Boal & Co has received a prestigious award from Queen’s University Belfast in recognition of its support over the last six years with Queen’s undergraduate placement programme.
Based in Isle of Man Business Park, Boal & Co recently took on two more Actuarial Science placement students from Queen’s for the third year of their four-year BSc degree course. This is the sixth year in succession in which Boal & Co has supported the Queen’s University Management School programme.
The Company’s commitment to the placement programme saw it win a special award for Employer Recognition during a recent presentation ceremony at the University, at which Managing Director Gary Boal received the award from Queen’s Professor of Financial Services, Donal McKillop.
Gary said: ‘From our first placement student – Mark Doyle, who is now a valuable part of our pensions team – to our two latest students, the consistent quality of the students from Queen’s, and their dedication, has been exceptional. The University has a first-class placement programme in place and it has been an absolute delight to work with the students each year. We have been lucky to attract some exceptionally talented young people from Queen’s in recent years.
‘We believe strongly in offering this kind of opportunity to actuarial undergraduates, to help develop their skills and gain an understanding of the workplace. Students graduating from QUMS after a year’s work placement are far more employable and knowledgeable as a result of the placement. Everyone on our team enjoys the experience of working with the students each year and contributing to their learning. For this reason, as a team we are proud to have our support of the programme recognised with this award.’
One of Boal & Co’s interns from the last academic year was Mariesa Dolan.
She said: ‘Before starting my placement, I was very nervous, having never worked in an office environment and not having been to the Isle of Man before. I needn’t have worried. Immediately, I fell in love with both the Island and the job. Boal & Co is like a family, and they made me feel right at home. They all take a keen interest in you and are extremely helpful and considerate.’
Lisa Burns, Placement Coordinator at Queen’s, said: ‘Boal & Co has provided excellent placements since the inception of the Actuarial degree. It provides a unique opportunity for students to experience Actuarial work in an offshore location. Without exception, students have been extremely complimentary about the level of experience and responsibility they have gained on placement.’
The recent addition of two placement students for 2014/15 came as Boal & Co also strengthened its team with three new full-time appointments to its professional team, with the company building on significant growth during the past year. It now employs a 25-strong team, responsible for $8 billion of pension funds.
Photo - Boal & Co Managing Director Gary Boal (front centre) is pictured with other winners from the awards ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast. Boal & Co received its award for its ongoing support of the Queen’s University Management School undergraduate placement programme.
