The Graduate Experience

James Wilson, Catlin

DEGREE COURSE
BA Hons. Politics, Philosophy & Economics, University of York.

ENTRY TO LLOYD'S MARKET
Insurance wasn't a career I had thought about whilst at university, but when it came to finding employment that was people orientated, offered genuine variety on a daily basis and real responsibility from the beginning, insurance ticked all the right boxes. There is such a broad spectrum of types of insurance, most of which I never realised existed, that I found myself interested in several different areas. I spoke to friends who work within Lloyd's and the wider insurance marker and alongside my personal research, Catlin was a name that kept cropping up. Being the largest syndicate by premium volume has its advantages, but I was more impressed by the "small company" culture and Catlin's genuine desire to look after its people. When I was interviewed, I felt there was a real desire to get to know me as a person and to ensure that my role is one that fits both the company and me as an individual. The interview helped confirm my belief that Catlin would be a company I would enjoy working for.

WHAT HAVE I DONE SINCE I JOINED?
My first two weeks at Catlin as an Underwriting Trainee started with an extensive overview of insurance, Lloyd's and Catlin's position within both the industry and the market. Following this orientation, I joined the War and Political Risk underwriting team where I have spent three months. From day one, I was encouraged and expected to get fully involved and contribute to the team. War and Political Risk is a dynamic class of business that develops and reflects the changing global environment, so there is always something new to learn, both inside and outside the office. What I particularly enjoy about my career so far, even after such a short period, is the amount of time I have spent working alongside underwriters as they perform the varying tasks that each day brings. The exposure that I get daily alongside senior underwriters, whether working at the underwriting box in Lloyd's, attending presentations on new risks or discussing claims with clients, offers great opportunities to learn from the specialist knowledge that each one has. These different environments all require different skills, from research, analysis and evaluation to presentation and negotiation. This "on-the-job" training is being further enhanced by seminars, workshops and the support and encouragement to complete the ACII qualifications. There is definitely a lot to do, a lot to learn and the need to work hard but, with plenty going on, my job represents a great opportunity to develop and get involved. It certainly isn't an office where you are expected to work late into the night, though I frequently attend events in order to meet and further build contacts with brokers and clients, which is still an integral part of the Lloyd's Market.

INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK
At Catlin you are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance, with subsidised gym membership and internal sports teams for those wanting to get involved. I play rugby outside of work and there is The Lloyd's Sevens Rugby Tournament in the Spring to get involved in. Catlin also has a football team who enter the Lloyd's Cup, but my involvement there, has so far been thwarted by the weather.