Nick Vine
I have been with Punter Southall in the Guildford office since graduating from university in September 2000. Having completed a summer internship the year before, it gave me a good insight to the type of company I would be working for. I have never looked back since!
Within the Guildford office, we work in teams of around 8-12 ranging from the new graduate level to a Principal of the company. Two main things have kept me at Punter Southall for so long; the people, and the opportunity for career progression.
Everyone I have worked with has always been really friendly and there is always someone around willing to help. A wide variety of training courses are run twice a year, so there is always an opportunity to widen your experience. There is an excellent social side to the office with regular staff nights, an office cricket and football team, and annual Christmas and summer events. The Guildford office is centrally located within the heart of the town with excellent transport links to London and the Home Counties. Offering an extensive selection of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a wide variety of leisure facilities, Guildford is an ideal place to work.
Although it is important to make steady progress in the exams, experience is still vital. Punter Southall’s team structure allows for an excellent method for career progression. The hiring of a new graduate to each team every year meant that I was continually being challenged. Over my time here I have moved from being a new graduate to Senior Consultant level, running my own team and being part of the company’s management group.
As well as the day to day client work, there is opportunity to get involved in other areas. I am currently actively involved in the company’s actuarial recruitment and am jointly responsible for the company’s summer internship programme. In addition I am also involved in marketing and business development in the Guildford office.
