Direct Commercial Underwriting Intern Review

by Hiscox

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.8/5
  • The Role
    4.2
  • The Company
    4.0
  • The Culture
    2.9

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • A really fantastic internship. It was clear that a lot of time (and resources) had been invested in the internship programme. I was given a variety of interesting projects that made a real impact, and was also able to present to the Executive Directors. They understood my strengths and weaknesses and gave me projects which both played to my strengths and helped me to develop my weaker areas or gain greater experience.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Hiscox don't hire interns just for the sake of it - they only hire them if they genuinely need another member of staff. So I was treated like a normal member of the team and the work I did reflected that.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Everyone I approached (including people outside my own department) was very willing to set aside time to help me, including opportunities to shadow colleagues working in completely different areas.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Most of the time I had enough to do without feeling swamped. Working hours were 9.30-5.30 and I rarely stayed later (unlike some companies, if you're seen staying late you get told to leave!)

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • My major project was presented to numerous high up people within the business including a partner, and my recommendations have informed a significant part of the 2014 strategy.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I study French and Italian so it won't really help my degree, but I think this internship will prove to be invaluable in securing a graduate position.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Great fun - serious when necessary but not without a light-hearted side.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • The only issue was that interns started at different times and there were only 7 of us, which created a few logistical difficulties. However, this didn't have a major impact.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Significant investment was made in training courses and development opprtunities.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Hiscox don't offer automatic grad scheme places just because the positions available change every year according to need. That being said, if you impress at the internship, you have a very good change of getting a grad scheme place.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Fantastic. We went for lunch together most days and went out together a lot.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • London prices...

    2/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • The City gets fairly quiet on evenings, but it's London - no shortage of nightlife!

    2/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Regular nights out.

    4/5
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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

London

September 2013

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