A Graduate's Tale: A Year Later

2009

Masters in Physics (2003 – 2006), and MPhys (2006-2007),
Warwick University

Underwriting

It was during my second year at university that I first concluded the science lab was not the place for me. I applied for a two-week work experience placement at a London insurance company over the summer holiday and was surprised by the diversity of the business they wrote; I had never considered the vast world beyond motor and travel insurance. I spent two days shadowing a broker at Lloyd’s and immediately knew I would love to work there; everything from the atmosphere in the building to the traditional face-to-face style of business and the diverse fast-paced environment convinced me that it would provide the kind of challenge I needed.

The structure of the Kiln graduate scheme means we have the opportunity to work with many teams in the company, learning about the business and the people who work here. It provides an excellent grounding for the start of a career in insurance. For this reason as well as the reputation of the company and the support it provides in taking exams, I chose Kiln.

I have now completed all my placements at Kiln, including time with the aviation, accident & health, property, enterprise risk and marine underwriting teams. Each class of business is distinct so it has been important for me to get a chance to experience each before settling into a team. I was also given the fantastic opportunity to spend one month in our offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. I am now joining the enterprise risk division on a permanent basis.

I have been studying for my ACII and will be taking my final exam this year. Working on the operational side of the business is an important part of the graduate scheme, and on completing my two years I have gained an excellent exposure to all aspects of the business, in particular the underwriting process and Lloyd’s.