#WhereAreTheyNow: Merylle Anne Aldea
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#WhereAreTheyNow Merylle Anne Aldea
Software Development Engineer in Test
(former Quality Assurance Intern)
Team Quality Assurance
Segment Human Capital & Benefits
Location Taguig City, Philippines
Program Internship program 2018
University De La Salle University
How did you come across our Internship program offering?
I was at my school’s Job Expo in search for an internship program and Willis Towers Watson was one of the participating companies. Out of all the companies I applied for, Willis Towers Watson was the first one to reply back, so I guess it was meant to be!
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were an intern
As an intern, I was part of the Quality Assurance Team at Human Resources (HR) Portal. I was trained to do both manual testing and automated User Interface/Application Programming Interfaces testing. I was also involved in everyday colleague tasks and was immersed into the different traditions of the team since day one.
What were some key things that you learnt during your Internship program?
Although my internship went by very quickly, I think I was able to maximize my three months of training. The experience I gained during my internship program was incomparable to the lessons taught in school – which only goes to show that not everything can be learned in the four corners of a classroom. The program also introduced me to technologies that I had never encountered before, which sharpened my programming skills. Most of the things I experienced were new to me and I took it all in with an open mind.
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
I recall having to dance to Jingle Bell Rock in front of other Quality Assurers from the Software Development Team. I was told that this was a requirement for me to join the team. It was a joke of course, but I was gullible enough to believe it anyway!
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
I liked that there is no sense of one-upmanship even though most of my colleagues are already experienced developers. Everyone is always willing to help one another and is ready to rise to the occasion. There is a contagious positive energy in the team that makes you push yourself to work harder. Also, work-life balance is very important to me, so I was very happy to know that the company allows colleagues to work flexible hours.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Internship program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were an intern?
Immediately after the Internship program, I was hired as a full-time Software Development Engineer in Test. Throughout my internship I prepared for this role, so I was very proud of myself when I got officially hired.
How did being an intern help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
My transition from being an intern to a full-time colleague was seamless since the program fully equipped me for the role. My involvement in the team’s daily activities made it easier for me to adapt with minimal adjustments.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?
I’m thankful for my manager, my Test Solution Architect, and of course my buddy, for being patient while I was still learning the ropes. I could say that they were the three people who not only saw what I am capable of, but also believed in what I could possibly offer in the future. I would also like to thank the whole HR Portal family who have always supported me since I was an intern and beyond. I am happy to say that I found life-long friends in them.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
There will be a lot of things that you won’t know at first, and that is perfectly okay. Being in that position is a humbling experience and it will help you strive harder. Just be patient and try your best because there will always be colleagues to help you along the way at Willis Towers Watson.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an internship at Willis Towers Watson?
I would thoroughly recommend applying for this scheme. I have learned an extraordinary amount even under quite unusual circumstances, and the internship has certainly increased my appetite for a career in this industry. Practically, I would recommend grasping every opportunity, talking to as many people as you can and asking every question you have – no matter how silly you fear it is! For reinsurance specifically, expect an inordinate number of acronyms, and invest in watching a quick YouTube tutorial in how to do v-look-ups!
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
#WhereAreTheyNow Felipe Pradel
Property & Casualty Intern
(former Property & Casualty Apprentice)
Team Property & Casualty
Segment Corporate Risk & Broking
Location São Paulo, Brazil
Program Apprenticeship program 2018 and Internship program 2019
University Universidade Paulista
How did you come across our Internship program offering?
When the term of my Health & Benefits (H&B) apprenticeship contract was almost finished, the Property & Casualty (P&C) team offered me to join their Internship program.
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were an apprentice
As an apprentice in the H&B team, I learned how to quote and contract Individual Life and Travel Insurance and manage the relationship with clients. I also provided support to activities in the Life Insurance area.
What were some key things that you have learnt during your Internship program?
As an intern, I am learning how to work with Hub Network Outbound Support & Administration with Latin American countries and local clients. In addition, I’m also learning about internal global communications and the renewal of assistance of customer service provision, amongst other responsibilities.
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
Winning the tickets to the BRAZIL x BARBARIANS Rugby game! I am an avid rugby fan and I enjoy playing. Due to my academic and professional responsibilities I haven’t been able to find the time to play anymore. So being able to attend to a game with some colleagues was an amazing experience.
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
The caring treatment towards colleagues, recognizing and reminding us that we are not just numbers but people who are valued greatly.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Internship program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were an intern?
