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Insurance

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Industry Summary

The insurance industry in recent years has been suffering with a skills shortage and employers are making their opportunities much more attractive as a result – this is why this is a truly exciting industry to join at the moment. You may have an image of the insurance industry as being stuffy and politically driven. However, in reality it’s a highly dynamic and constantly innovating sector where creativity is appreciated.

Insurance employers offer various benefits to their employees to encourage you to be on top of your game in this highly competitive industry. As a constantly evolving sector, it is important to anticipate changes in society, and so having an analytical mind and a keen interest in current events will be crucial to your success within the world of insurance. You’ll be assessing the risk of insuring a person or company according to the likelihood of a claim being made – this could range from small offices, vehicles of all kinds to a rock guitarist’s hands.

Insurance has a truly global reach, underpinning both individual security and enabling huge corporations to operate more freely. If you join this industry, you’ll be joining over 400,000 other people at the heart of an international sector and one of the most important parts of the UK economy. If you want to be involved in the key issues of today’s world, from climate change, political crisis, driverless cars to cyber-crime, the insurance industry could be the perfect career path for you.

 

What options can I take for a career in insurance?

 

Work Experience

Typically, work experience in the insurance industry comes from businesses organising internships or placement for short periods of around eight weeks in the summer breaks of school, college or university. When it comes to securing your first role in the insurance industry, having experience makes you more employable. It’s evidence that you are motivated and committed to a career in the profession and give you the opportunity to check out if you actually enjoy the industry.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

An insurance apprenticeship will cover all the skill sectors that are necessary for a role in this industry, such as commercial underwriting, claims and broking. You’ll be studying towards your qualification, whilst working for an employer. Not only will you work alongside talented and experienced colleagues, but you’ll also be paid a salary for all your hard work. An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn the theoretical knowledge behind the insurance industry, and then put this into practice at work, refining and enhancing your skills all the time. Here are some apprenticeships that are available to you:

  • Level 3 – Advanced credit controller/debt collection specialist
  • Level 3 – Compliance/Risk Officer
  • Level 3 – Insurance Practitioner
  • Level 4 – Insurance Professional
  • Level 4 – Internal Audit Practitioner

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

University

Studying insurance at university will open a wealth of options to you if this is how you choose to start your career. University will be an opportunity to learn the theoretical information behind the wider sector, which you will then be able to apply into your work once you graduate. You’ll also be able to tailor your degree material to specialise in areas that spark your interest, this means that you may be more attractive to employers who look for candidates with particular skill sets. Here are a few degree opportunities in insurance that may be perfect for you:

  • Insurance BA (Hons)
  • Industrial Economics with Insurance BSc (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

The Insurance industry offers opportunities to university leavers from all degree backgrounds through various graduate roles, schemes and programmes after graduation. Entry into these schemes may be competitive, with employers expecting upwards of 2:1 or above to enter into these programmes. Although an employer will usually provide training in insurance-related issues, you’ll need a good understanding of the insurance industry due to the complex nature of the sector.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

There are other routes to enter the insurance industry, however, it’s likely that you’ll need a specific qualification to gain entry into most roles. If you do not have one of these, it may be possible to contact an employer to see what qualifications they accept. It is possible to enter at a trainee level, before working your way up and gaining professional accreditation as you do so. Call centres that deal with insurance matters are one way you could enter the industry with few qualifications, as they are frequently open to training those fresh out of school or who fancy a career change.

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Insurance underwriters identify and measure the risks associated with an activity, determine whether this risk is insurable and issue insurance polices which provide financial compensation in the event of loss.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements, although many employers expect entrants to study for and attain the associateship examinations of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Entrants to professional examinations usually require GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, or a BTEC/SQA award.

Job Tasks

receives and assesses proposals and propositions for insurance from brokers and clients; identifies and evaluates the risks associated with a proposal; liaises with insurance surveyors, actuaries and risk managers where the risks associated with a proposal are not clear; calculates premiums, provides quotations and, if acceptable to the client, issues policies; ensures that the insurance policy clearly defines the liabilities accepted and any exceptions or exclusions; negotiates terms of reinsurance contracts.

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Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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