Marine ITL Claims Handler Review

Marine ITL Cargo Claims Handler - My job role involves working on behalf of our assured (the client), to settle claims by negotiating with insurers, surveyors, loss adjustors, underwriters etc to settle claims promptly and efficiently. We specialise with marine cargo which is insured goods transported in a variety of ways including, sea, road, air freight etc. Many losses arise from scenarios such as contamination, theft, shortage, GA of goods etc. which we (if the claims falls above the policy deductible), we indemnify the client for.

As part of the School Leaver Programme, my main aim is to reach the ACII professional qualification from the CII within the 5 years. I have sat my first exam which was London Market Essentials (LM1) and I am currently studying for my second exam London Market Insurance Principles and practices (LM2). Internally, I have been provided with Eclipse training which is the system which we use to process claims. Also, I have attended training courses for Word, Excel and PowerPoint to help enhance my skills I use on a daily basis.

Since starting the Willis School Leaver Programme in August 2013, I have really enjoyed my allocated job role. I work with a great team of people who mentor me throughout my training to enhance my learning. Personally, I enjoy how the job varies day to day. No two claims are the same and each requires a different approach which keeps it interesting. Working for Willis definitely met my expectations. While finishing my A Levels I knew I wanted to earn and learn which is what made this opportunity brilliant for me.

Since starting at Willis, I have been allocated a variety of projects and tasks by different members of my team. These range from running reports, loading claims onto the internal claims system and dealing with clients etc. This has helped me develop a wider range of knowledge of what responsibilities each person has to undertake in Marine ITL on a daily basis and how our claims department functions. I have meetings with my line manager on how I am progressing by setting objectives for me to achieve which are then monitored.

Our induction took place over 4 days (2 days based in the London office and the other 2 days based in the Ipswich office). We had senior board members and heads of departments give us talks on the Willis Values, the role of a broker, the range of departments etc. This gave us a good overall idea of the company and how our job roles fitted in. As quoted above, we have received many internal training sessions as well as allocated study days for the exams we are currently sitting.

I have been allocated a mentor and a buddy within my team whom I sit next too. Both have provided me with many tasks to get me involved with a range of claims and clients which they have supported me with. This has enhanced my knowledge of the claims process to enable me to become experienced enough to eventually have my own accounts.

I receive the majority of support from my mentor and buddy rather than my manager. We do have meetings regarding my progress however I gain most guidance from others. The HR team email us on behalf of the Willis Academy, letting us know of any training courses we are entitled to attend. Again, I receive most support of the mentor and buddy and if I have any problems, they are my first port of call.

As I live over an hour from the office, a large percentage of my salary goes towards travel costs. However, I still live at home meaning my living costs are minimal allowing me more money for social expenses. Overall though I am very happy with my salary, While complete my A Levels I wanted an opportunity where I could earn money and gain qualifications at the same time and this programme has allowed me to do exactly that.

As school leavers, we are very much involved in raising money for charity. We have a target to reach of £5,600 over the year which requires us to plan and organise events outside of work. There are a few company events outside of work however, they are more common in London rather than in Ipswich.

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If someone is unsure whether they want to go to university but they want to gain further qualifications and earn a salary then the School Leaver Programme is a great opportunity. You can begin your career and work towards professional qualifications simultaneously in a diverse working environment.

Ensure that you have a basic understanding of what Willis offers to it's clients along with the Willis Values. Research the department you are being interviewed for so you have an idea of what the job role will entail and require you to do.