Actuarial internships in 2025 are not just about checking a box on your resume—they’re your first real taste of what it means to be an actuary, with all the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards that come with the profession. As someone who’s both hired and mentored interns, I can tell you that the most successful interns are those who go beyond completing assigned tasks; they build genuine trust with their teams and take real ownership of their projects. In a competitive job market where even experienced actuaries are reconsidering their options[7], standing out as an intern means showing you’re ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
The good news? Building trust and ownership isn’t about having years of experience or a perfect exam record. It’s about mindset, communication, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re just starting your actuarial journey or looking to make the most of your next internship, these three essential steps will set you apart and help you make a lasting impact.
Step 1: Show Up Prepared and Proactive—Even When You’re New #
Your first week as an actuarial intern can feel overwhelming. You might be handed a stack of Excel files, invited to meetings where everyone seems to speak a different language, and given tasks that feel both simple and mystifying at the same time. This is normal. What’s not normal—and what will immediately set you apart—is how you respond.
Start by doing your homework before you even walk in the door. Research the company, its products, and the specific team you’ll be working with. If you’re joining a property and casualty (P&C) insurer, for example, familiarize yourself with basic industry terms and recent trends, such as how climate change is reshaping risk models[7]. This preparation shows initiative and makes it easier to ask smart questions from the start.
Once you’re on the job, don’t wait for someone to spoon-feed you instructions. Dive into the resources available to you—previous interns’ documentation, internal wikis, even Google and your old class notes[4]. If you’re working with spreadsheets, take time to understand how formulas and links work, not just what they do. This kind of self-directed learning demonstrates curiosity and a commitment to getting things right.
Pro tip: Set up a daily or weekly check-in with your manager or a senior colleague. Come prepared with specific questions or challenges you’ve encountered. This not only helps you learn faster but also shows you’re serious about contributing. As one former intern put it, “Reach out to the most senior colleagues or the manager on your team to set up a daily meeting time to seek help and insights on the questions you have compiled”[4]. That kind of proactive attitude is exactly what builds trust early on.
Step 2: Communicate Clearly and Consistently—Especially When Things Get Tough #
Actuarial work is highly collaborative. You’ll be part of a team analyzing data, building models, and preparing reports—often under tight deadlines. Clear communication isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for making sure everyone is aligned and projects stay on track[2].
From day one, practice explaining your work in a way that’s easy for others to understand. This might mean summarizing your findings in a short email, presenting your progress in a team meeting, or just keeping your manager updated on your tasks. If you’re ever unsure about something, ask. It’s far better to seek clarification than to guess and risk mistakes.
When you hit a snag—and you will—don’t hide it. Be honest about what’s challenging you and what help you need. If you’re juggling multiple projects and worry you might miss a deadline, let your manager know as soon as possible. They’d much rather adjust timelines or bring in extra help than be blindsided by a missed deadline[2]. This kind of transparency builds trust because it shows you’re reliable and accountable.
A personal tip: Keep a journal or digital notebook where you jot down questions, insights, and feedback. Not only does this help you remember important details, but it also makes it easier to track your progress and reflect on what you’ve learned. If your internship requires a final report, this habit will save you hours of scrambling at the end[2].
Step 3: Take Ownership of Your Projects—From Start to Finish #
Ownership is what separates good interns from great ones. It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s about treating each project as if it’s your own. That means understanding the bigger picture, anticipating potential issues, and looking for ways to add value beyond the basic requirements.
For example, if you’re asked to analyze a dataset, don’t stop at the summary statistics. Think about what the numbers might mean for the business. Are there trends or outliers that could impact decisions? Could you visualize the data in a way that makes the insights clearer for non-technical stakeholders? Taking these extra steps shows you’re invested in the outcome, not just the process.
Ownership also means being organized and managing your time effectively. Use tools like task lists, calendar reminders, and email folders to stay on top of your workload[2]. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to deliver quality work on time, every time.
Here’s a real-world example: One intern I worked with was assigned to help update a pricing model. Instead of just making the requested changes, she noticed inconsistencies in the underlying data and proposed a process to clean and standardize it moving forward. Her initiative not only improved the model’s accuracy but also earned her a spot on a high-profile project later in the summer.
Practical Examples and Actionable Advice #
Let’s make this concrete with a few scenarios you might encounter during your actuarial internship, along with specific actions you can take to build trust and ownership.
Scenario 1: You’re given a complex Excel file with little explanation.
Instead of panicking, start by exploring the file. Look for documentation from previous interns or colleagues. Map out how the sheets are linked and what each formula does. If something isn’t clear, make a list of questions for your manager. When you present your questions, explain what you’ve already figured out—this shows initiative and critical thinking[4].
Scenario 2: You’re asked to prepare a report on recent claims data.
Go beyond the basic analysis. Look for patterns or anomalies in the data. Create clear, visually appealing charts to highlight your findings. Write a concise summary that explains what the data means for the business. If you have ideas for how the company could reduce claims or improve processes, share them. This kind of proactive thinking demonstrates ownership and can lead to meaningful contributions.
Scenario 3: You’re invited to a team meeting where the discussion is over your head.
Don’t zone out. Take notes on terms or concepts you don’t understand, then research them afterward. If you’re still confused, ask a colleague to explain. Over time, you’ll start to pick up the jargon and context, and you’ll be able to contribute more confidently. Showing that you’re engaged and eager to learn goes a long way toward building trust.
Personal Insights and the Bigger Picture #
Having seen hundreds of interns come and go, I can tell you that the ones who thrive are those who treat their internship as a two-way street. Yes, you’re there to learn, but you’re also there to contribute. The best interns ask, “How can I help?”—not just, “What do you want me to do?”
It’s also worth remembering that the actuarial profession is changing rapidly. In 2025, there’s a growing emphasis on technology, data science, and emerging risks like climate change[7]. Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to new tools and think creatively about complex problems. If you can show that you’re comfortable with uncertainty and willing to tackle new challenges, you’ll stand out in a crowded field.
Another trend to watch is the shift toward remote and hybrid work. Over 70% of actuaries now prefer roles with some level of remote flexibility[7]. As an intern, this might mean you’ll need to be even more proactive about communication and building relationships virtually. Regular check-ins, clear updates, and a positive attitude can help you stay connected and visible, even if you’re not in the office every day.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Mark in 2025 #
Actuarial internships are more than a stepping stone—they’re your chance to prove you belong in the profession. By showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and taking real ownership of your work, you’ll build the trust and credibility that open doors to future opportunities.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even if you haven’t passed any exams yet, you can still land and excel in an internship by focusing on your skills, attitude, and willingness to learn[6]. The actuarial world is competitive, but it’s also full of people who want to help you succeed—if you’re willing to put in the effort.
So go ahead: ask questions, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The most valuable lessons often come from the challenges you didn’t see coming. And when you look back on your internship, you’ll not only have gained practical experience—you’ll have built the foundation for a rewarding career.