The Graduate Experience

DEGREE COURSE
BSocSci (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy, University of Manchester

ENTRY TO LLOYD'S MARKET
My decision to leave a career in law for one in insurance, so soon after being called to the Bar, was not an easy one. The uncertainty facing the Criminal Bar led me to change my career path in spite of the significant amount of time and money I had invested in qualifying as a barrister.  I took time out to research and experience other industries and insurance was the one which I enjoyed the most.

From a work experience placement with a Lloyd’s syndicate, I gained an understanding of the process behind risk management and rating new business, as well as handling slips and endorsements. The time I spent at Lloyd’s gave me an invaluable insight into the insurance industry and, in particular, into the day-to-day work of an underwriter. It was the human interaction and working environment at Lloyd’s that attracted me to a career move into insurance.

The reputation of Kiln, as a lead player in the Lloyd’s Market, was the prime reason for my applying for their graduate scheme. I was impressed with the structure of the scheme which offers a thorough grounding in the insurance industry.

WHAT HAVE I DONE SINCE I JOINED?
During my first rotation with Syndicate 807, I enjoyed the friendly and sociable working environment, both in the office and at Lloyd’s and I experienced, at first hand, how stimulating underwriting can be. I spent time with each of the underwriters on the team and this exposed me to a range of classes, from treaty reinsurance and property, to medical expense binding authorities.

I am now coming to the end of my second rotation with Catastrophe Risk Modelling, one of our operational teams. I have learned the process of using RMS catastrophe models to estimate the losses that could be sustained as the result of a catastrophic event such as a hurricane or earthquake.

My three month placements will continue to enable me to experience all aspects of the business undertaken by Kiln. The graduate scheme is dedicated to learning and provides time for us to complete professional qualifications. I am currently studying towards my ACII qualification and have already benefited from revision courses and study leave that Kiln has provided.

INTERESTS (INSIDE / OUTSIDE WORK)

I play netball two to three times a week for the Kiln team and for two teams outside of work. Kiln also offers subsidised gym membership and I attend the weekly "Boot Camp", which I often regret afterwards. I will soon start training for the London Marathon 2012 and hope to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in the same year.