Broker Support Review

I have a broker support role which consists of contacting clients and preparing client presentations. I also assist senior brokers with data based tasks on Excel such as peer comparisons, pricing tools and many more, and creating graphs from the data used. I also assist with projects such as RFPs.

I have learned many new Excel based skills as my role relies heavily around data processing and using complex Excel formulas. I have also learned key presentation skills and how to communicate to clients and colleagues on all levels.

Overall I am enjoying the programme as I am learning a lot and am contributing to the team. It is however difficult to balance the heavy workload with apprentice tasks such as exams. This was not as expected, as other programmes have one study day a week for apprentices to focus on exams and coursework. The company culture is great, and the team is hardworking and accommodating which has been helpful.

There have been a lot of training opportunities which are great and very useful. The buddy system is also beneficial especially when starting out as it helps you to get to know team members better. The structuring around the 20% off the job time could have been organised better as this was time we had to find around our normal work which was difficult. This meant that exams and coursework were often pushed aside, or time had to be found elsewhere to account for this. Hence, it has been a challenge to get a work/life balance. Other programmes offer apprentices one study day a week to revise and complete coursework which would have been really helpful.

The support channels within the team are great. My manager is approachable and always willing to help, as are other brokers within the team. I haven't reached out to the HR team for support but from a few emails I have seen, the general messaging about support is positive - that you just need to reach out and someone will be of assistance.

My training provider always makes it known that he is available to help. He has also been very understanding when it comes to the heavy workload taking over during busy seasons and exams or coursework falling behind. When working towards qualifications, extra exam material and advice is always provided and offered.

The qualification has been helpful in understanding the market as a whole and how underwriting and the insurance world works. As the qualification is tailored more towards the insurance side I haven't been able to put much of the theory into practice in my day to day role as I work in the Retrocession team. That being said, I definitely have a greater understanding of the wider industry which has been useful.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in, such as the Next Gen social events, company wide initiatives such as the increasing your step count challenge and the cycle event. Before I joined, I learned the team had just completed a Tough Mudder run which was planned to take place again a year later, however due to the pandemic this was cancelled. Personally, I have only been to Next Gen social events which are good ways to network.

Yes

Because the company is doing a great job at trying to be diverse and inclusive and there are a lot of opportunities to learn on offer. Team members mean well and are available to help, and there are so many ways to connect and meet new people.

To be yourself and speak up when you don't know something - everyone is busy but they want to help. Don't be shy during the interviews or assessment days, use the opportunities given to stand out while being yourself. Have a good work ethic and contribute where you can.