Jobs › Marsh McLennan

Health and Benefits Actuarial Summer Intern - Central Market - College Program 2027

Marsh McLennan · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Marsh McLennan

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Which actuarial exams have you taken or are you studying for, and how do you fit study time around school?

What they are checking: Their commitment to the actuarial path and whether they manage heavy study loads alongside other work.

Tell me about a time a model or calculation you built gave a result that didn't seem right.

What they are checking: Whether they sanity check outputs and dig into surprises instead of trusting whatever the spreadsheet says.

Tell me about a time you had to explain your reasoning to someone who disagreed with your numbers.

What they are checking: Whether they can defend their work calmly and also update it when the other person has a point.

Why health benefits actuarial work instead of life, pension or property and casualty?

What they are checking: Whether they have a considered reason for this practice area, which suggests they'd stay and grow in it.

What would you do

You're asked to reconcile two cost reports that differ by 3 percent. Where do you start?

What they are checking: Their methodical approach to tracking down differences, a common and important task in this group.

About the work

What is medical trend, and why does it matter when projecting an employer's health plan costs?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the core assumption behind cost projections and how small changes compound.

How would you set a premium equivalent rate for a self-funded plan?

What they are checking: Whether they can reason from claims experience, trend, enrollment and fixed costs to a reasonable rate.

How do you handle a single very large claim when using past experience to project future costs?

What they are checking: Whether they know large claims can distort projections and should be pooled or adjusted, which shows actuarial judgment.

Explain what credibility means in experience rating to someone without a math background.

What they are checking: Whether they can translate an actuarial concept into plain language for clients and consultants.

What programming or data tools have you used, and how did you apply them?

What they are checking: Their practical skills for handling claims data beyond what fits comfortably in a spreadsheet.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Marsh McLennan from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Marsh McLennan.

Company: Mercer Description: We are seeking a talented individual to join M ar sh ’s (formerly Mercer) Health and Benefits Actuarial and Financial Group (AFG). This role will be based in M arsh ’s Chicago, Houston or other office located across the central states. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office. Note that Mercer has become Marsh. A new name. A wider network of expertise . The same leading solutions across health and benefits, investments and retirement, and workforce and rewards. Through M arsh ’s Health practice, you will help employers navigate the increasingly complex world of employee benefits, people risk and employee benefit cost management. Predicting, monitoring and managing rising costs for employers is a key role of M arsh ’s AFG. Learn in a supportive culture through real-world experience and valuable mentorship. M arsh ’s 2,500+ US Health consultants deliver disciplined, consistent approaches to benchmarking, data analytics, financial management , marketing, compliance and communication.  Our client focus, integrity, expertise, and innovation are why clients choose M arsh . We are committed to setting the industry standard for ethical and transparent business practices. To learn more about M arsh ’s Health practice, please visit https: / /www.mercer.com/what-we-do/health-and-benefits.html We will count on you to : • Perform responsibilities comparable to full-time analysts with 1:1 support from experienced colleagues • Complete comprehensive analysis of health care data using spreadsheet and database management software • Assist in the development of client communications, proposals, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations • Perform basic cost projections using client cost and enrollment data with M arsh ’s valuation model • Price medical & prescription drug plan designs using proprietary M arsh tools • Assist in the development of customized pricing through alternate scenario modeling of plan designs, programs and/or employee contributions to meet employers financial target • Develop basic underwriting and actuarial skills as you build an awareness of health care plan design, cost factors and numerous industry products, services and tools (including M arsh Health products) • Work in a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic consulting environment with colleagues across all organizational levels What you need to have : • Progress towards a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, math, statistics, economics, engineering or other related fields • Status as a currently enrolled student; candidates should have an expected graduation date in the Fall of 202 7 or Spring of 202 8 • Record of top academic achievement ( minimum preferred GPA: 3.0/4.0) • A commitment to achieving a Society of Actuaries (SOA) designation • Legal work authorization in the U.S. on a permanent and ongoing basis without the need for sponsorship now or in the future What makes you stand out? • Strong analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office—Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—and advanced programming skills are a plus ( e.g. R, Python, SAS and SQL) • Knowledge of data analysis, project management, and presentation design • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills • Intellectual curiosity; seeking opportunities to develop new skills • Superior organizational skills and strong attention to detail Why join our team : • We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders • We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities • Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being WHAT’S NEXT? Application Instructions : • Candidates must apply via the M arsh careers website to be considered. Please do not apply on Handshake and follow the link to the Marsh McLennan careers website. • When creating your application, please use your permanent home address and use your personal email address rather than your school email address. ​ Interviews : • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. • If selected, f urther timing and instructions will be provided at that time. Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com. Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.

Apply at Marsh McLennan