As a young professional, participating in an internship program before officially entering the workforce can have a lasting impact on your future career path. Internships can help you decide what type of work, industry and culture you like and if the company you’re interning for is the right fit for you.
We sat down with two F&G team members, Luisa Sanchez, Actuarial Assistant, and Spencer Ruths, Talent Acquisition Coordinator, who shared their insights on why they chose to stay with F&G following their internship and what advice they have for interns as they begin building their career path.
1. As an intern looking for a full-time role, what about F&G and your experience made you want to continue working here?
Luisa Sanchez (LS): I wanted to gain technical experience and a better understanding of the role of an actuary. From the beginning, I could see how every F&G interviewer lived the values of the company. When I started my internship, I was amazed by how welcoming and supportive everyone was, even while working remotely. I enjoyed being able to work on multiple important projects, which made me feel like I was part of something bigger.
During my time as an intern, I learned about F&G products and how the Pricing and Product Development teams operate, and I acquired and improved my technical skills. Throughout my internship, the Talent Acquisition team and Actuarial department put in the effort to create opportunities for the interns to socialize and learn about F&G. This made me realize how great of a company F&G truly is.
Spencer Ruths (SR): I was hired full-time at the beginning of 2022, and the reason I decided to stay comes down to a few things. The first is that I love the people I work with. It’s not every day you find a company where you thoroughly enjoy and get along with your coworkers. Everyone cares and supports each other in both their professional and personal lives.
Another benefit that drew me to stay with the company is career development. Continuous growth is so important, and at F&G, I have a clear path set for my goals, as well as a supportive leader and team. Last but not least, I tell everyone how I love F&G’s culture and our amazing atmosphere where employees are empowered to be their best selves and encouraged to share their ideas. It’s hard to find a company that can compete with our culture.
2. What was your role as an intern compared to what you do now, and how has F&G helped you develop in your career?
LS: As an intern, I worked with the Pricing and Product Development team and I now serve as an Actuarial Assistant on the Experience Analysis team. F&G has helped me develop in my career in so many ways, but I’ll start by saying the student program is amazing! F&G supports students by offering paid study hours and exam materials which enables me to have a more balanced life and motivates me to keep moving forward in my actuarial career.
There are also various trainings available through company platforms that have helped me develop as a professional. In addition, my leader is very supportive and always provides me with the most useful tools, feedback and opportunities to improve in my current role.
SR: When I first started, I was mainly sourcing for candidates on our open positions within our Finance department and managing our internal talent acquisition website. Through these duties, I gained more responsibilities, including conducting phone screens and interviews, opening new positions and even helping out with the internship process for the upcoming summer.
Now, I serve as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator and support our talent acquisition partners by scheduling interviews, coordinating background reports, assisting with onboarding and sourcing candidates. As I previously mentioned, having a path set for my career goals and a supportive leader and team have helped me continue to grow in my role. Through personal growth and collaboration, we’re able to come together to help achieve our goals.
3. What would you recommend interns look for in a company?
LS: My advice for interns is to find a place where you feel comfortable, accepted, supported and heard and where you will find growth opportunities. While it’s important to consider things like salary and benefits, be sure to also seek companies and roles where you will be able to develop yourself as a whole. You will spend a great deal of your day working, so find a company that makes that time enjoyable.
SR: Look for a company that cares about your growth both personally and professionally. That’s the best thing for a young individual coming out of college because you will be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed and will help you achieve your goals. Partnering this with a company that is successful and growing can create endless opportunities for you.
Choosing where and how to start your career is an important decision. Internships give you the opportunity to learn about your chosen career path and what works best for you. Through F&G’s internship program, our goal is to help you develop as a young professional and give you the tools you need to succeed no matter where you choose to build your career.
Does F&G sound like the right fit for you? Discover your next career opportunity.
