Commercial Insurance Graduate Review

Was a very enjoyable experience. My training plan was set out before I arrived and I was given an opportunity to experience a wide variety of different business areas.

I spent at least 3 days in each team that I sat in, so was given ample time to get to know all the team members. I did spend a bit more time in some teams than others and there was certainly a strong team atmosphere.

I was given a buddy, which was great, as I could ask him any questions that you wouldn't want to ask your line manager. My line manager was also very supportive and booked in weekly 1-2-1 meetings to see how I was getting on.

The teams I worked in were mainly broker facing teams, therefore they were quite busy. The general set up was a member of staff would sit and train me for an morning, then I would continue doing a similar task in the afternoon which would then be audited and feedback given. It was busy but never overwhelming.

I was given responsibility but as you need an authority licence to put cases on, I was given the chance to underwrite cases which would then be audited before being actioned.

Since completing the internship, I have been offered a place on the Graduate Scheme, so very useful!

Very collaborative. There are a number of different teams,(and departments) on the same floor, however, they do all interact with each other as a lot of cases overlap and different people need to be involved at different stages. This meant that you quickly got to know everybody. It's also pretty social outside of work, as the office is based in the city centre, so there are plenty of opportunities to socialise.

All my access to the various systems were set up prior to my arrival, everyone had been told that there was a Summer intern coming, so people made an extra effort to be friendly and offer help/advice and the 9 weeks were well planned out in advance.

I was trained well, given the opportunity to attend CII conferences (paid for by the company), given the opportunity to spend time in head office, as well as being invited to the training facility in Horsley for an event. Nothing was held back and I was treated and trained in the same was as a permanent member of staff.

Very, as I have accepted a place on the Graduate scheme.

Yes, I was the only Intern in my office. However, there are a number of interns at offices across the country (some have more than 1). You all do the induction day together and you will have already met some at the assessment centre. You all meet up at the conference centre halfway through the placement and at the end of the internship, so you get an opportunity to get to know them.

The cost of living is what you would expect for a major city. I lived just outside of the city and caught the tram in. Socialising is as expensive or cheap as you make it, there's a wide range range of bars from Spoons to high end cocktail bars close to the office. The average pint is around £4.50. The tram's in Manchester finish at 12ish, so add a taxi fare onto the night out if you're out later than that!

Excellent, lots of places to go, as you would expect from a major city.

Yes, there are opportunities to get involved in all sorts. Whilst I was on placement, I played in the CII softball tournament, attended the Summer party, there are office football leagues, lunchtime gym sessions to name a few.