Rating

8.4/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My job title is Underwriting Assistant/Technical operator, meaning I'm a member of the Operations Team. I support the Aerospace & Speciality division. My regular tasks involve profiling documents to our systems, raising queries with our out-source company Capita, data amending tasks, allocating queries amongst the specialty ops team and a range of ad hoc tasks/projects. This involves frequent contact with other Ops team members, Underwriters and brokers. A recent project I was involved in was testing new software that is currently being developed by the LMA - which involved checking the data it produced by electronically scanning MRC's (insurance documents). I also have attended a focus group for the LMG who have developed social media profiles with the aim of encouraging young people to join the London Insurance Market.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • From my daily work routine I have learnt many new skills particularly in regards to computing and the many programmes Hiscox use for operational tasks. My character has developed to adapt to my professional environment, improving my professional communication via email, telephone and general convocation. I have attended debate training hosted by external trainers which I found extremely beneficial at building my confidence and communication skills - particularly on how to challenge someone respectively. I also have another training session booked which will focus on building my professional image with an external trainer. Both my manager and HR are active in looking for training that will benefit my development. I have passed my LM1 exam and I'm working towards LM2 which has given me a great foundation of knowledge of the Insurance sector.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • My tasks aren't always exciting, like any role, but whenever I complete any task it is rewarding. I couldn't be happier with who I work with and the division I support. I believe I have built great working relations with the majority of my division/floor. Due to how broad my role is I'm exposed to many different people, who I have all enjoyed working with. My expectations have been exceeded as I assumed as a trainee I would not have been given the responsibility I have already and the support everyone is willing to give to help build my understanding of Insurance.

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Hiscox?
  • Any task I do has always concluded with great thanks and feedback from everyone I have assisted at Hiscox. My Personal Development Plan includes feedback from my immediate Ops team members where my manager has listed figures on how much workload I have taken on - I feel extremely valued.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • At first the structure of my programme was rather unclear but after Hiscox/my training provider changed our assessor I now understand what is required of me to achieve my goal of distinction.

    8/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Joanna always gives great feedback and sets me clear guidelines on what I need to do to show evidence for each principal I need to cover within the programme. Joanna always analyses my work and indicates what else I need to include in order to achieve a distinction grade.

    8/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Hiscox support me as an apprentice greatly, allowing me to allocate time for my apprentice work and support both myself and my assessor. I have been allocated a mentor who I feel I can approach with anything - which has helped my development greatly.

    8/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I appreciate my salary and recognise the benefits of being trained as a post-school leaver at such a prestigious insurer when recruitment is often aimed at graduates. My salary meets my travel/living costs just about but I wouldn't suggest there is an issue with my salary but probably with social spending...

    7/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • I have had many chances to take part in events outside work such as gardening at a local children's hospice, many seminars and a broker event.

    9/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Hiscox to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I thoroughly enjoy working at Hiscox. I felt part of the business extremely quickly. To come into full time work for the first time and to start working for such a huge name can be quite daunting but once you've started the support you receive is amazing. I feel like I can approach my team/managers/mentor/hr and each understand the balance I need in terms of training, working and achieving my qualification as an apprentice.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Hiscox?
  • Definitely look for work experience within the London Insurance Market/Company Market. Try to get an understanding of Hiscox; it's structure and history. Be confident during the interview process, be you at your best. If successful it's normal to feel nervous about the role and it takes a while to adapt and feel comfortable once your working - but this will all come in time as you develop both your understanding of tasks and the Insurance market itself.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Business Operations

Central London & City

January 2017


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