I am still in the early careers program, but I feel more confident each day working on global programs’ processes. The range for technical and professional growth is large, which have been my goals since I joined Willis Towers Watson.
How did being an apprentice help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
Being an apprentice helped me understand and keep track of insurance contracting processes, build relationships with clients and foster the relation with my colleagues, all of which served as a basis for most of my current responsibilities.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?
Willis Towers Watson is filled with expert professionals who are always ready to help other colleagues, like me, grow. I would like to thank my mentors: Adilson Dos Santos and Heney Fernandez as well as Paula Campos and Bruno Torres who discovered me and brought me to the P&C team. Also, I’m grateful for my H&B colleagues, Andrea Zaboni, Silvania Cardoso and Pedro Prata, who always supported me.
Lastly, I would like to thank Eduardo Escudeiro and Andressa Stail for the trust and willingness to guide and support me throughout the different stages of the programs.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
Be prepared to join Willis Towers Watson with confidence and willingness to learn and execute. Your good work will be recognized!
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
#WhereAreTheyNow Michael McConnell
Data Services Consultant
(former Data Services Graduate)
Team Data Services
Segment Human Capital & Benefits
Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Program Graduate program 2016
University University of Virginia and McIntire School of Commerce
How did you come across our Graduate program offering?
In 2015 I was in my final year of university and decided to apply to companies where I could see myself working and building a career. I was drawn immediately to Willis Towers Watson for its breadth of career opportunities and business portfolio. That paired with the organization’s inspiring values made me feel from early-on that Willis Towers Watson would be a great place to work and begin building a career. I joined Willis Towers Watson’s Graduate program in 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which concluded two years later.
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate
Upon joining the company, I began working in the Data Services team. My responsibilities included growing our annual surveys by managing a list of United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia-based existing and potential clients, supporting clients with salary benchmarking and contributing where needed on proposals and projects.
What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?
The Graduate program was an excellent learning experience for me – I hadn’t written a proposal, made an outbound call or managed a client relationship before joining Willis Towers Watson. By the end of the two year program, I had strong client relationships, acquired new clients and gained greater confidence as a Consultant. This combined with the great client diversity in the Middle East, the different types of sectors, industry sizes and geography has made my experience very enriching.
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
It’s hard to choose a best memory since I have many. If I had to name one, I would say it was my first CEO presentation with my Line Manager, Laurent Leclère. The two of us were working on a project for a major oil and gas company in Saudi Arabia and were invited to present our findings to the Board of Directors. As a new colleague, I was grateful for the trust I was given and the unique opportunity to participate in a senior client presentation. I hadn’t heard of many people at my experience level to be given that opportunity at other companies. This is part of what I love about working at Wills Towers Watson – we are truly empowered as colleagues.
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
While I could emphasize the values themselves, which are certainly inspiring in their own right and help make us a successful company, the actual implementation and living of these values day-to-day is what I like most. After having worked with colleagues from across the world, I realized that every single one of them truly lives up to our values. It’s one thing to have values as part of your brand, but it’s another thing to put them in practice, which is the most impressive in my view.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?
I’ve only been a Data Services Consultant, but I have been able to work on a variety of projects that have given me exposure to other work in Rewards and even some Talent projects. I expected to work in Data Services, of course, but I didn’t expect I’d have the exposure to the other lines of business as I’ve had.
How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
Certainly as a Data Services Consultant my graduate years on the team were indispensable for me to better understand the position and to be more successful. That early exposure also made the job more fun as I’m more comfortable and confident in the role now.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?
There’s many people I could thank, but the key people who have helped me are Dr. Ahmad Waarie, Roman Weidlich, Tom O’Byrne, Lea Farhat, and Eungchang Lee. I also owe a special thanks to my Line Manager, Laurent Leclère, who has taught me a lot about data services, client relationship building and how to be successful in the Data Services team. They say good line managers are key to an enjoyable and successful career and Laurent has certainly been that for me.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
Simply put – I’d say definitely apply. Whether unsure of your desired career path or about which company you’d like to work for, I can only say Willis Towers Watson is a great place to begin your career. The skills you learn, the network of talented, authentic colleagues and the opportunities are all excellent. Working for a global company allowed me to experience countless learning opportunities – such as my own story of coming from the United States and working in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
#WhereAreTheyNow Mel Scrutton
Hub Manager
(former Retirement Graduate)
Team Retirement
Segment Human Capital & Benefits
Location London, United Kingdom
Program Internship program 2014 and Graduate program 2015
University University of Warwick
How did you come across our Graduate program offering?
