Student Spotlight: Aleeza Waheed’s journey to an actuarial career
From receiving the Worshipful Company of Actuaries Bursary to landing an incredible placement at Aon, Aleeza Waheed’s journey through Actuarial Science at Queen Mary’s School of Mathematical Sciences has been absolutely inspiring.
My name is Aleeza Waheed, and I am a final-year Actuarial Science with Year in Industry student at Queen Mary’s School of Mathematical Sciences. I knew I wanted to work with numbers, and the BSc Actuarial Science course offered a great balance between numerical analysis and real-world application. This programme also allows you to gain exemptions towards the IFoA exams, which is beneficial for anyone planning to qualify as an Actuary.
What stood out to me the most during my time here was the support and exposure to opportunities. The School regularly informed us about competitions and work experiences that helped us strengthen our CVs and develop valuable skills. Additionally, in my second year, we had a dedicated module focused on supporting us with placement year applications and interview preparation. This allowed me to secure a placement at Aon, where I gained hands-on experience and a deeper insight into the industry.
Another opportunity that was introduced to me was the Worshipful Company of Actuaries Bursary. This is awarded to final-year students with a strong academic background who are aiming to qualify as Actuaries. I was grateful to receive this bursary, and it supported me tremendously during my final year. Aside from the financial benefits, knowing that there are people who believe in your potential is extremely motivating when you are trying to push through your last few exams!
A highlight of my university experience has been the social aspect. Queen Mary has a strong sense of community, and this can be seen through its societies and student union events. These activities make it easy to meet people who share similar interests and form long-lasting friendships.
I’ve developed numerous skills throughout my four-year journey at Queen Mary. These range from building my confidence through networking and presentations, to honing my technical abilities through Excel and R modules. These skills, along with the continuous support from the School, allowed me to secure a graduate role in the insurance industry, where I will continue working towards becoming a qualified Actuary.
My advice to future students is to get involved in as much as possible. This can be through societies, networking events, or opportunities shared by the School. Immersing yourself in the university experience helps you grow both personally and professionally. The staff and students at Queen Mary are always supportive and friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.