Andrew Murnieks, Brit Insurance
DEGREE COURSE
BA Hons.
Business Economics at The University of Exeter (2002 – 2005)
ENTRY TO LLOYD'S MARKET
Like thousands of others in their final year of University, I was faced with the prospect of finding a job. Whilst searching for some inspiration and ideas on graduate employment websites a family friend, who is a loss adjuster, suggested the Lloyd's insurance market as a potential prospect.
After researching the Lloyd's market, I was impressed by the structure of the market place and the varied lines of insurance being sold that covered risks all over the World. Following this research, I went about applying for graduate roles within the Lloyd's Market. I was then offered an interview with Brit Insurance, known only to me at the time as the sponsors of the Oval cricket ground. In meeting Brit Insurance, I was able to learn a lot more about the company. I was immediately attracted by Brit's modern surroundings, their professionalism and their culture that encourages people to learn within a friendly working environment. I was, therefore, very pleased when I received the job offer.
WHAT HAVE I DONE SINCE I JOINED?
I joined Brit's graduate programme in October 2005. At first I participated in an extensive 2 week induction which equipped me with a basic understanding of insurance and proved very useful in the early months. After the induction I joined the Claims Department where I spent 14 months rotating between the different teams and their classes of insurance. This included North American Property and Casualty, Accident and Financial and Reinsurance.
After this period in the Claims Department, I joined Brit's Underwriting team within the US Property and International Department. Since joining the department I have now become an Underwriter on a Brit led US Property and Casualty Package programme placed in the Lloyd's Market. The Package is predominately aimed at US municipalities, educational and religious institutions. Coverage under the Package includes property, general and auto liability, errors and omissions, workers' compensation and crime, as well as excess aggregate protection. Whilst working on the Package I have been exposed to rich and diverse classes of insurance, which have enabled me to become knowledgeable on all the latest US legal issues and policy wordings as well as additionally giving me the opportunity to meet a variety of clients, brokers and lawyers - especially in the USA , following my secondment.
In addition to this, I am very fortunate that Brit offers a comprehensive training plan and fully supported me through my ACII examinations. Mentors and HR representatives are also assigned to each graduate and they provide us with guidance and assistance on any aspect of our career and personal development, ensuring that there is someone on hand to provide advice at every step of the way.
Finally, a highlight of my time at Brit has been my attendance on two Lloyd's Market tours to the USA . My first tour was in October 2006, to New York where I participated in the LMA's "Living with US Litigation" seminar. This was a fantastic course which aided my development by providing me with a good understanding of US law. My second tour was in July 2007 to the Katie School of Insurance in Chicago and Bloomington . This was also a brilliant tour, which has given me a useful insight to the business and insurance practices in the US . Overall, both tours imparted invaluable knowledge. However, equally important, the tours provided a great environment to network and become good friends with your fellow peers of the Lloyd's Market.
In January 2009, Brit opened a new international office in Chicago (Brit Insurance Services USA, Inc.) and the US Property and Casualty Package that I had been underwriting in London was the first product to be repatriated there in May. To continue the effort in underwriting this product I moved to Chicago in July 2009.
INTERESTS (INSIDE / OUTSIDE WORK)
Outside of work I am a keen runner and recently completed the 2009 London Marathon. I also enjoy playing squash and football in my spare time.