Willis Towers Watson sponsored the society associated with my degree: Maths, Operational Research, Statistics & Economics (MORSE) at the University of Warwick. Some consultants from their Birmingham office ran some careers’ evenings and office visits and it seemed like a really friendly and interesting place to work at.
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate
I was able to get involved with real client work straight away as both an intern and when I returned as a graduate, with tasks ranging from calculating pensions and transfer values for individual members to calculating the funding level for whole pension schemes. The work was and still is very varied. After a year and a half I took on the responsibility of organizing some of the new graduates’ training within my office while still being on the Graduate programme myself, which I really enjoyed since it was an opportunity to have a more people-facing role.
What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?
Aside from learning about the technical side of pensions, I’ve also improved my communication skills and confidence, particularly in presenting to others. The variety of work that I have been involved with has been much greater than I ever expected and the main thing I have learned is that pensions are in no way dull!
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
I have a lot of good memories, particularly on the social side of work. We attend the Staple Inn Actuarial Society ball each year in London which is attended by actuaries from a range of companies, and my intake have won the annual Reigate Rounders tournament twice which is always good fun.
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
The main reason for which I decided to return as a graduate after my internship was because of the friendly, supportive and welcoming environment. I felt I was a ‘perfect fit’ with Willis Towers Watson’s culture and values. Here, work is intellectually challenging but also fun and dynamic. I am also proud to work for a company where excellence and client focus are highly valued, as well as maintaining respect for all colleagues.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?
I am now a Hub Manager within the Retirement team where I’m responsible for people and resource management for a portfolio of around 40 clients. I have always been a ‘people person’ and thought that I would like to be involved with people management or mentoring, but the opportunity to be involved in this from a relatively early stage of my career was not something I expected. I enjoy this more people-focused role alongside my technical work and I’m glad to have the opportunity to do both.
How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
Being an intern helped with my initial transition from university to working life and gave me some foundation of pensions knowledge. However, this is definitely just a head-start and not a necessity to coming in as a graduate. The best way to learn is on the job and through the training program provided by Willis Towers Watson, which is of a very high standard. The Graduate program gave me the foundations to build on with client work. However, one of the perks of working here is that every day you continue to learn new things.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
My advice would be to take as many of the opportunities offered to you as you can, even if they seem daunting at the time. I think this is the best way to learn and to realize that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want to.
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
#WhereAreTheyNow Irene Larbi
Lead Actuarial Associate
(former Retirement Intern)
Team Retirement
Segment Human Capital & Benefits
Location Arlington, U.S.
Program Internship program 2016
University Youngstown State University
How did you come across our Internship program offering?
I was introduced to Willis Towers Watson’s Internship program during a career fair organized by the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA).
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were an intern
As an intern, I was given responsibilities that helped me learn about the business and the organization, including:
- Working on a pension plan termination project alongside a Senior Consulting Actuary
- Performing data intensive tasks in Excel
- Performing pension benefit calculations for plan participants
- Working on an actuarial equivalence project with other interns.
What were some key things that you learnt during your Internship program?
The top five things I learnt as an intern helped me expand my knowledge about the Human Capital & Benefits area, whilst helping me grow as a professional and as a person:
- Professional networking
- Time management and prioritizing
- Industry standards and practices
- Teamwork
- Confidence and adaptability
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
My best memory was my final internship presentation. It was the culmination of everything I had learnt and all the people I had the opportunity to work with. It was such a thrill and it didn’t hurt that I did a great job!
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
Willis Towers Watson’s efforts towards Inclusion & Diversity (I&D). I’m originally from Ghana and I had been in the US for about a year, so I was still getting used to everything. The internship was a great introduction and warm welcome to corporate America.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Internship program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were an intern?
I am currently a Lead Actuarial Associate in the Retirement Line of Business, mentee in Financial Wellbeing, member of the recruiting team and actively involved in I&D initiatives. These roles are very important accomplishments for me since some were goals I set for myself as an intern and I am glad to have had the opportunity to exceed them and aim higher.
How did being an intern help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
I was already accustomed to the tools, processes, culture and colleagues, so it reduced any onboarding stress, allowed me to settle in easily and focus on my actual work.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?
Internship coordinators, my buddy and all my client teams.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
Go ahead and apply! It’s a great company to work for. We live by our values and strive to continuously improve our early careers programs, so all our colleagues get the best out of them.
