Trainee Trading Underwriter Review

Trading Underwriter. Managing renewals and new business with constant contact with brokers and the claims team(s). Making mid-term amendments to policies. I have the responsibility of keeping up to date with my renewals, quick and accurate responses to brokers either strengthen the relationship or maintain.

Working towards gaining an underwriting licence internally and to pass my insurance examinations as an external qualification. I have developed very strong people skills with the daily management of the brokers relationship and working within a big team but then smaller focus group.

I enjoy working within my team as we all operate very well together helping one another out and spreading the work load in high pressured periods. Aviva met and exceed my expectations of a large corporation which, although sounds very cliche, is alot more like a big family than I had anticipated - I believe this culture is fed down through company from the top.

I feel that my opinion matters but as is the nature of working within such a big company people get over looked and view are quickly forgotten. On a smaller level within my team I contribute to team meetings and changes, or potential changes, within the team I have some input.

As previously mentioned, within such a large company sometimes the work comes first and my programme is left forgotten but it is always reverted back to sporadically and I have targets which I am expected to meet. There is support but you need to ask for it, nothing is offered to you, you have to fend for yourself and remain focussed - particularlly with the external qualifications. My induction to the team was slow and I gradually began to build my own work load and take on more responsibilities as I was taugh more by my mentor. Meetings with my mentor or manager are maybe not a frequent as they could be but if there is a problem then they are both approachable at any time. Initially the programme was very well structured but because everyone progresses at different rates it began to work at my pace of learning and whenever I was able to be taught new skills by my mentor.

Please see answer 5.

Please see answer 5.

I still live at home as I am unable to afford the costs of moving out yet. My travel allowance does not cover my travel costs so this comes out of my salary. I would like to earn more money and feel that since starting at the company I have developed and become a greater asset so I believe I should be paid more. I would like to more out and live closer to work but with my current costs and salary this is not possible.

There are social events on the calendar and as a large team we are never far from going out for someones birthday. The programme seniors often make contact informing me of external apprenticeship events with other companies which I attend.

Yes

Aviva is a company with fantastic perks benefits and despite being so big it is very friendly and comfortable to work for. Everyone is very supportive and there are constant opportunities if you are willing to persue them.

Thoroughly prepare for phone interviews, assessment centres and face to face interviews. Very demanding process but Aviva has a very friendly nature and will guide you through as long as you just be yourself and are open and honest. Be confident and calm in the assessment day especially, it seems a daunting and an intense process but is more than achieveable with the right skills - make sure you talk to people and show interest.