Today, I chat with Gary Gallacher, an investment consultant who took a unique path into the actuarial world. He shares his journey from the Highlands of Scotland to Leeds, and how a chance encounter led him to discover actuarial science while studying at Heriot Watt University. Gary talks about his struggles with mental health, the impact of education on his life, and how he found his niche in investment consulting. We dive into the importance of building support networks and how personal experiences shape our professional journeys. Gary's insights on embracing opportunities and implementing new ideas provide valuable lessons for anyone starting out in the industry.

I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Please connect with Gary here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygallacher/

Mentioned in this episode:

Actuarial People is sponsored by my recruitment company Turner Perkins. I specialise in helping pensions actuarial professionals across all experience levels with their career moves. Please visit https://turnerperkins.com or email james.turner@turnerperkins.com to arrange a confidential conversation!

TP Website

Tom is VP, Actuarial & Business Intelligence at Euclid Transactional and joins me for the final part of my mini-series focussed on early careers.

Tom draws on his experience of being a GI Actuary in both the UK and the US, and his extensive experience of hiring and training actuarial graduates.

During the conversation we learn how:

• Practicing interviews and getting mock interview experience can help build confidence.
• Tailoring your CV and application to each job increases your chances of standing out.
• Confidence in communication is more important than technical knowledge during assessments.
• Networking and seeking feedback from peers can greatly improve your application process.

Tom also emphasises the importance of starting your job applications early, while suggesting some alternative options if you have left it too late.

I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Please connect with Tom here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-creasy-1a018140/

Mentioned in this episode:

Actuarial People is sponsored by my recruitment company Turner Perkins. I specialise in helping pensions actuarial professionals across all experience levels with their career moves. Please visit https://turnerperkins.com or email james.turner@turnerperkins.com to arrange a confidential conversation!

TP Website

Shaun is a Graduate Trainee Actuary at Isio, and joins me for the next in my early careers mini-series.

In this episode Shaun shares his journey, in order to help people to understand more about the process, and the things they could be doing to increase their chances of successfully starting a career in the actuarial sector.

We discuss:

• Discovering the actuarial profession at an early stage
• Seeking out an actuarial placement for his 2-week work experience at school
• Completing a summer internship with an actuarial firm, who then sold the business!
• Co-founding the QMUL Actuarial Society
• Shaun’s experience of the application process for permanent roles – online assessments and interviews
• Being proactive in developing skills and experience in addition to his degree course

Shaun is a fantastic example of someone who went out of his way to try new things, and to actively develop skills and experience which would help him stand out. I hope you enjoy the conversation!!

Please connect with Shaun here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-marchant-5a770320b/

Mentioned in this episode:

Actuarial People is sponsored by my recruitment company Turner Perkins. I specialise in helping pensions actuarial professionals across all experience levels with their career moves. Please visit https://turnerperkins.com or email james.turner@turnerperkins.com to arrange a confidential conversation!

TP Website