Profiles

Click above to view an interactive profile or read a text based alternative below.

Duncan Higgs, Client Consulting, London

Watson Wyatt first appealed to me due to the problem solving nature of the work and the chance to test myself intellectually within a business and most specifically an investment atmosphere.

I currently work within the client consulting area of the practice which means I deal with clients face-to-face on a daily basis, working with them to formulate and execute investment strategy to achieve their long term funding goals. Coming from a non-financial background I found this intimidating initially, though within a few weeks I found myself using complex terms and applying sophisticated financial analysis to the problems I was faced with.

Taking a position of responsibility, you are looked to as the expert in investment matters and, although scary at first, it is incredibly rewarding and Watson Wyatt help you in every way to form the necessary skills to do this. No client or project is ever the same, so the people you deal with and the issues you are faced with are always changing.

Watson Wyatt always help you to develop, and not just as an employee but also as part of a team and as a person. People here are always willing to help you progress and the atmosphere here is second to none. I made the right choice when I applied to Watson Wyatt.

Jack Evans, Leeds

"Investment Consulting is all about solving investment needs. We provide solutions for UK pension schemes at all levels, from setting strategies to advising on manager selections, right through to providing monitoring and feedback. The Leeds investment team is smaller than some others, but is growing fast and I certainly don’t feel as though I’m away from the action. In fact the team set-up meant I enjoyed a good degree of client exposure, even in my first year, working directly alongside a lead consultant on major projects. One thing that struck me about the firm is the amount of support that’s available. Everyone is very patient and keen to offer guidance, and all new grads are assigned a mentor, ideal for bombarding with questions in the first few months. And it doesn’t stop there. The office is open plan, so everyone - right up to senior level - is very accessible and approachable."

Andrew Funnell, Manager Research, Reigate

"Following a placement at Watson Wyatt, I took the opportunity to travel the world, having deferred my job offer for a year.

"Upon re-joining, I spent my first 20 months in general investment consultancy before getting the chance to work in Manager Research. It is not unusual to migrate from one area to another at Watson Wyatt as everyone is committed to you getting the widest possible understanding of the business.

"I still work in Manager Research currently as I have decided to specialise. It is pretty early to do that but I feel it’s a good fit for me, at least for the moment. I also know that should I want to move again later I will be able to.

"My role involves sourcing fund managers. This involves interviewing and rating them before contributing to the decision as to whether or not we recommend them. It’s an incredibly responsible position and I have always been encouraged to share my thoughts and form my own opinions. During the interviews it’s all about asking the right questions and being able to think quickly on your feet, especially since the Fund Managers I deal with have far more experience than I do.

"Watson Wyatt really does develop you according to your individual strengths and allow you to explore your talent. You’re never pigeonholed and you have the opportunity to tailor each role to your own interests. Due to the global nature of the business, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in different areas and to test your brain against new puzzles. There is also the very real opportunity of completing a secondment abroad – the Sydney office does carry a certain attraction!"