I recently joined the Hymans Robertson Glasgow office as part of the 2018 Graduate intake. Starting my new role as an Actuarial Trainee Consultant was always going to be daunting, but it was much less stressful than I had anticipated, thanks to the hands-on induction process. Having attended the Open Evening and Career Fairs, I had already experienced the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Hymans, and during the induction everyone made me feel at ease and part of the team from day one.

Prior to the official induction, I spent the first day in my home office with the other Glasgow graduates. Having the opportunity to get to know the graduates I would be working with every day made starting the induction that bit easier.

The graduates from all four Hymans’ offices then came to Glasgow for a three-day event. During these days, the training sessions provided a real insight into the company’s values, culture and actuarial work. I benefitted from the expertise of the Partners as well as colleagues across every department at different stages in their careers. Talking to the current student actuaries about their experience of the exams was particularly useful and a session on pension calculations tested my maths after a year out of education!

We had the chance to hear from each department in Hymans and learn about all the services provided, giving us a rounded picture of the company as a whole and its position in the industry. I was also very impressed to hear about the great focus that Hymans puts on our financial, mental and physical wellbeing. From Interest Free Season Ticket Loans and shopping discounts to Volunteering leave and yoga at lunchtime - the list of benefits is endless! Sessions such as ‘Not being afraid to fail’ helped the graduates bond as a group. Sharing stories about times when we have failed and discussing what we learnt from the experience was valuable in preparing for our new roles.

I particularly enjoyed getting to know everyone outside the office. We were lucky enough to get three days of good weather (a rarity in Scotland!), making for some nice walks along the Clyde and allowing us to show the graduates the best of Glasgow. Hymans also organised a night out for us where we got to meet more of the current student actuaries. Knowing that everyone shared the same excitement and nerves about our new careers was reassuring.

After a successful and enjoyable first week at Hymans, I feel more prepared and confident about putting everything I have learned into practice. I have already started working well with the great people on my new team and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead!