#NoWrongPath blog | Jess Insall
This week, we’re proud to support the #NoWrongPath campaign by Developing the Young Workforce, which shines a light on the many different routes people take into fulfilling careers. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing a series of blogs that spotlight individuals who’ve taken unique paths into financial services.
Jess Insall
Actuarial Consultant
EY
First up is Jess Insall, co-chair of the SFE young professional network, to share her story. Jess's path into the financial sector is a testament to embracing new challenges and seeking meaningful work. From her early ambitions to enter the workforce quickly to her current role tackling complex long-term financial problems, Jess shares insights into the decisions, experiences, and people who have shaped her professional life. Join us as we explore what sparked her interest in finance, the pivotal moments in her career, and the fulfilling aspects of her current role.
1. What first sparked your interest in working in the financial sector, and how did that lead to the specific role you're in now?
When I was in school, I was really set on getting a job as soon as possible. At the time accounting was one of the few professions where you could leave after 5th year for a full-time job, while also getting a master’s level qualification. Thankfully there are now loads of great degree apprenticeships to choose from!
Once I finished my accounting qualification, I was keen for a new challenge, and the opportunity came up to join EY as an actuarial consultant. The job of an actuary is to help pension schemes and insurance companies to work out tricky long-term problems, such as trying to predict how long people might live in 50 years or how much people should be saving for their pension in order to have a good retirement.
2. Can you describe the journey that brought you to your current role — and what made you choose that particular path (e.g., apprenticeship, degree, career switch)?
My first job was in audit, which involved helping to check company’s financial statements for errors and making sure they accurately represent what the company is up to on the ground. I really enjoyed having such a client facing role and getting to work from so many different locations, as we would often go to the client’s office for the day, so it was easier to chat to them about what they were doing.
I then moved to a very small company, and specialised in doing tax returns for crypto investors, which was a very exciting niche to work in. We even had office dogs, 2 black labradors called Star and Ripley. However, once I finished all my accounting exams, I was keen to try something completely new.
I was lucky to have a great network through getting involved with SFE and other networking groups and had so many great conversations about the huge array of opportunities that exist in financial services. In the end I chose actuarial because the work sounded very interesting and meaningful – it’s cool to have a job where I can really stand back and look at the big problems that might be coming down the line in 20, 50, or 100 years!
3. Were there any key moments, mentors, or experiences that helped you realise this was the right fit for you?
I have been very fortunate to have loads of great mentors and experiences, but I think you can never know whether a job is the right fit until you start it. I have been fortunate to enjoy all the stages of my career so far. I think the time I knew I made the right choice taking my current job was when I was out for dinner with some of my colleagues after a training session and laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
It might be cliché but working with fun and smart people every day is definitely the highlight of my job.
4. What aspects of your current role do you find most fulfilling, and did that align with what you expected when you started?
The most fulfilling part of any role is when you make a decision that really impacts people’s lives for the better. The main reason I wanted to get a job rather than going to university was that I always found it so exciting to make a real difference and help to solve practical problems, which I’m fortunate I get to do every day.
5. Looking back, is there anything you would tell your younger self (or someone starting out) about finding a role in finance that truly fits them?
Don’t let people tell you it’s uncool to be ambitious and excited, there are so many opportunities out there waiting for you!
Jess's journey highlights the diverse opportunities within the financial sector and the importance of finding a role that truly aligns with one's values and desire for impact. Her experience underscores that while initial career paths may evolve, the core motivation to solve practical problems and make a real difference remains constant. Ultimately, Jess's advice to her younger self, or anyone starting out, is a powerful reminder: embrace your ambition and excitement, for a world of opportunities awaits.
For more information about roles in finance please visit: getinto.finance