The Graduate Experience

Kirk Johnson, Chaucer Syndicates Ltd.

DEGREE COURSE
BSc Economics - University of Hertfordshire

ENTRY TO LLOYD'S MARKET
I first became interested in the Lloyd's Market when I took the opportunity to do some work experience at a Lloyd's syndicate where I spent time with various underwriters of the property division, working at the underwriting box at Lloyd's and learning the basics of insurance. During my last year at university I carried out research into the market, including various different companies within it, and sought the steps I needed to take to get on a graduate scheme at a successful Lloyd's syndicate. I joined a recruitment agency and within two weeks secured a series of interviews with difference insurance companies. I chose my present employer, Chaucer Syndicates Limited, due to their excellent graduate scheme. The structure of the scheme and the benefits package was very impressive, in that it provided a diversity of placements in insurance with the opportunity to take up a permanent position at the end of the scheme. The scheme is allowing me to gain knowledge in all areas of insurance as well as meeting new people, making friends and creating contacts that I may use in the future. Furthermore, the fact that Chaucer strongly encourages the ACII professional development, and contributes to the studying process and exam sittings was a desirable addition to the programme.

WHAT HAVE I DONE SINCE I JOINED?
So far in the graduate scheme, I have been to Underwriting Planning and Reporting, Underwriting Support, Actuarial, Operations, Third Party Syndicates and I am currently placed in Risk Management. I have gained a lot of experience, learnt new skills, managed projects and have been given an extensive amount of responsibility as I have progressed. During the programme I have also been studying towards my ACII qualification which I hope to have attained within 3 years of joining the market. I have 10 months left on my two year rotation, most of which will be spent in the Marine and Specialist lines underwriting divisions where I hope to be permanently based as an underwriting assistant once my programme has finished.

INTERESTS (INSIDE / OUTSIDE WORK)
I have a wide range of hobbies and interests. I am a keen golfer and I'm a member of three rivers golf and country club in Essex. I'm also a member of Benfleet running club and enjoy keeping fit and going to the gym. I have completed three marathons, and have raised over £4,000 for my local charity and also enjoy travelling, working abroad and visiting places of interest. I love skiing and take part in both the rugby and football tournaments within the market which are fantastic days out and are a great way to meet new people within the Lloyd's market.