Graduate Advice - Are You Sure?

As of 2009 there were over 300,000 people employed in the Insurance sector in the UK according to the Association of British Insurers. But what's interesting is that most of them don't spend their days number crunching behind a desk. So what do they do?

Well for a start, they're not always to be found in the capital. London is still considered the focal point of all finance-related jobs, but two thirds of jobs in the finance sector are actually elsewhere. And since most large insurance companies have offices across the world, there are opportunities to work abroad too.
Secondly, there are lots of different positions available in this field. Some companies such as Zurich and Allianz offer graduate entry programmes to help you choose which is for you, but if you don't have a grad scheme to act as a guiding hand, how do you decide which area to go into?
Here are a few job profiles to debunk some myths and open some doors.

Actuary

What's involved?

Actuaries value things such as places and people, analyzing data to predict and monitor the risks around them. They then work out what insurance might be needed, how much to charge for it and whether the company could afford any claims that might be made.

How do I get the job?

An A Level or Higher in Maths is essential but when it comes to degrees, any subject at 2:1 or above will be considered. A related subject such as Actuarial Science, Maths, Chemistry, Statistics or Economics could stand you in better stead, however, and mean you might be exempt from future actuarial exams.
The natural next step after graduating would be to find a trainee position or other entry programme. But if you want to go the whole hog and become an Associate or Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, there are also a hefty pile of exams to be passed too. It can take between three and six years to qualify.

How much could I earn?

As a graduate the average salary is around £31,000 but Senior Actuaries can earn up to £55,000 with a Chief Actuary's salary reaching in excess of £180,000.

Insurance Claims Inspector

What's involved?

Inspectors investigate claims made by policy holders and help reach a settlement. They visit the place where an incident happened, check details with witnesses, contact trades people to make any repairs needed, liaise with everyone involved to decide on liability and then fill out the necessary paperwork.

How do I get the job?

A degree is the usual starting point, although Business, Law or Maths based subjects could be an advantage. Diplomas in similar subjects may also be accepted. Graduate management training schemes and claims work are ways to get into the profession. If you don't have a degree it's still possible to move up through a company, having started in a junior clerical role.

How much could I earn?

You would start at about £13,000 but as you gain experience this can rise to anything from £18,000 to £75,000 for those who gain further qualifications from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Insurance Broker

What's involved?

An Insurance Broker acts as a go-between for clients and the insurance companies, aiming to offer the best insurance policies for everyone's pockets. They get information from clients, research suitable policies and advise them on when and how to make claims. They have to develop good working relationships with everyone involved as well as marketing themselves in order to gain new clients. Paper work is naturally part of the job and travelling during the working day is common.

How do I get the job?

A degree in any subject will be considered but subjects such as Accounting, Finance, Business, Mathematics or Modern Languages will be preferred. If you're considering postgraduate study, risk management or a finance-based subject could give you an advantage. The best place to find training schemes is with national brokers.

How much could I earn?

To begin with expect to be earning between £15,000 and £22,000, but once you've reached senior level it's possible to earn up to £70,000, with most senior salaries being around the £40,000 mark.

What those involved say

Graeme Trudgill, Head of Corporate Affairs at BIBA recommends the Chartered Insurers Institute (CII) as a good place to train - "The CII offers formal qualifications and some employers will even fund your studies."
He believes insurance is a people-friendly industry. "It's a very social job with good remuneration - depending how much you apply yourself. People skills are essential as you will have to deal with people every day, sometimes after terrible situations - but as a broker you can make a big difference to someone's life. It's an important career as everyone needs insurance."

Insurance Account Manager

What's involved?

Insurance Account Managers are employed by insurance companies to promote their products. They identify gaps in the market and introduce new products. They'll be in charge of producing website content to help advertise the products and generally chat with clients. Travelling during the work day is also pretty normal.

How do I get the job?

A degree of 2:1 or above is generally needed to get into graduate training schemes but it is rare for anyone to go straight into the role. Most people, including those without degrees, can work their way to the role from sales or brokering roles. Alternatively, starting off as an insurance technician, junior account handler or underwriter could be a way in.

How much could I earn?

Somewhere between £18,000 and £26,000 is the normal starting salary but with progression, salaries can range from £40,000 to more than £100,000. The big bucks often involve moving into senior management positions and doing less of the actual insuring.

Most jobs in insurance have a few things in common. Frequent travel, working in a team and dealing with clients are all to be expected, but so are pretty big rewards and high salaries if you're good at it.

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