts of the industry and areas you can grow into. There are so many opportunities to try all sorts of things before you know what you want to specialise in.

Before I joined I thought work was the enemy and that I’d be forced to work long hours doing things I didn’t want to do. Through working here I’ve realised I enjoy being at work. My experience so far has been fantastic. There’s a really good group of people, the work is interesting and the days go so quickly - it still feels as if I am just a few weeks into it. Grant Thornton doesn’t spoon feed you. From an early stage they challenge and push you. It was surprising how quickly I was put with clients, taking them through models I’ve built. I spend most of the time in the office. It’s a great environment to be in. Actuary work is not as client facing as some of the other work here, and really, the only time you’re out on site is on secondment, although I am always on conference calls and involved in the client meetings. The social aspect here has been fantastic too so far. We were taken to Bruges recently for a team building exercise, which was a great way to get to know everyone. Yesterday I was playing in the Grant Thornton golf day, although I’m not particularly good. We’ve had quizzes, football matches and bowling outings - you’re never short of people to go for a drink with on a Friday night.

Q: What's the best bit of advice you've received?
A: Spend now when you are young, you have your whole life to pay back debts. Probably not the most prudent advice but was instrumental when making my decision to go skydiving when travelling.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you've received while working at Grant Thornton?
A: Try to avoid finding short-term solutions. They will only come back to haunt you in the future and you will never really learn how to solve the problem properly.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you have given a client while working at Grant Thornton?
A: I recently advised one client after discovering an error in their calculations that meant they were paying out far more than was necessary to their customers.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you would give someone looking to join Grant Thornton?
A: Demonstrate what you will bring to the role other than your ability, Grant Thornton want to employ people they will enjoy working with, as well as being capable.