Pro Rata Handler Review

I work within the reinsurance department of Willis and my role as a pro rata handler is to process accounts that we receive from clients usually on a quarterly basis. These accounts will include premium that the client has received and claims that they have paid. Part of this includes communicating with clients should there be an issue with their accounts and also sending the relevant documents to our London office so that brokers can get the claim agreed by underwriters located in Lloyds of London.

I have learnt many new skills and developed upon existing skills in my time at Willis towers Watson. Skills ranging from IT skills to communication skills are key in my role so these have been massively developed. For example I use computers and different software, that I had never used before, everyday meaning that I had to quickly adapt to this. I have also developed my communication skills, communication is crucial is my job role as not only to I have to communicate internally with my team but also externally with clients and underwriters.

So far I have enjoyed the programme a lot. This is due to the variety of work that I deal with. For example one day I can be dealing with an Airline policy and then the next day a terrorism policy. I also enjoy the fact that I have been given the opportunity to travel to London and take part in training courses in our London offices. This included learning crucial information about Willis Re and also a tour around Lloyds of London.

I feel that my programme is very well structured. This is because we have lessons set out for all of our different exams and deadlines by when the company want us to have completed these exams by. We also work through the exams in a structured order which allows us to work through them in a logical order and to get help if we need it.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, we are provided with all of the necessary revision material for our exams and they have also given us the support of the Growth Company. The business also supports us should we have to travel to an exam centre that isn't close to home should we want to get our exams done quicker.

Our training provider also gives us a lot of support with our qualifications. They organise lessons for us to attend, these lessons are run by a very experienced tutor who talks us through the different parts of the exam. They also help book any exam re-sits we may have to take and keep a record of where we are at.

My qualification helps me to perform better in my role because it has increased my knowledge of the insurance market and how it all works. For example what happens when I send documents of the Lloyds of London and the different cycles of the market. This then means that I know more and can link it to my everyday job.

The main extra curricular activities are social events and conferences. These allow you to not only develop your knowledge on a particular subject but also develop your contacts. Networking is very important in the insurance industry and can allow you to access better opportunities. These events are usually hosted either by the company itself or by external companies such as the CII.

Yes

Willis Towers Watson is a well established business in the area, and in turn most people know someone that works here. They look after their employees very well and offer great opportunities should you push yourself hard enough to get them. In general it is just a great working environment.

The process does take quite a long time to complete but it is definitely worth it. One piece of advice I would give is to research the company and the area you have applied for before starting the application so that you can apply this additional knowledge in interviews and other assessments.