The Graduate Experience

Rob Tuer, Catlin

DEGREE COURSE
BA Hons. BA European Studies & Modern Languages at Manchester University

ENTRY TO LLOYD'S MARKET
When I was considering potential careers in my final year of university, a family friend suggested that I considered the Insurance industry. Until I had done my research I knew little about Insurance and the opportunities the industry offers but I was quickly struck by the chance of a career that combines dealing with hard facts and figures with the opportunity to build personal relationships with clients and peers in the market. I applied for Catlin's Graduate Development Programme, impressed by Catlin's ability to write all sorts of risks, its status as the largest Lloyd's syndicate by premium capacity and the opportunity of an excellent introduction to the Insurance industry. In particular, I was offered the chance to work in all the different business functions whilst, at the same time, being based in my chosen area of Claims.

WHAT HAVE I DONE SINCE I JOINED?
I have, so far, been on rotation within the Claims Department where I have had exposure to a wide variety of cases, from banking frauds to train crashes, medical malpractice to construction defects. I have enjoyed seeing how each case develops in its own way, as well as learning common strategies that a Claims Handler uses. The complexities of the cases are often fascinating and by investigating the individual claims I get to propose our strategy to take the case forward towards resolution, by instructing lawyers or requesting more information if necessary. I have benefited greatly from attending many meetings, both internally with Actuaries and Underwriters, and externally with lawyers and fellow insurers. A particular highlight was attending a mediation; it was fascinating how all the different parties interacted and how the day developed up to when settlement was reached. It was also satisfying that the matter settled without the need for an expensive court case.

INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK
Having studied languages at university, I am always keen to keep using them and I've been able to assist colleagues when they are presented with documents in Spanish, resolving queries that might otherwise have been sent for translation or remain unanswered. A recent business trip to Paris confirmed that there will be opportunities for me to use my languages in a business environment in the future.

I am currently studying for my ACII exams. Although these are hard work and require lots of dedication it is rewarding to understand in more depth how the industry operates. Catlin pays for all my study material and I get study days too. There is still plenty of time for socialising though! Everyone's nice and friendly, and more often than not you'll find somebody off out for lunch or for drinks. Regular social events are a great way of getting to know your colleagues in a less formal way.