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!
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.
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?
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.
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:
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?
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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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.
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.