Landing an actuarial internship is a big deal—congratulations! But the real magic happens when you make the most of those 12 weeks. This isn’t just a summer job; it’s your launchpad into the actuarial profession. Whether you’re at a major insurer like New York Life, Thrivent, or Mutual of Omaha, the structure is often similar: real projects, mentorship, rotations, and the chance to impress your way into a full-time offer[1][2][3]. The difference between a good internship and a great one comes down to your approach. Let’s walk through a practical, week-by-week plan to help you maximize every moment, build your network, and leave a lasting impression.

The First Week: Hit the Ground Running #

Your first few days will likely be a whirlwind of onboarding, introductions, and training sessions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but this is your chance to set the tone. Arrive early, take notes, and ask questions—even the “dumb” ones. Remember, everyone expects you to be learning, not to know everything.

Actionable tip: Identify your mentor or manager early. At companies like Allianz Life and Thrivent, you’ll be paired with a guide who can help you navigate the organization and your projects[1][5]. Schedule a one-on-one to discuss their expectations and your goals. This isn’t just about being polite—it’s about building a relationship that could shape your career.

Personal insight: I’ve seen interns who waited until Week 4 to meet their mentor miss out on key guidance. Don’t be that person. Early connection pays off.

Weeks 2–3: Understand the Business and Your Role #

Now that you’re settled, dig into the company’s products, culture, and how the actuarial team fits into the bigger picture. At Mutual of Omaha, for example, interns rotate through different departments to see how actuarial work impacts various areas of the business[2]. Even if your program isn’t rotational, seek out this big-picture understanding.

Practical example: If you’re working on pricing, ask how your models influence product design or sales strategy. Understanding these connections makes your work more meaningful and your contributions more valuable.

Actionable tip: Schedule informal coffee chats with colleagues outside your immediate team. People are usually happy to share their experiences, and these conversations can uncover hidden opportunities or projects.

Stat to note: Thrivent boasts an 80%+ exam pass rate for their actuarial students, partly because they encourage curiosity and cross-functional learning[1]. Embrace that mindset.

Weeks 4–6: Dive Deep Into Projects #

By now, you should have a clear sense of your main assignments. Whether it’s building risk models, analyzing product performance, or forecasting financial results, give these projects your full attention[1][3][4]. Don’t just complete tasks—aim to understand the “why” behind them.

Actionable tip: If you hit a roadblock, document your thought process before asking for help. This shows initiative and helps your mentor guide you more effectively. At New York Life, interns are encouraged to think strategically and analytically, not just follow instructions[4].

Personal touch: One of my most memorable interns kept a “learning log”—a simple document tracking challenges, solutions, and questions. It became a valuable resource for both of us and demonstrated her growth over the summer.

Practical example: Suppose you’re tasked with updating a pricing model. Go beyond the numbers: research industry trends, suggest improvements, and prepare a short presentation on your findings. This proactive approach often leads to recognition and more interesting work.

Weeks 7–9: Build Your Network and Visibility #

Internships are as much about relationships as they are about technical skills. Attend social events, join lunch groups, and participate in any intern community activities[1][3]. These connections can lead to mentors, friends, and future job opportunities.

Actionable tip: Set a goal to meet at least one new person outside your team each week. It could be someone in marketing, IT, or even the cafeteria. You never know where your next opportunity will come from.

Stat to consider: Many actuaries at Thrivent started as interns, and they often cite their early networks as key to their advancement[1]. The actuarial world is smaller than you think—relationships matter.

Personal insight: I once met a senior actuary at a company softball game. That casual conversation led to an invitation to present at a department meeting, which eventually helped me land a full-time role. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up.

Weeks 10–11: Showcase Your Work and Seek Feedback #

As the internship winds down, focus on delivering polished results and preparing your final presentations. At Mutual of Omaha, interns present a capstone project to leaders, summarizing their summer’s work and insights[2]. Treat this as your chance to shine.

Actionable tip: Practice your presentation with your mentor or a peer. Ask for honest feedback and refine your delivery. Clarity and confidence go a long way.

Practical example: If your project involved analyzing claims data, don’t just report the numbers. Tell a story: What trends did you notice? What recommendations can you make? How could the company act on your findings? Storytelling is a skill actuaries at Thrivent specifically cultivate because it bridges the gap between technical work and business impact[1].

Personal touch: I still remember the intern who ended her presentation with a slide titled “What I Learned and What I’d Do Differently.” It showed humility, growth, and critical thinking—qualities every employer values.

Week 12: Reflect, Connect, and Plan Ahead #

Your final week is about more than tying up loose ends. Reflect on what you’ve learned, the skills you’ve gained, and the relationships you’ve built. Send thank-you notes to your mentors, managers, and anyone who helped you along the way. A simple email can leave a lasting impression.

Actionable tip: Schedule exit interviews or informal chats with key contacts. Ask for feedback on your performance and advice for your career. Most people are flattered to be asked and happy to help.

Stat to note: Many companies, including New York Life and Thrivent, offer high-performing interns the chance to return for a full-time rotational program or even a direct offer[1][3][4]. Your internship is often the first step in a longer journey with the company.

Personal insight: One of my best career decisions was keeping in touch with my internship manager. Years later, that connection helped me navigate a career transition. Never burn a bridge.

Beyond the 12 Weeks: Turning Internship Success Into Career Momentum #

The end of your internship isn’t the end of the story. Stay connected with your colleagues on LinkedIn, share updates about your progress (passing actuarial exams, new projects at school), and consider reaching out when you’re ready for your next step.

Actionable tip: If you’re interested in returning, express that interest before you leave. Ask what you can do to strengthen your candidacy, whether it’s passing another exam or gaining specific experience.

Practical example: A former intern of mine stayed in touch, shared her exam progress, and even sent articles relevant to our work. When a position opened up, she was top of mind—and top of the list.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them #

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to stumble. Here are a few common mistakes and how to steer clear:

• Waiting too long to ask for help: Struggling in silence helps no one. Reach out early and often.
• Focusing only on technical work: Soft skills—communication, teamwork, curiosity—are just as important.
• Neglecting to network: Your projects matter, but so do the people you meet.
• Forgetting to document your achievements: Keep a record of your contributions for your resume and future interviews.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Mark #

An actuarial internship is what you make of it. The companies offering these programs—Thrivent, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, Allianz, Humana—invest in you because they see potential[1][2][3]. Show up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn, and you’ll stand out.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to survive the summer, but to thrive—to build skills, relationships, and a reputation that opens doors. Whether you’re analyzing data, presenting findings, or just grabbing coffee with a colleague, every moment is an opportunity. Seize it.

And when you look back on those 12 weeks, you’ll see more than a line on your resume. You’ll see the foundation of your actuarial career. Now go make it count.