Tag Archives: insurance

Alexander, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

Business and Management, economics, Insurance Pensions and Actuarial, ,

Alexander, a Business Economics student, became interested in the Insurance industry after completing work experience with a reputable insurance firm in London. He applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to help confirm whether this was the career path he definitely wanted to take and to gain an understanding of what would be required of him as a graduate. Through the scheme, Alexander was paired with a Consultant for MW Enterprises. This mentor’s previous job roles include four Managing Directors positions at Integro, Towergate Specialist Risks, TL Risk Solutions and Towry Law after beginning his career as a Graduate Management Trainee at Royal & Sun Alliance.

“If you know you want to go into a similar industry as your mentor then 100% go for it.”

Alexander achieved all of his objectives including help to secure a graduate job, improved personal development skills and increased knowledge of effective interview technique in this sector.

Alexander shared some of his experiences;

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Skyping and building a relationship with my mentor. We really get along.

What did you find most useful form the mentoring experience?

The information that only a current industry expert could provide, gave me invaluable insight into the industry which was crucial at interviews.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

If you know you want to go into a similar industry as your mentor then 100% go for it.

Jessica, Law and Legal Services

History, Law and Legal Services, ,

Jessica doing a Law degree was matched with mentor the Director of Legal & Insurance Services at the University of Exeter. A professional with a wide range of experiences, this mentor has previously worked at Bevan Ashford (now Ashfords) as an Associate Solicitor and at the University as as Contracts Manager.

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Jessica achieved many objectives during the six months in which she was mentored. She got help to prepare for her next steps after graduation,  received job hunting resources and help with application forms.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Meeting with my mentor to get to know about her career and the different sections of Law she worked through before getting to her current job.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Showing me how she got to her career has given me inspiration on how to get to this chosen career path myself. My mentor also gave me support and advice during my law internship in Singapore on how to make the most of it.

 

 

Mia, Insurance, Pensions and Actuarial

Insurance Pensions and Actuarial, Mathematics, , ,

During her final year of doing Mathematics, Mia was matched with a mentor who at the time of the partnership was a Senior Pension Consultant and Pension Scheme Actuary at JLT.  This mentor helped Mia who wanted to get into the Insurance, Pension and Actuarial sector by providing career guidance and advice.

Mia told us more about how the Career Mentor Scheme helped her develop her career path:

Apart from achieving all objectives, which were set at the beginning of their partnership, such as increasing Mia’s knowledge of effective application forms in this sector, improving her personal development skills and widening her contacts, other achieved objectives included: “Networking with other actuaries, gaining and insight into the occupation, help with CV and cover letters, understanding what skills and qualities are most important for the job”.

mia

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

I really enjoyed the pre-arranged meeting with the mentor. […] I felt that it really helped me get to know Terry and gain a better relationship with me from our following email conversations.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Being put in contact with an Actuary is probably one of the most useful opportunities I’ve received from the Career Zone. My mentor gave me ample information about the actuarial world, put me in contact with other actuaries (extremely helpful in terms of asking more questions and gaining further insight) and most importantly he gave me confidence that I am capable of succeeding in this career. He gave me reassurance that failing an exam is not uncommon and I should use this only to become more determined and try until I do succeed.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

If you are unsure as to whether your career choice is the right one, get a career mentor. They can give you that insight you need and help you decide whether it’s right for you. Come prepared with questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help – that’s what they’re there for and why they have decided to mentor you!!