Internship Experience
IFAA offers two internship programmes: Actuarial Training Programme and Summer Internship Programme, in which students work in the actuarial departments of insurance companies and related business entitles (such as actuarial consulting firms and reinsurers). We are the pioneer of actuarial internship programme since the establishment of IFAA, we have had a good relationship with well-known insurance companies, and they offer internship positions to our students regularly and provide actuarial training to students through their normal activities. Students make good use of these opportunities to get involved in the real business world, gain practical work experience, and enhance their interpersonal and communication skills. Our partners include AIA, AXA, BOC Group Life Assurance Co. Ltd., Ernst & Young, Chubb, FWD Life Insurance, HSBC Insurance, Manulife, Milliman, Prudential, RGA Reinsurance, Sun Life and Swiss Reinsurance. Many of our students have received informal return offers after the internship.
In addition to Actuarial Training Programme, the CUHK Business School also offers summer internship. Internship opportunities come from various business fields, such as investment banking, general banking, business consulting, insurance management, marketing, and accounting. Quite a few internships are offered exclusively to IFAA students. The opportunity to work in a variety of departments, such as actuarial, accounting, financial and underwriting departments, gives students the chance to experience the different aspects of operations in the insurance industry, which enrich their learning experience and serve as a useful launch-pad for their future career development. Our students received summer internship offers from multinational insurance companies and reinsurance companies including Chubb, AIA, AON, Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A., AXA, Ernst & Young, HSBC, Manulife, Milliman, MSIG Insurance, Prudential and Sun Life.
HKR Finance, Manulife (International) Limited (2026)
“During my 7-month internship in the Hong Kong Retirement Finance team, my daily work involved special quotation pricing through structured data validation and scenario testing. I applied various assumptions during testing and analysed cash flows to evaluate the profitability and financial viability of MPF fee discounts for both new and in-force business blocks.
My team also allowed me to explore other actuarial tasks which greatly accelerated my professional growth. I significantly enhanced my technical skills like Excel, while cross-departmental collaboration sharpened my communication and problem-solving skills. This internship enabled me to put academic knowledge into practice and truly see how actuarial work operates in the real insurance business.
What made this journey truly special was the exceptional team culture. Whenever I encountered complex challenges, my colleagues provided patient and thorough guidance at every stage. Beyond our daily work, my team regularly engaged in various team-building activities, greatly strengthening our bonding and fostering a deep sense of belonging. I am truly grateful for this unforgettable internship experience.”
ACE Modelling Team, HSBC Global Services (Hong Kong) Limited (2026)
“Beyond the Numbers
My internship in HSBC’s ACE Modelling Team was truly fruitful. I supported building and enhancing actuarial models for insurance products. I discovered that model design isn’t just about technical accuracy, but also about collaboration and communication between different teams. Moreover, my colleagues patiently explained the purpose behind every project and shared valuable experience. Through their mentoring, I started thinking like a professional actuary – not just calculating numbers but understanding the business logic behind them. The most surprising lesson was the power of storytelling.
Competing in intern presentation challenged me to explain complex actuarial results to senior management. I learnt that numbers alone don’t persuade but a clear narrative does. This skill will further shape my career beyond those technical skills I gained. More importantly, this internship clarified my career direction. I left less like a student with answers but more like an actuary ready to ask the right questions and overcome challenges.”
GIECA Heavy Model Team, Prudential Corporation Asia (2025)
“During my internship in Prudential Corporation Asia Heavy Model team, I gained valuable experience in actuarial modelling and capital reporting while supporting variable workflow. My daily job included running cashflow projections for insurance liabilities and assisting in development of lite model. It significantly contributes to my professional growth. Sometimes I needed to prepare reports about asset sensitivity. Through this experience, I developed a strong understanding of economic capital concepts.
Working in a collaborative team environment, I improved my technical skills in Prophet while dealing with financial data. On soft skills, I developed problem-solving and communication skills when contributed to real-world financial projects, which greatly deepens my interest in actuarial science and capital management.
Being a multinational company, Prudential Corporation Asia had offered me numerous chances to work with people from different countries. My team members brought great diversity, hailing not only from Hong Kong but also from mainland China, Indonesia, and India. It is fun to adopt various working style in office. Also, work-life balance is prioritised in the company. We had regular “Happy Hour” session in pantry, where employees enjoyed snacks and had casual conversation with seniors. I could have the full picture of a real working environment.
I deeply appreciate the patience and support from my team members while being part of the Heavy Model team in Prudential Corporation Asia.”
Product Management – Pricing Team, Prudential Hong Kong Limited (2025)
“As an actuarial intern in Pricing Team, my main responsibilities included handling policy administration cases, special quotations, assisting with ad-hoc projects and user acceptance tests during new product launches and production incidents. I was also entrusted with tasks such as modifying Prophet models for product launches, which allowed me to expand my technical knowledge and gain hands-on experience in actuarial work. Beyond developing technical skills such as Excel and other soft skills, I gained a deeper understanding of actuarial decision-making rationales. This internship not only enabled me to apply my university learning to real-world situations but also gave me a valuable glimpse into the insurance industry.
My colleagues were incredibly friendly and patient, taking the time to explain the concepts behind each case and share their valuable work experiences with me. Their guidance gave me insights into what it takes to become a successful actuary. They also welcomed us interns to team events and afternoon teas, fostering a strong sense of belonging. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities, support and patience given to me throughout the journey.”
Business Consulting – Actuarial & Insurance, Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited in 2023
“I feel so honored to be a part of EY and have had the opportunity to contribute to an array of projects. My primary responsibility involved performing checks on various items according to the IFRS17 standard, including verifying assumptions and calculating the illiquidity premium. It is not always guaranteed that all the necessary information will be provided, but through these tasks, I have developed a keen understanding on how to deduce or interpret data and assess the reasonableness of the results. These skills are essential for becoming a sophisticated actuary.
I have also been captivated by the exposure EY has offered me. I was pleasantly surprised to be involved in projects with team members from different countries. This exposure has provided me with valuable insights into diverse perspectives and working styles. Alongside tasks that require intensive calculations, I have had the opportunity to assist with administrative work, such as writing meeting minutes for regular client meetings and managing the daily updated question-answer log. These experiences have given me a taste on the full picture of a real working environment.
I deeply appreciate the sincere and patient guidance from my team members, as well as the support and companionship from the intern group. The EY internship experience has not only enhanced my technical skills but has also given colour to my university life.”