Satnam Singh Rai

BSc Mathematical Sciences, 2006
Global Pensions Risk Manager, Imperial Brands

I am responsible for managing and mitigating all pension risks globally for the business. This means I work with colleagues all across the globe to ensure our pension plans are well run, they are aware of the financial risks and are taking action to manage those.

I regularly report back on work being done and proposals to our executive leadership to ensure they are aware of what is happening and understand the decisions required of them.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now?

Working with a variety of people both within my 'local' team and across the globe within the business.

What made you interested in your current role?

I had been working in the pensions consulting market for a number of years, providing consultancy advice to large companies. The chance to work on the other side of the fence and be the internal specialist for a global FTSE 100 organisation really appealed to me.

Satnam Singh Rai headshot

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?

Since leaving university, I joined a leading graduate scheme, training to become an actuary and learning how to work in teams and solve complex real-world problems. This experience gave me the skills to succeed in business and put me on the path to my current role.

What motivates you?

I really want to help people and ensure they succeed in whatever they are doing, be it professional or personal. This is why I went into consulting and now work as an in-house specialist for a large organisation.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

The campus feel of the University within a large diverse city.

What are your fondest memories of the University?

The lifelong friends I have made and the chance to live, study and socialise with such a diverse range of people.

We Are (Third Width)

How did your time at the University help start your career?

The support from the careers service helped me find the types of roles that best suit me alongside the chance to meet so many organisations and at the large fairs held each year.

Satnam's advice for maths students

“Choose modules most interesting to you to help you enjoy the course the fullest and get to know your fellow classmates. You never know who you might cross paths with in the future.”