Account Handler Review

I work as a account handler within the Financial Institutions team (FI) of FINEX National within Willis. I do daily broking, dealing with both client and insurer contact to finalise insurance contracts for both facility and open market type insurance. The insurances I mainly deal with are Directors' and Officers' Liability and Professional Indemnity, however this can occassionaly stem to Crime and Cyber Insurance. I can occassionally attend client meetings, however this is not yet expected of me, but I very much have meetings with insurers and other teams within my department. I attend a variety of internal training sessions, few being linked to the programme, but many being linked to specialist training for my department.

I am currently obtaining the Chartered Institute of Insurance qualification, of which I will soon be London Market Insurance qualified. The expectations of the programme are to completed the Advanced Diploma of this qualification within five years. Along with these studies, within my job role I have learnt how to clearly communicate with clients and insurers and how to use my communication skills to negotiate price and terms to ensure that my broking is successful. I have learnt in depth detail of the types of insurances that I deal with and the facility market contracts such as FundProtect that I set up on a daily basis.

My job role is extremely enjoyable, and I have built very strong working relationships with my team. This is mainly a result of the department that I was placed in to as opposed to the programme itself. I feel that my day to day work is reasonably independant from the School Leaver Programme itself, however I am enjoying my daily work and feel that it meets my expectations.

I feel extremely valued by the company as a whole and feel that I have been given a vast number of opportunities within a small amount of time. It is clear that my boss has provided me with great responsibility and I have been praised for the work that I have done so far. As part of the School Leaver Programme, I have also been given fundraising responsibility for local charities, and feel that my organisational skills have been recognised whilst doing this.

I believe that the induction into the company was extremely detailed and well organised, however from this point onwards, the programme has not shown great organisation. I feel as if the graduate programmes are much more organised. I feel as if I have approched Willis as a normal new employee as opposed to someone as part of a programme. I don't have much contact with the programme provider and feel that there are some opportunities that the Graduates receive that the School Leavers do not.

As previously mentioned, I do not have much contact with the training provider, and the majority of my training is organised through my business unit as opposed to the leader of the School Leaver Programme.

My employer is extremely supportive, being Willis as a whole. The person in who I report to is also very supportive, and is always there if I have a problem or need a little extra assixtance.

As an apprentice, I believe that the salary is extremely generous, and being young and living at home still, I have no money problems with my current salary. However, as part of the programme, all members receive the same salary, although some members have a more responsible role in the companies than others, and I believe salary should be given in respect of the work that you do as opposed to just being on a programme.

There are always opportunities outside of my job role, especially as being a member of the CII. Annual balls and dinners, and chances of networking are always available. Also, Willis has many connections with the local community, therefore there are always events that associates are invited to.

Yes

As a career, Willis provides a strong foundation, and with the current economy, apprenticeships should be promoted much more.

Confidence is key. Willis is a demanding company therefore everything should be done with confidence, and you should be passionate about what you do. Do not panic about the interviews as they are very relaxed, but always do research of the company and possible job role before hand!