Judy Anunda, Mercer

Judy Anunda is an actuarial trainee at Mercer. She has a BA in mathematics and IT from the University of Western Sydney; a graduate diploma in actuarial science from the University of Kent; and an MSc in actuarial finance from Imperial College London.

Why did you choose an actuarial career and to work at Mercer?

I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and being an actuary offered me the opportunity to apply these numerical skills to solving real life problems. I chose my company because it offers advice to a wide range of clients, exposing me to a number of different projects throughout my training.

What do you do day to day?

I advise clients (both trustees and companies) on the value of the future pay-outs they will have to make to their pension beneficiaries, while ensuring they are adhering to relevant legislation. I assess the risks they face as benefit providers and investors, and the type and level of funding needed to finance these pay-outs.

'I don't sit at my desk all day crunching numbers: most of the work I do revolves around offering explanations and giving advice.'

Day to day, I gather any information from clients that I need to complete individual calculations or actuarial valuations, and prepare reports detailing my recommendations. The stereotype that actuarial consultants sit at their desks all day crunching numbers is totally untrue: most of the work I do revolves around offering explanations and giving advice. As I’ve progressed I’ve also received more responsibility: I’ve been checking recent graduates’ individual calculations and work for about a year now and I’m going to begin reviewing them soon.

What's been your best moment at work so far?

My biggest highlight so far has been preparing and presenting the valuation results of a multi million pound pension scheme to a seven-strong group of trustees. When answering questions, striking a balance to suit everyone was hard as I didn’t want to patronise the more knowledgeable trustees or confuse the less informed. It was nerve-racking but I came through it successfully and gained a lot of confidence.

How is your training to qualify as an actuary going?

I’m getting ready to sit my final exams to become professionally qualified. My employer has been really supportive, sponsoring me to complete a part-time degree and allowing me one study day off per week. Sometimes I find it tricky switching from work to study modes, but revising with other actuarial trainees helps to keep me motivated.

Any career hopes for the future?

I hope to work abroad in the future – the great thing about actuarial work is that, once qualified, you can practise anywhere in the world.