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Profiles

Phil Simmance

I joined Watson Wyatt in 1999, fresh out of University and ready to face the big wide world! From the start I was asked to split my time equally between the UK Benefits practice and the International practice. This was tough at times but did mean that my learning curve was very steep. After a few years I was given the choice of which practice I would like to work in full-time. I chose the International practice and have not looked back since!

The nature of the International practice is that you get the opportunity to work for a large number of multinational companies doing a wide variety of work. There is sufficient core actuarial work on which to hone your technical skills, but we also get plenty of chance to work on different types of work for our clients. I was also given full support as I fought my way through the actuarial exams, which I have now thankfully completed.

From an early stage I have been given plenty of client interaction which has allowed me to develop my client-facing skills. I have also been able to travel a little, mostly in Europe but with a couple of trips to the US which is quite exciting! The thing that I like most about working for the International practice is that I work with colleagues from other Watson Wyatt offices all over the world on a daily basis. One minute I will be discussing accounting assumptions in Canada and the next I will be investigating a typical executive benefit package in Malaysia!

The Watson Wyatt International practice consists of a relatively small team which means you get to know your colleagues pretty well. We are a close-knit group and it is a great fun place to work. Having been a part of it for many years now, I would thoroughly recommend a career here!