Emma
Meet our Graduate
Emma
Economics with Econometrics, University of Kent
Insurer Consulting Executive, Insurer Consulting Group
While at university, I was fortunate enough to secure a number of invaluable work placements within the London insurance market, which kick-started my initial interest in insurance. After finishing my degree, I decided to pursue a career in insurance and the Marsh Graduate Programme stood out by offering great prospects at one of the industry’s market-leading, reputable, and high-performing organisations.
Each day is varied in Marsh’s UK Insurer Consulting Group (ICG). We aim to provide insurance markets with tools and services designed to assist them in identifying new opportunities, to improve their product offerings and to increase their operational efficiency. Working in a client-facing role, my day allows for a lot of face-to-face contact to strengthen existing or build new relationships with our clients and colleagues. Additionally, along with my team, I have responsibility to produce comprehensive insurer reviews, bespoke analytics/projects, and to handle wide-ranging queries from insurers.
The non-rotational nature of the Marsh Graduate Programme has allowed me to quickly embed within my team and to build a number of strong and rewarding relationships with the clients and carriers I frequently work with. I enjoy dealing with and resolving a diverse range of client needs/issues, and appreciate the direct exposure I am given to a number of different functions. As a result, I’ve been given the opportunity to explore all aspects of insurance broking and liaise with colleagues across various Marsh divisions.
Although Marsh is a large organisation, there are numerous opportunities to engage with senior management and the mentoring programme gives graduates a platform to establish relationships with colleagues whom you might not have otherwise met.
As a graduate at Marsh you are required to complete the ACII qualification within two years, which becomes challenging due to the pressures of full-time work. You are given real responsibility soon after starting at Marsh, so you have to be organised and time-efficient. That said, so far the ACII has complemented the practical training I’ve received in my role and has given me a solid overview of the industry.
There are a number of development opportunities, both technical and professional, that are offered throughout the Graduate Programme. The workshops I have participated in are focused around how we conduct business and interact with clients, and have allowed me to become more efficient within the working environment. Examples include effective problem solving, communication skills, and project management. Regular “lunch and learn” sessions and “executive breakfasts” with senior management provide additional opportunities to network and develop a wealth of knowledge.
My advice for the assessment process, although a cliché – would be to be yourself. Insurance is a very personable industry and communication is fundamentally important may it be with colleagues, clients, or in the general market. Make sure you interact with the other candidates at the assessment centres! If you are friendly, eager to learn, and willing to explore new opportunities, then you will be well-suited to Marsh.
Also do your research on Marsh and on recent industry news. A small amount of prior knowledge and a basic understanding of the industry will help you secure an edge, while allowing you to develop a deeper perspective on why a career in insurance is for you.