Ben Hampton, England
TalentScotland spoke to Ben about his work and new life in Scotland with his fiancée Elly.
Tell us a bit about your background
I’m from Hull in Yorkshire and as I had a natural aptitude with numbers and enjoyed problem solving I decided to study mathematics and statistics at Newcastle University.
I studied for an extra year to gain a Masters and during the summer before my last year I applied for an Actuarial internship with Standard Life in Edinburgh.
It was a good experience as it gave me an insight into the industry showing how you can use maths to solve problems in a business context. The people at Standard Life were really friendly and helpful; they opened my eyes to an Actuarial career.
How did you get to work for Standard Life?
Thanks to the success of my internship, Standard Life offered me a job when I graduated in 2007. I was delighted to come back to Edinburgh and re-join the team from my internship.
The excellent study support provided by the company helped me complete my professional qualification in three and a half years compared to the industry average of six years. What’s your role now?
I’m now working with the Marketing department as a Marketing Actuary, supporting our Sales team who work with Independent Financial Advisers. That’s why I like working for the company – you get the opportunity to experience other parts of Standard Life which helps to give you a greater understanding of the business.
How do you find living in Scotland?
Working in Edinburgh is great because it is such a beautiful and compact city and therefore so easy to get around. At lunchtime I can go shopping along Princess Street or enjoy a snack in the gardens under the Castle.
For the first three years I enjoyed been able to walk from my flat to my desk in 10 minutes, I now live outside Edinburgh as my fiancée Elly, who is a doctor, has a job in Glasgow. We picked a location between the between the two cities with good rail and road connections, surrounded by lovely countryside.
That’s the great thing about living in Scotland – you can jump in the car and easily get out into the country.
Over the past few years I’ve had less time for recreation as I’ve been busy with my studies, but now they are finished I’m keen to learn golf with Elly and take advantage of the skiing on our doorstep in Scotland… as well as planning to get married next year!