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
#WhereAreTheyNow Cynne Huang
Executive Compensation Consultant
(former Executive Compensation Intern)
Team Executive Compensation
Segment Human Capital & Benefits
Location Shanghai, China
Program Internship program 2017-2019
University Fudan University
How did you come across our Internship program offering?
Willis Towers Watson was promoting their early careers programs at my university when I first heard about their internship schemes.
Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were an intern
As an intern I was mainly responsible for analyzing executive compensation data and long-term incentive mechanisms of Chinese companies listed in Mainland China, Hong Kong and the US.
What were some key things that you learnt during your Internship program?
I learnt important communication skills and how to manage the relationship with clients. I also got the opportunity to acquire more business and industry-oriented knowledge.
Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!
Amongst my favorite memories are celebrating colleagues’ birthdays together and team building activities like barbeques!
What did you like the most about our culture and values?
There are two things I value the most from Willis Towers Watson’s values and culture:
- Teamwork: colleagues are very helpful and willing to teach you so you can grow professionally
- Flexibility: there’s no limit to the place or time you work as long as you’re able to accomplish the task on time.
Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Internship program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were an intern?
I am currently a consultant in the Executive Compensation (EC) team.
As I majored in Finance, being a Human Resources (HR) consultant is something I never imagined or saw coming. But I find it interesting how some HR-focused issues are also related to finance, such as option valuation.
How did being an intern help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?
The knowledge I obtained on data collection and analysis as an intern deepened my understanding of EC, which has helped me excel in my current position.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?
I’m grateful for my manager and mentor’s help during difficult times. They were kind enough to share their knowledge selflessly; I’m also very thankful to have had supportive colleagues that have since become great friends.
What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a Willis Towers Watson Internship program?
Do not hesitate to apply. You’ll receive great support from the Willis Towers Watson team to grow as a professional and achieve your goals.
Learn more about our early careers programs here.
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#MyWTW: From Retirement Graduate To Actuarial Analyst
Basil Al Hatoum, Actuarial Analyst and former Retirement Graduate in Toronto, discusses his experience at Willis Towers Watson.
Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?
I am a member of multiple client teams. As the most junior person on the team, I am generally responsible for preparing data, doing benefit calculations for our clients, setting up processes in our programs that reflect the plan we are working with, preparing deliverables for clients, and much more.
What was your greatest challenge or learning in this role?
The key challenge for me, especially at the beginning, was learning about all the different pension plans that clients set up for their employees. They are all unique either in their plan benefit formulas or their assumptions, or in the benefits they offer. While the basic idea of a pension plan is simple, clients’ needs vary greatly and their plans will reflect that.
What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?
Definitely my first in-person client meeting. I was given the opportunity to deliver a portion of the presentation that we had prepared. The senior consultants on my team had faith in me, and that gave me the confidence I needed to deliver calmly under pressure.
With the WTW Toronto Basketball Team:
How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?
People who like to work hard and are self-motivated will do very well at Willis Towers Watson. If you put your hand up and ask for interesting new projects, you will get them! The more you put into your work, the more opportunities you’ll have to lead new projects or work on things that interest you. People here are very supportive and like to have fun as well. I’ve had the opportunity to play sports in many corporate leagues with my co-workers, not just from Retirement but from the entire Toronto office.
What do you like best about working at Willis Towers Watson?
Definitely the people. My colleagues are supportive of my work and have become great friends as well. We regularly go out for lunch, play sports outside of work, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Also, the business casual dress code of ‘dress for your day’ is amazing!
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I would like to continue to grow within our company. I don’t think of progress as a role or a title, I’d like to get to a point where I’m using my experience to simplify problems for my clients. I’d like to solve real world problems.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering a graduate opportunity at Willis Towers Watson?
Obviously, the technical skills are very important, but what recruiters are looking for are great people they can connect with. Having a meaningful conversation with a recruiter where you can demonstrate your people skills is a great first step.
Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.
Chez WTW, nous croyons en l’égalité des chances et nous nous engageons à développer des talents diversifiés et à créer un environnement de travail inclusif où chacun est respecté, valorisé et apprécié à sa juste valeur. Nous ne tolérons aucune forme de discrimination contraire à la loi et nous ne cautionnons aucune action ou initiative qui puisse porter atteinte aux droits de la personne.
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WTW s'engage envers l'égalité des chances dans l'emploi, et peut proposer certains aménagements aux candidats. Pour toute demande d'aménagement à n'importe quelle étape du processus de recrutement, veuillez écrire à l'adresse candidate.helpdesk@willistowerswatson.com